CHICAGO — A Matteson teacher is suing the Rich Township Board of Education, citing alleged retaliation and wrongful termination.
Adrienne Lacour filed a complaint on Feb. 19 in Cook County Circuit Court against Rich Township High School District 227; District 227 Board of Education; and Superintendent Dr. Johnnie Tomas, for alleged violation of the Illinois Whistleblower Act.
According to the complaint, on March 13, 2018, an anonymous student communicated to plaintiff — then the associate principal at Rich South High School — abuse and harassment she said she endured at the school and the school's alleged failure to take any action to protect her from her harasser. The student also revealed the alleged harasser was defendant Thomas' relative. who is also a student in the district, according to the lawsuit.
Lacour said she reported the abuse allegations to the proper authorities and school administrators. On May 15, 2018, at the school board meeting, defendant Thomas recommended a new person for plaintiff's position as the associate principal at Rich South High School, the lawsuit alleged.
The plaintiff alleges defendants terminated her after she reported the abuse allegations.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment for actual monetary losses; compensatory, liquidated and punitive damages; attorney's fees; costs incurred; and other relief. She is represented by Kelly Krauchen of The Herbert Law Firm in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 19-L-001826