Maya Kukes
BURBANK -- Burbank Unified School District officials and former Supt.
David Aponik plan to meet with a mediator to discuss Aponik's claim
against the district.
The deadline for the district to reply to Aponik's claim for damages
is Saturday. The two sides are scheduled to meet Thursday with the
mediator, a third party who works with both groups to find a mutually
agreeable solution. Additional information about the mediator was not
released.
Aponik filed the claim on April 2, following his reassignment by the
school board from superintendent to school psychologist. The claim
alleges the board's actions "created a hostile work environment and
amounted to intentional infliction of emotional distress."
The board and its attorney, Richard Currier, have maintained the
action against Aponik was legal.
"It's very important that we get this to the table," said Aponik's
attorney, Eric Bathen. "We're following the intent of the government.
Mediation is a much more efficient way to resolve disputes than going to
court."
Currier declined to say how he plans to respond to Aponik's claim.
Aponik's claim alleges the reassignment violated his contract. He is
seeking "substantial general damages" from the district and the school
board, as well as Currier; Interim Supt. Greg Bowman; and Chief
Facilities and Development Supt. Ali Kiafar. Aponik is also requesting
all future lost wages, benefits and medical expenses.
School board member Richard Raad said the board wants to resolve the
claim.
"We want to put this behind us," Raad said. "Obviously, it's something
that needs to be worked out before we can move on."
In addition to Aponik's claim, the board is facing opposition from
some community members, who last month launched an effort to recall all
five members of the school board. The group's initial intent was returned
by the city because it was improperly filed. Group members have not said
if they plan to refile.
QUESTION: RESOLUTION CONFUSION
Should the school district settle David Aponik's claim for damages now
or take it to court? Why? Write to Community Forum, 220 N. Glenoaks
Blvd., Suite B, Burbank, CA 91502, or e-mail at bleader@latimes.com.
