Fired CPS teacher wins $225K judgment for termination
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CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
A former Chicago Public Schools teacher was awarded $225,000 Monday for being wrongfully fired from a Southeast Side high school by a principal accused in other lawsuits of terminating black employees.
Sara Meegan sued the Chicago Board of Education and former George Washington High School principal Florence Gonzalez for defamation and violation of the Illinois Whistleblower Act.
On Monday, a jury ruled in her favor and Meegan was awarded $225,000, according to court records. She first filed the suit in August 2009 in Cook County Circuit Court.
Other teachers have filed federal civil rights violation suits against Gonzalez. Those teachers claimed they were forced out after Gonzales took over the high school in the 2007-08 school year. Gonzales retired from CPS in June 2012, a CPS spokeswoman said.
Gonzales was accused of using the N-word to describe black teachers, and allegedly told a teacher she got rid of a special "Options for Knowledge" program so black students who rode buses to participate would stop coming, according to the suit.
A CPS spokeswoman said Wednesday night they are reviewing Monday's verdict and assessing their options.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:57 GMT
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:16 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:16:28 GMT
A Lake County jury has convicted James Ealy of strangling his former boss during a 2006 robbery at the north suburban Burger King restaurant where he once worked.
A Lake County jury has convicted James Ealy of strangling his former boss during a 2006 robbery at the north suburban Burger King restaurant where he once worked.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:40:48 GMT
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Several military families were honored in Orland Park on Friday, and got to meet country music superstar Tim McGraw. Five of those families are from the Chicago area, and they were excited to meet him.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:57 GMT
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:51 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:51:23 GMT
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Principal Nate Petrini spent the night on the roof of his school after losing a bet with his students. He challenged his students to a read-a-thon, and they answered the call.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:35:46 GMT
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
Even though the Chicago Board of Education approved the largest public school closure in American history this week, the fight is not over. Opponents will get their day in court.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:00 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:00:59 GMT
Mayor Emanuel spoke out for the first time since Chicago's historic school vote on Thursday, in a one-on-one interview with FOX 32 Political Editor Mike Flannery. The district voted to close 50 schools.
Mayor Emanuel spoke out for the first time since Chicago's historic school vote on Thursday, in a one-on-one interview with FOX 32 Political Editor Mike Flannery. The district voted to close 50 schools.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:03:10 GMT
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:03:42 GMT
Protesters of Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's plan to close dozens of city schools have been removed from a school board meeting in Chicago and from the State Capitol in Springfield.
Protesters of Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's plan to close dozens of city schools have been removed from a school board meeting in Chicago and from the State Capitol in Springfield.
