She has been with the District for 18 years and has been the chairperson of the world languages department for 10 years. She was never evaluated regarding her duties as the department chair, and she always heard positive things about her performance. On May 9, 2006, she found out by e-mail that the department chairpersons would be required to reapply for their positions. The Principal of Tremper High School, Edward Kupka, sent the e-mail stating that there was a new annual process for department leadership at the high school, which would include an application and interview process to serve as department leader for one school year.