Sarasota County Schools
Agenda Item #45
Title
APPROVAL TO ENGAGE SPECIAL COUNSEL
Description
The School Board has been threatened with litigation by Dr. Lyna Jimenez-Ruiz alleging discriminatory or retaliatory treatment with regard to her employment. Other potential defendants in the case may include Superintendent of Schools Todd Bowden and Booker High School Principal Rachel Shelley. The General Counsel recommends the hiring of attorney Richard McCrea of the Greenberg Traurig law firm to represent the School Board and the other named potential defendants in any litigation which may be filed. Mr. McCrea is a highly experienced litigator who focuses his practice on employment litigation. As the Board will be taking its summer break, it is recommended that Mr. McCrea be retained now, in the event suit is filed prior to the next scheduled Board meeting.
Recommendation
That the School Board authorize the Board Chair to sign the agreement retaining the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., as presented, to represent it and, potentially, Dr. Todd Bowden, if he is a named defendant, in litigation which may be instituted by Dr. Lyna Jimenez-Ruiz.
Contact
HARDY
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachment: Engagement letter.pdf