Attorney speaks out on Dublin teacher lawsuit

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators says Dublin City Schools wrongfully terminated a teacher amid district budget cuts.

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Dublin City Schools is facing a lawsuit after the state’s largest teachers’ group says the district illegally fired one of its educators, and more job cuts could be on the way.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators, known as PAGE, filed a lawsuit against Dublin City Schools and its Board of Education. The group claims teacher Ashley White was wrongfully terminated as part of the district’s budget cuts.

Attorney Ellen Schoolar, who represents PAGE, says the board does not have the authority under Georgia law to impose a reduction in force and terminate teacher contracts.

“We contend that the board does not have the authority under Georgia law to enact a reduction in force and terminate these contracts,” Schoolar said.

According to Schoolar, the district’s financial issues have led to multiple rounds of layoffs. Some educators have already resigned instead of going through a termination hearing, while others are expected to be terminated in December if they do not resign.

“Some educators have resigned rather than go through a termination hearing, but there are many educators who are slated to be terminated in December if they do not resign,” she said.

The lawsuit asks the court to reinstate White to her teaching position and award damages for breach of contract.

“Ultimately, it will be up to the judge to decide who’s correct on that,” Schoolar said.

The lawsuit includes three counts, asking for reinstatement, payment for damages and a court declaration on whether the board had the authority to terminate these contracts.

The case is now filed in Laurens County Superior Court, where a judge will determine whether Dublin City Schools acted within its legal rights.