Kadri's Lawyer Wants Termination Hearing Before Independent Arbitrator

The lawyer for Superintendent Paul Kadri today asked that an independent arbitrator hold the hearing on possibly terminating Kadri's employment, and added that this is the only way the situation can be resolved without further legal action.

In an Oct. 1 letter, Gregg Adler wrote to School Board Chairwoman Kirsten Hoyt that Kadri is formally requesting a hearing regarding the board’s decision to consider terminating his employment, and he would like it before a neutral party.

“The reason for this request is that Mr. Kadri does not feel that you or the other board members would be in a position to act as an objective, unbiased tribunal at this juncture in time,” Adler wrote.

The board notified Kadri on Sept. 10 that it is considering terminating his contract for three reasons: “insubordination against the rules or oder of the board” , “moral misconduct” and “other due and sufficient cause.”

The board made the decision after an investigation was released in which multiple employees accused Kadri of abusive and threatening behavior. Kadri issued a response through his attorney, saying the allegations are untrue.  He has been on paid administrative leave since May 7.

Adler said that based on various statements by the board before and since that time, he believes “. . .the Board does not have a truly ‘open mind’ regarding this issue, as is required by the due process clause of the U.S. Constitution.”

Adler said he would like to know as soon as possible whether the board would accept a neutral decision maker.

The school board meets at 6 p.m. today in the school administrative office to discuss the contract for an interim superintendent.