Former Superintendent Paul Kadri Could Still Sue

Although the arbitrator’s decision Tuesday to fire Former Superintendent Paul Kadri is binding on both parties, Kadri could still sue, said Floyd Dugas, lawyer for the Groton Board of Education.

Dugas said anyone can sue for anything, but added, “It’s hard to see that he’d have a viable case at this point.”

Arbitrator Timothy Bornstein issued a finding Tuesday that Kadri “engaged in conduct warranting termination of his employment," and the school board ended his employment immediately afterward, according to a press release by the school district.

Kadri said he was shocked by the decision, that he didn’t do anything, and he’d have more to say today after reviewing the decision.

Board members said they were relieved by the finding.

“I’m glad it’s over, at least this part of it,” Board Member Rita Volkmann said. “I’m relieved, especially for the people who testified.” She said the board could meet as early as Monday to discuss next steps.

Interim Superintendent John Ramos' contract ends June 30, so the board would have to either find a permanent replacement before then or extend the contract.

The Groton Board of Education placed Kadri on paid administrative leave in May, pending an investigation into his treatment of employees.  He was investigated after his former executive assistant, Alisha Stripling, complained that he abused and threatened her, and made inappropriate comments about her to the point that she became ill and could no longer work, according to a 43-page investigative report released in August.

The termination hearings were conducted by Borstein based on an agreement between Kadri and the Groton Board of Education. Hearings began in November and ended in January. They were closed to the public.