Court Dismisses Lawsuit Over Fayetteville Teacher Termination

— Circuit Judge Doug Martin dismissed a lawsuit by a former teacher against the Fayetteville School Board.

Tim Hollis filed the lawsuit in May 2012. Superintendent Vicki Thomas fired him in 2011 and the School Board upheld her decision in February 2012.

Thomas said at the time Hollis was fired for his "insubordinate, inappropriate and offensive behavior" and defamatory statements made about Steve Jacoby, the high school principal; for falsifying a district document and distributing it to teachers; for committing the use of district money for improper purposes; and for inappropriate use of the district email system.

Hollis appealed the board's decision to Washington County Circuit Court.

He is considering appealing to the Arkansas Court of Appeals, said his attorney, Bryce Crawford of Bentonville. Crawford said he plans to file a motion asking Martin to reconsider his order to dismiss.

The lawsuit claimed breach of contract, civil conspiracy to commit breach of contract, violation of the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act, violation of the Arkansas Whistle-Blower Act and two other charges.

Martin issued the order Friday for summary judgment, essentially dismissing all claims as a matter of law, said Chris Lawson, the School District's lawyer. The district filed a motion requesting the dismissal Dec. 31.

NW News on 04/10/2014

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