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Former teacher sues school superintendent A former Cherokee County School District teacher has filed a lawsuit against school superintendent Dr. Bill James, attempting to get her job back. Sharon Brown claims in a lawsuit her rights were violated when she received notice last April from James that her teacher contract would not be renewed for the coming school year based on the recommendation of school principal Sharon Jefferies. Her suit claims James was aware at the time he sent the termination letter that she had an existing complaint against Jefferies before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Jefferies, who previously served as principal of Limestone-Central Elementary, is currently in her first year as B.D. Lee Elementary principal. An EEOC official in Greenville said she could neither confirm nor deny the existence of any complaints. Among other allegations, Brown claims in her suit that state law required written notice of dismissal first be given to the District Board of Trustees, with an opportunity for a hearing. Brown was teaching at Limestone-Central Elementary School at the time of her dismissal. A teacher for eight years, Brown is representing herself in the lawsuit. She claims in the suit the questionable circumstances of her dismissal are making it difficult and burdensome to obtain employment elsewhere. She seeks reinstatement to her job plus back pay, or all lost income from her job if reinstatement is not feasible. Brown said Monday she had positive performance reviews from two prior principals and believed she had a good work history in the district. School districts are required by law to issue teacher contracts by April 15 each year. School principals make the recommendation on whether contracts are issued for teachers to return to their current positions. The school board approves all personnel recommendations from the district administration involving the hiring, firing or resignation of school district employees. James said at Monday's school board meeting he would have no comment on Brown's lawsuit. (Ledger Staff Writer Scott Powell contributed.) |
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