School Board Settles Lawsuit For $197,000

The Groton Board of Education settled the discrimination lawsuit with former administrator Dottie Hoyt for $197,000 on March 8, according to a copy of the settlement agreement.

Hoyt filed , saying Superintendent Paul Kadri had created a hostile work environment and caused her to develop an anxiety disorder, then refused to accommodate her disability.

The pending an investigation of his "interactions with and treatment of district employees," but did not say this was related to the lawsuit. The board has declined to say what prompted its decision.

The lawsuit by Hoyt was withdrawn on April 16, in favor of the  “discussion of the parties on their own,” court records show.

According to the settlement agreement, the school board agreed to pay Hoyt $197,000 minus all legally required deductions, to settle the case. Hoyt’s last day of work would be March 8, after which she would remain on paid administrative leave, the agreement said.

The agreement said the board admits no “liability, wrongdoing or violation of any law, statute, regulation, agreement or policy” and denies this.

Terms of the agreement include:

• $100,000 will be paid jointly to Hoyt and her attorneys within 14 days.

•  A portion of the remaining amount - $40,087.72 - will be paid to Hoyt as a bi-weekly salary while she is on leave.

•  The remaining $56,912.28 will be classified as emotional distress and be paid to Hoyt through her attorney within 14 days.

•  Hoyt will be entitled to a severance payment under collective bargaining of $14,850, and a $1,000 early retirement bonus.

•  Hoyt agrees not to make any statement “that disparages the Board or injures the goodwill, reputation, character or business standing of the board,” or its members, including Kadri. The board and Kadri also agree not to make statements against her.

•  Hoyt agrees not to make any future legal claims.

•  The Board agrees to pay its share of health benefits for Hoyt and her spouse until she turns 65.

•  Hoyt agrees that the board can reject any future application by her for employment.