Opinion ID: 802001
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mr. Ribeau’s Employment Agreement

Text: During Mr. Ribeau’s employment, he signed 23 separate employment agreements. Each agreement stated that Mr. Ribeau was an at-will employee. When Mr. Ribeau was terminated, his employment agreement stated that his “[e]mployment [could] be terminated by either party at any time, for any reason.” Aplt. Appx. at 60. It also stated that Mr. Ribeau “agree[d] to observe, enforce, and be directed by rules and regulations adopted by the Board.” Id. The Board had adopted a Classified Staff Handbook (the “Handbook”), which included provisions on employee suspension, termination, and grievances. The Handbook’s suspension provision granted the superintendent “the authority to suspend classified employees with pay until the suspension is resolved by [B]oard action.” Id. at 68. The termination provision stated, “The [B]oard may terminate a classified employee at any time, with or without cause.” Id. The grievance provision stated that “[a]ny employee may file a complaint with their supervisor concerning a school rule, regulation, policy or decision that affects the employee.” Id. Under this provision, the employee could appeal the supervisor’s decision to the superintendent, whose decision would be final. 1 The Defendants state that the Board approved Mr. Ribeau’s termination on the second Monday or the fourth Monday of April 2008. Despite their disagreement over the exact date of the Board’s approval, the parties agree that the approval occurred after Mr. Ribeau’s initial discussions with Mr. Smith and Mr. Katt. -3- Mr. Katt testified at his deposition that before classified employees are terminated, “[t]hey are given an opportunity to present to myself and the [S]chool [B]oard.” Id. at 72. Mr. Ribeau similarly testified at his deposition that when he recommended employees in his department for termination, he told them that his recommendation “would be taken up at the next Board meeting” and that they had until “the next Board meeting to file a written grievance, [and] take it to the Superintendent.” Id. at 64.