Judge dismisses lawsuits against CPS, former assistant superintendent

A judge dismissed two separate lawsuits Thursday filed against Columbia Public Schools and former Assistant Superintendent Kevin Brown.

Rachel Henderson and Andrew McCarthy, a married couple who worked together for several years, filed separate lawsuits in 2017 claiming Brown punished the two after Henderson complained about Brown’s behavior in passing McCarthy up for a promotion and sending him to a different high school.

Andy Hirth, one of the lawyers representing McCarthy and Henderson, said the case had been resolved. He said a part of that resolution kept him from saying anything more.

ABC 17 News contacted Columbia Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark on Friday night, who responded with the following statement:

“Out of respect for the privacy of our individual employees and in accordance with state law, Columbia Public Schools does not provide comment or details about specific personnel matters. In regards to the recently dismissed litigation, CPS was able to reach settlement with all parties to prevent further legal costs and to end any uncertainty or distraction created by this matter. CPS remains committed to providing an inclusive environment that is free from discrimination and harassment for all of our students and staff.”

Brown left the school district last year for a job in Illinois.

The two sued over Brown’s treatment of them as assistant principals at Battle High School. The couple said Brown made several racist, sexist and ableist remarks about students and faculty. The couple said that Brown retaliated against them after complaining about his behavior by separating the two from Battle.

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