Jury Award Against Mississippi School District Results in Higher Insurance Rates

Article

After a $660,000 lawsuit, the Natchez-Adams School District will pay more for liability insurance in the coming school year.

The Natchez Democrat reports the district will spend nearly $306,000 on insurance compared to $258,000 in 2015-16.

A federal jury ruled the district culpable for creating a hostile work environment, including racial discrimination against the white plaintiff, in forcing former Susie B. West Elementary School principal Cindy Idom to retire during former superintendent Fredrick Hill’s tenure.

The final judgment was issued in January, awarding Idom about $668,000 in back pay, damages and legal fees.

A compromise settlement of $625,000 was reached in April. The district had to pay $125,000 because a settlement was offered before the final judgment was rendered, and the district chose not to accept the initial offer.