Former Spencer principal awarded almost $400K in wrongful termination case

WORCESTER – A Superior Court judge recently awarded a former Spencer principal close to $400,000 after the court determined the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District wrongfully terminated her in 2014.

The principal, Debra Zablocki, served three stints as principal of the former Lake Street School, an elementary school. She had also served as district director of teaching and learning and acting superintendent for a year.

The court determined that Ms. Zablocki effectively worked without a contract during her final year, from July 2013 forward, and she is owed two years’ salary.

Associate Justice Mark A. Hallal ordered the judgment June 25. It includes $142,185 for Ms. Zablocki’s legal expenses.

The court said the district breached the employment agreement by failing to provide Ms. Zablocki 120 days’ notice of nonrenewal, violated state law and breached its contract with Ms. Zablocki by attempting to avoid mandated minimum contract terms of three years.

Read more: http://www.telegram.com/news/20180718/former-spencer-principal-awarded-almost-400k-in-wrongful-termination-case