By Adam Pagnucco.
I have previously reported on the sexual discrimination lawsuit by Jane Doe, an MCPS teacher, against former Principal Joel Beidleman and the school system as well as on Beidleman’s attempt to unmask her. Now it appears that the case is headed to settlement. How much will this cost taxpayers?
The latest development in the case is an order by Administrative Judge James A. Bonifant staying the case for 30 days. In the order, issued on May 21, Bonifant notes that “the parties have agreed to a settlement of this case but cannot at this time formally conclude the proceedings…”, thereby necessitating a stay. The order is shown below.
MCPS has a mixed record of releasing documents relevant to this matter. The school system released its separation agreement with former Superintendent Monifa McKnight, released a partially redacted version of the Jackson Lewis report laying out MCPS’s response to Beidleman’s conduct and declined to release any records of a payout to Beidleman. That last part is deplorable; MCPS should not be paying any money to Beidleman, and if it did, taxpayers have a right to know about it.
Doe could be getting a considerable amount of money. Her allegations are horrific and MCPS faced the prospect of much of its leadership getting put under oath. There may be aspects of any settlement that should be kept confidential, such as Doe’s identity. But MCPS must disclose any costs of public money. Failure to do so is absolutely unacceptable.