Dear Safe Schools Coalition members and friends,
Insurance will not cover jury award:$500,000 ruling against [CA] school district revives concerns over balancing budget
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By Jason Bono
Earlier this month, a county Superior Court jury ruled that the school district and Superintendent Tom Himmelberg interfered with Debro's free speech, retaliated against him and broke laws governing school employees' rights. Debro discussed gay issues in the classroom.
Because the jury found proof of malice, insurance will not cover the judgment cost, Cutter said.
Even more money could come out of the district's pockets when the same jury reconvenes later this month to decide whether or not to penalize Superintendent Tom Himmelberg personally.
Before the ruling, the school district had balanced its budget and set aside its state-required reserve of 3 percent, $1,788,323,
for economic uncertainties. It also earmarked some money for new teacher training programs.
Initially, the district planned to scale back spending from last school year by cutting some overtime consulting fees and maintenance equipment purchases.
But officials now say they are back to the drawing board -- or, rather, the chopping block. And they add that they do not know yet where the money will come from.
"It's disappointing that you make plans on how you're going to get ahead, and things come to set you back," said Cutter.
But district officials will have to decide what to cut soon.
Beckham expects that the court award to Debro will affect funding for this fiscal year.
"It certainly will have a serious financial impact on the district," he said.
Money is even tighter for the district since the state budget still has not been passed and threatens further cuts.
Jason Bono covers schools in San Leandro, Castro Valley and San Lorenzo. He can be reached at (510) 293-2479 or at jbono@angnewspapers.com .
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STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated:
Saturday, August 17, 2002 - 9:46:09 AM MST
http://www.dailyreviewonline.com/Stories/0,1413,88%257E10973%257E802623,00.html
SAN LEANDRO -- The San Leandro school district's insurance will not cover the $500,000 it has been ordered by a court to pay English teacher Karl Debro for violating his constitutional rights.
The school district shares insurance coverage with other districts through a joint powers authority and is not covered in certain cases, said Assistant Superintendent for Business Terry Beckham.
Jon Sherr of the San Leandro Teachers' Association said he had not spoken with the district about the unexpected cost and did not want to comment, Friday.
"Now, not only is this going to be a hit but also what comes from the governor's office," said Cutter.
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