Inclusion Daily Express -- Former Special Education Director Says She Was Punished For Advising Parents

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Former Special Education Director Says She Was Punished For Advising Parents
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
January 2, 2008

CUMMING, GEORGIA--The former director of special education for the Forsyth County school system has sued her employer, accusing it of retaliating against her for giving advice to parents.

According to the Forsythe County News, Sharon Purdie claims that this past September she was reassigned from director of special education, which meant a post in the superintendent's cabinet, to director of special projects. That position not only had never existed before, but it also had no job description or job duties, she says.

Purdie alleges that the district and then-superintendent Paula Gault decided to punish her for advising local parents of students in the special education program on how to get in touch with the state's Office of Civil Rights.

Two of those parents have sued or filed complaints against the district, claiming that staff abused or neglected their children. One of those cases is still in court. The other was settled for $100,000.

"Gault told Purdie that, because Purdie had informed the parents of these rights, Purdie would not be allowed to continue in her position," the News quoted court documents.

Purdie is seeking financial damages and to get her old job back.

Related:
"School system feud lands in court" (Forsythe County News)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/2008/red/0102d.htm

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