A southwest Missouri school district has settled a third lawsuit stemming from allegations involving its longtime former superintendent.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that the Reed Springs district agreed to pay $250,000 as part of an agreement with former counselor Janie Dennison, who alleged she was unfairly targeted by the district after voicing support for a colleague who alleged sexual harassment by the now-retired superintendent Michael Mason.
That colleague successfully sued the district twice, alleging retaliation the second time. The district agreed to pay $500,000 to settle the first case, with the stipulation that she resign, and $187,500 to settle the second.
In total, the district has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $937,500 to settle the three lawsuits.
Mason, who received a contract extension and pay increases in the middle of the suits, retired a year ago. He repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has never been criminally charged.
The new superintendent, Cody Hirschi, recently unveiled a five-year plan for the district and there has been significant turnover on the school board.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Suit Against OpenAI and Microsoft Blames ChatGPT for Murder-Suicide 
Hacking Group ‘ShinyHunters’ Claims Theft of Data From Users of Pornhub 
Insurance Covers Settlement Paid by Stocks Instead of Money: Delaware High Court 
‘Door Knocker’ Roofers Were Everywhere. NC Farm Bureau Saw an Opportunity 
