Kansas Teacher Sues For Due Process

A southern Kansas teacher is suing after she was terminated without due process.

Janet Decker alleges breach of contract in a lawsuit filed last week in Sedgwick County. The suit says she was issued a notice in April that her contract with the Valley Center district wouldn’t be renewed. The Valley Center school board later voted to end Decker’s employment after an executive-session meeting with the teacher but without a due process hearing.

Decker argues that although Kansas lawmakers eliminated due process for educators in 2014, teachers who earned the right before that change are still entitled to the protection.

Superintendent Cory Gibson says district officials haven’t had a chance to review the lawsuit. It seeks reinstatement of Decker’s teaching position and back pay.


Associated Press information from: The Wichita Eagle