Former Olive Grove Charter School (OGCS) teacher Nancy Watson filed a lawsuit on May 18 against the school, claiming she was wrongfully terminated for pointing out the school’s failure to comply with Common Core state standards for kindergarten through eighth grade math classes.
Watson’s complaint states that she presented a letter to the Olive Grove school board on May 19, 2016, expressing “grave concerns” about the school’s math curriculum, “to the significant detriment of the school’s students in those grades.” She had previously made repeated requests to OGCS Executive Director Laura Mudge for Common Core compliant math curriculum, each of which were denied.
OGCS has established learning centers located in New Cuyama, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Buellton, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. The program has been authorized by the California State Board of Education since July 2015, and provides resources for independent study for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Mudge heard Watson read the letter out loud at the May 19, 2016, board meeting, according to the complaint. Four days later, Mudge issued Watson an unsatisfactory performance review, stating in the review that Watson “has used multiple platforms to speak of her discontent with the OGCS program.” One month later, Mudge fired Watson.
“Despite [Watson] being notified by Mudge that her employment was effective June 23, 2016, it was not until June 28, 2016, that [the school board] actually voted to terminate her employment, in violation of the Brown Act,” the complaint states. “[Watson] was given no opportunity to appear before the board at any time regarding her termination.”
The complaint further alleges that Watson was terminated in retaliation for criticizing the math curriculum, which was her legally protected right. Watson also claims to have suffered losses in earnings and job benefits as well as physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Mudge declined to comment for this story, citing personnel matters and pending litigation.
Watson is suing for compensation for her “pain and suffering, lost wages, and benefits,” as well as a $10,000 civil penalty. She is demanding a total amount exceeding $25,000, according to court documents.
This article appears in May 25 – Jun 1, 2017.