By Pepper Fisher

SEQUIM – A federal lawsuit filed Monday details the reasons behind the resignation of former Sequim School Superintendent Rob Clark and the complaints against him and the District.

The suit, filed by former para-educator Hanna McAndie, alleges Clark attempted to destroy McAndie’s personal and professional reputation by promoting the “scurrilous rumor” that she had an extra-marital affair with Clark’s predecessor, Gary Neal.

She claims that while Clark was investigating her separate complaints against former Sequim Middle School Principal Vincent Riccobene, which alleged discrimination and harassment on the part of a special needs student , Clark discussed the rumor with her family members and her Supervisor.

The suit claims that Clark’s actions were wholly unnecessary, unprofessional, and retaliatory.

As a result, last October McAndie filed a formal complaint against Clark and any other staff for perpetuating the rumor.

Daniel Gallagher, McAndie’s attorney, explains further.

“It’s a federal lawsuit. Sexual discrimination, gender discrimination under title 7. You know, federal law prohibits employer’s gender discrimination against employees, and retaliation is one of the aspects of the case, too. Retaliation for opposing the gender discrimination. We also filed a tort claim with the District for State violations of law as well. And we have to wait 60 days for the District to respond to the tort claim before we can amend the complaint and add state law claims to the case as well, which we will do in about 65 days.”

Clark was placed on administrative leave by the District pending the outcome of McAndie’s complaint.

In January, Clark resigned. McAndie’s suit alleges Clark’s separation was negotiated as a dodge to avoid completing an investigation which she says would have resulted in increased legal exposure for the School District.

McAndie, in suing Clark and the School District, claims that she has suffered significant personal and professional harm, including the likely permanent loss of professional opportunity at the outset of her career, and says she is entitled to an award of damages in an amount to be determined at trial.