PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The former superintendent of Newberg-Dundee Public Schools is suing the district for $2.5 million, claiming the district terminated his contract without cause.
The suit, filed in Yamhill County Circuit Court on Tuesday, states that in May 2022, Dr. Stephen Phillips was selected to serve as the district’s superintendent for a three-year contract. This was after the previous superintendent was dismissed in November 2021.
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Upon starting his tenure as superintendent, the suit claims roughly half the community who identified as “liberal,” began distrusting Phillips because he was hired by the “conservative” school board.
The suit, which was first reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive , further claims Phillips made efforts to mend fences, bringing community leaders from opposing political views together in effort to improve relations. One of these groups reportedly met twice, drafting a letter encouraging community members to engage with each other “more positively.” However, the suit claims this letter was never sent.