TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--A former Leon County assistant principal is suing the school district. Kimberly Hackett claims she was significantly demoted after blowing the whistle on bookkeeping irregularities at Swift Creek Middle School.
A lawsuit is underway after a former Swift Creek Middle School assistant principal says she was demoted from her positions for being a whislteblower.
"Her contract as an assistant principal was not renewed and they can only offer her a classroom teaching position, a significant demotion," said Marie Mattox.
Marie Mattox told us over the phone her client Kimberly Hackett filed complaints to the school principal about several bookkeeping deficiencies.these court documents allege Hacket says the bookkeeper was violating several procedures and rules of financial practices like cash and check collections from students.
"After she reported the practices that are in the complaint, then she was stripped of those supervisory duties," said Mattox.
According to the court documents, Florida statute prohibits an employer from discharging, suspending, transferring, or demoting after an employee notifies authorities of irregular activities.
Hackett is hoping this law will help her win the case because right now its tough.
"She is not doing okay, she has been dramatically effected by what happened to her," said Mattox.
But a spokesman with the Leon County Schools District released this statement in part:
"The charges made in the complaint are inaccurate. As this is an open matter, no additional information may be released at this time."
Hackett is now demanding a jury trial and a second racial discrimination lawsuit is now pending.
As for the school district, they have to respond within 20 days.
