R-80 paid former principal $20,000 settlement

In the document, both sides agree that it is a compromise between both parties and cannot be construed as an admission of any liability or wrongdoing by either party. Crocker also waived her right to a hearing before the board and any subsequent right to address the board regarding the non-renewal of her contract.

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She will receive her salary for the 2019-20 school year as set forth in her contract, with June 8 her last day of employment, working remotely unless requested to report to the central office by the superintendent.

Crocker and board members also agreed not to disparage each other. All parties agreed there would be “no publication or social/news media” regarding the agreement by Crocker or board members. They also agreed to respond to questions by saying all issues have been resolved.

In exchange for the promises made in the agreement, Crocker agreed to waive any claims against the district, including school board members, and its employees. She also agreed not to sue.

Crocker’s contract was ended by a 5-2 vote in February at the second of two closed sessions held on consecutive nights. The first involved only board members and seven staff members. The second involved board members, administrators, four staff members and one parent. At that meeting, superintendent John McColloch recommended she be rehired.

Crocker served as principal at the K-2 school for 13 years. A new principal, Dr. Herman Blau, was hired in March.

Salem R-80 did not release the settlement agreement to the media. The Salem News made its Sunshine Law request for a copy of the settlement agreement citing state statute 610-021, requiring “any minutes, vote or settlement agreement relating to legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body or any agent or entity representing its interests or acting on its behalf or with its authority, including any insurance company acting on behalf of a public government body as its insured, shall be made public upon final disposition of the matter voted upon or upon the signing by the parties of the settlement agreement” unless ordered closed by a court.