Section 1012.26 provides that the School Board shall provide for reimbursement of reasonable expenses for legal services for officers and employees who are charged with civil or criminal actions arising out of and in the course of the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities upon successful defense of the action.  Teacher, John Russo, was charged with a misdemeanor count of battery arising out of his actions at Brookside Middle School.  The charge was ultimately dropped by the State Attorney.  Thus, Mr. Russo successfully defended the charges.  Mr. Russo now seeks the reimbursement of his attorneys' fees and costs in the amount of $8,052.45.