Firm Logo
201-231-7847

Retaliation alleged by New Jersey groundskeeper in school suit

March 19, 2014

A New Jersey school board is no stranger to lawsuits. Several cases, including an unresolved wrongful dismissal lawsuit, were filed against the board or board members recently. The latest case contends a school grounds manager was let go by the Deptford Township school officials because of the employee’s political leanings.

The man also alleged the board retaliated against him for suspending an employee engaged to the school board president’s sister. A board motion to dismiss the manager coincided with the day the employee was suspended. The plaintiff said the board president should not have taken part in the termination decision due to the personal conflict.

The employment lawsuit claims the grounds manager’s work troubles began last year when three board members questioned the man’s credentials. At issue was the need for an Educational Facilities Management certificate. When the board recently decided to find a new grounds manager, it listed the certificate as an employment requirement.

The plaintiff said the board decided to find a new manager during a meeting, without providing the groundskeeper with a “Rice notice.” Under New Jersey statute 10:4-12, a public body is expected to deliver a Rice notification to workers or prospective employees who are subjects of closed discussions. The rule falls under exceptions to the Open Public Meeting Act.

The former groundskeeper also claimed he was denied a customary stipend for covering his assistant manager’s job for several months. Despite the legal complaints and a request for compensatory and additional punitive damages, the plaintiff’s goal is to be rehired. A reinstatement request is not unusual, although the motive is often to secure lost wages rather than to return to work for an unfriendly employer.

Employment laws are affected by state and federal government laws prohibiting discrimination and other illegal employer behaviors, with a myriad of exceptions. The best way to learn whether your legal claim is solid is to contact an attorney.

Source: South Jersey Times, “Deptford schools employee sues district over job posting” Andy Polhamus, Mar. 15, 2014

“Smart, creative and

aggressive lawyers who put

their client’s interests first" —

"The Epstein Law Firm recently obtained a multi-million dollar settlement in an extremely complex and difficult financial services case. He and his team not only mastered the complex issues in the case, but also expertly handled all aspects of the negotiations. I cannot thank Michael enough for his dedication and hard work, and I highly recommend him and The Epstein Law Firm for those who need smart, creative, and aggressive lawyers who put their clients’ interests first.”

"The Epstein Law Firm recently obtained a multi-million dollar settlement in an extremely complex and difficult financial services case. He and his team not only mastered the complex issues in the case, but also expertly handled all aspects of the negotiations. I cannot thank Michael enough for his dedication and hard work, and I highly recommend him and The Epstein Law Firm for those who need smart, creative, and aggressive lawyers who put their clients’ interests first.”

More Five Star Reviews
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
TNTL Top 100
Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Super Lawyers
Ten Leaders
NJ Supreme Court Certified Attorney
ABOTA
© 2023 The Epstein Law Firm. All Rights Reserved.Disclaimer.Site Map.