Teacher files second lawsuit after judge tosses out first one
By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com

A former school teacher has filed a new lawsuit against the Cherokee County School District just three days after her first lawsuit against the district's superintendent was dismissed by a judge.

Sharon Brown had sued Superintendent Dr. Bill James last year alleging her rights were violated in several ways when her contract was not renewed for the 2007-2008 school year. In an April 28 decision that was filed May 5, Circuit Judge J. Derham Cole agreed with the district's attorney that Brown's lawsuit should be tossed before jury trial.

Brown, who is representing herself, filed a new lawsuit on Thursday, this time naming Cherokee County School District One as the defendant, claiming it is responsible for what she alleges is improper conduct of the superintendent and board of trustees.

Brown contends she never was told specifically why her contract wouldn't be renewed and that she simply was informed in a one-sentence letter from Dr. James on April 12, 2007, that the decision was based on the recommendation of her principal.

At the time of the letter, Brown alleges she had an existing complaint against her principal before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The Board of Trustees voted not to renew Brown's contract during an executive session April 24, 2007, that Brown claims she knew nothing about. Brown alleges state law mandates teachers be afforded an opportunity for a hearing before such actions are taken.

While arguing that Brown's first lawsuit should be dismissed, the district's lawyer maintained the board's April 2007 vote still afforded Brown the right to a full hearing. The district argued Brown, who at the time was represented by an attorney, never followed through with an initial request for a hearing.