Maya Kukes
BURBANK -- The claim for damages filed by former superintendent David
Aponik was meant to put the Burbank Unified School District on notice
that he is serious about resolving his employment issue, his attorney,
Eric Bathen, said.
"The board not only breached the contract, but interfered with his
ability to get another job," Bathen said, referring to the manner in
which the board has handled Aponik's termination, which came after Aponik
said he took a leave of absence under duress.
Aponik's claim alleges the district's actions created a hostile work
environment and caused him emotional distress. Aponik is seeking
unspecified general and punitive damages from the district and its
five-member school board, as well as from the school District's attorney,
Richard Currier;Deputy Supt. Greg Bowman; and Chief Facilities and
Development Supt. Ali Kiafar. Aponik is also requesting all future lost
wages, benefits and medical expenses.
Meanwhile, Currier contends the claim is "completely without merit."
He said he and the district are "considering all of our options at this
point," but declined to elaborate.
The district has 45 days to act on the claim. If it doesn't respond,
Aponik might file a civil lawsuit.
Representatives from area school districts voiced concern about the
conflict between Aponik and the board.
"This seems like a difficult situation for the entire district," said
Erik Nasarenko, spokesman for the Pasadena Unified School District. "In
the short term, it may take the focus from a district's first priority,
which is the students."
Arne Pearson, a teacher at Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, is
confident the situation will not affect students.
"We're professionals here. There isn't one teacher who would allow
this to affect the children," Pearson said. "We don't let these kinds of
things come into the classroom."
Glendale Unified School District Supt. Jim Brown said the relationship
between a superintendent and a board can change over time, but the key is
working out those differences.
"It's a concern when events of this nature become the headlines,
rather than news of what we're doing for the children," Brown said.
"Either things get resolved, or people part company."
