Schools Reject Claim by Fired Principal

Opening the way for a potential lawsuit, the Ventura County Board of Education on Monday rejected a $3-million claim from a former principal who was fired after challenging the county schools chief for his job in the June election.

The board voted unanimously in closed session not to pay the claim by Dan Flynn.

Flynn, who was fired effective July 1, filed the claim last week, demanding $3 million in financial damages from county school officials and additional punitive damages from county Supt. of Schools Charles Weis.

Flynn said last week that he would file a lawsuit if county school officials reject his claim.

Citing poor job performance, Weis fired Flynn three weeks after the June 7 election in which Flynn had run against Weis for the job of superintendent. The timing sparked charges from Flynn and some of his supporters that the firing was politically motivated.

Flynn had worked for three years as principal of the county’s three schools for youths who are in jail or juvenile hall. The position paid $62,000.

Since his firing, Flynn has worked as a temporary administrator for the Los Angeles County Education Office in Downey. Although Flynn has said this position pays more than his previous job, it has no benefits, and it ends Friday.

In addition, Flynn has claimed that publicity over his firing has hurt his chances at getting other employment.