Former Superintendent’s Lawsuit Against Richland School District Dropped

Following his dismissal in January 2013, former Richland School District Superintendent Jim Busey had filed a five-part lawsuit against the district, and the five member school board.

After hearing rumors of Busey being involved with a subordinate employee working for the district, they launched an investigation. According to the school board, Busey had an extra-marital sexual affair with the women, and allegedly pursued another relationship with a second employee.

School board officials said he violated a clause in his contract prohibiting such activity, and he was fired following a 90-minute emergency session.

Busey then filed suit against the district and the school board, his attorney claimed he was still investigated even after being told his job was safe. The attorney had also claimed there was no hearing to examine or discuss the allegations. He also said the board started a second investigation after people began "asking questions." He was seeking in excess of one million dollars, the school had still owed him about $880,000 left on his contract.

However, A U.S. District Court judge this week dismissed all the claims, and school is not liable for any monies. Busey has until May 15 to appeal, the court said could appeal three of the five dismissals, but didn't publicly disclose which ones he can appeal.