A settlement has been reached in the lawsuit filed by Andrew Melton vs. Spooner Area School District (SASD) and former SASD Superintendent Michelle Schwab.
In June of 2015, Andrew Melton's term of employment with the SASD officially ended. The former physical education teacher was with SASD for 11 years. Melton was escorted from the Spooner High School on June 1, 2015, after he sent an email to the entire district criticizing the school administration at that time. Melton requested to stay on with the SASD as head wrestling coach and then as a volunteer with the High School wrestling team, however, the SASD denied that request.
According to public records obtained and reviewed by DrydenWire.com, a complaint against the Spooner Area School District was filed by Melton on December 1, 2015. In this complaint, Melton filed a claim that the SASD unfairly retaliated against himself and his family. The SASD firmly denied all such claims and maintained that all decisions it made with respect to Melton were lawful and in compliance with policies and procedures.
After depositions of numerous parties, both parties agreed to a settlement agreement with the SASD agreeing to pay Melton a payment of $125,000.00, inclusive of costs and attorney fees. The agreement includes a SASD payment of back wages for $8000.00 and a payment of $63,033.51 by SASD's insurer, the Community Insurance Corporation (CIC).
The remaining balance of $53,966.49 will be paid to Melton's legal representation for attorney's fees and other expenses.
The settlement agreement includes a stipulation that Melton can return as a volunteer with the Spooner High School Wrestling team. Additionally, all parties agreed to no further legal action or admitted wrongdoing.
When reached for comment, the SASD provided the following statement.
Spooner Area School District made the decision to settle its dispute [with] Mr. Melton, without any admission of wrongdoing, in order to allow the District to focus on its core goal of educating our children. The settlement amount was paid in large part by the District’s insurance company. Only $8,000 was paid directly by the School District.
Andrew Melton declined to comment for this story.
Last Update: Jan 12, 2017 6:40 am CST
