Former So. Lafourche principal’s suit cries foul on contract renewal

Former South Lafourche High School principal Mary Curole is suing the Lafourche Parish School Board and Superintendent Jo Ann Matthews in her individual capacity for being let go under “bad faith,” citing sexist pretenses.

Curole served as South Lafourche principal from 2002-09.

The former principal received a letter from the school board June 1, 2009, informing her a meeting would be held June 10, 2009, to discuss the renewal of her contract as principal.

At Matthews’ recommendation, the board voted not to renew her contract, one year before Curole planned to retire. The 14-0 vote – board member Jon Callais abstained, citing a conflict of interest involving family ties – came after a 100-minute closed door discussion.

After being let go, Curole took a job as a librarian at a parish elementary school this past school year, before retiring.

She claims in the court case’s documentation the non-renewal of her contract caused a decrease in her salary last year, a decrease in future retirement payments, as well as embarrassment, humiliation and emotional distress.

Curole also claims the school board did not follow proper protocol by letting her know of her release 120 days before her contract expired.

She requested a trial by jury, and she is suing for monetary compensation from lost wages and for her mental anguish, embarrassment, humiliation and damages to her reputation.

Curole cites in the court case’s documentation that all three Lafourche Parish high school principals are men, including her replacement Aubrey “Bubba” Orgeron.

The former principal originally claimed race discrimination as well, but she removed that provision two weeks after initially filing the case.

Curole’s attorney Eugene Radcliff declined comment.

The Lafourche Parish School Board refused to comment on the pending lawsuit.