The Cherokee County School District released details Monday about a $100,000 settlement it reached with former maintenance worker Fred Knowles.

Knowles filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the district, claiming he was fired for political reasons in October 2006. His wife is school board member Amanda Knowles.

Knowles agreed to settle his lawsuit on June 9 shortly before a jury trial was scheduled to start. The school district released the settlement agreement in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by The Gaffney Ledger. The district did not admit any wrongdoing regarding Knowles' claims.

Under the agreement, the district will have Montgomery Insurance issue a check to Knowles and his attorney Andrew Arnold. The settlement will be distributed as follows: lawsuit costs $12,950, attorney fees $33,330, compensatory damages $23,750 and back wages in the amount of $30,000.

Knowles is liable for taxes on his portion of the settlement.

Under the agreement, Knowles agreed to dismiss the lawsuit and not pursue additional legal action against the district and school board.

"The parties recognize and agree that this Agreement is not an admission of liability..." according to the settlement document. "The sole purpose of this agreement is to avoid the cost of further litigation."

The lawsuit settlement contains no provision for Knowles to get his job back. It also does not prevent him from seeking a future job or being re-hired for another position with the school district.

Fred Knowles signed the settlement June 30. Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Bill James signed the agreement July 9 on behalf of the district.

NED & OPERATED