The Sunnyvale Sun

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Fired schools chief files claim for damages

By HUGH BIGGAR

Former Superintendent Stephen Rowley has filed a claim for damages against the Fremont Union High School District, the district said.

"It's not a lawsuit but something before a lawsuit where they want to reach some kind of settlement," Cindy McArthur, the district's communications manager, said.

The high school district's board fired Rowley on Aug. 22 in a closed session. The firing came after a stormy summer for the district.

Controversy surrounded the departure of two popular teachers at Monta Vista High School, Tim Krieger and Melanie Walczak. The teachers left the district after Krieger, a biology teacher and coach, attempted to transfer to a guidance resource teacher position in May. After encountering difficulties in the application process, including possible resistance from another Monta Vista guidance teacher, Krieger resigned in July. Walczak co-taught leadership with Krieger. Both teachers have relocated to Seattle.

Rowley's role in these events became a hot topic after a private email he sent circulated in the district community. Rowley apparently inadvertently sent an email to the school board stating, "[Krieger and Walczak] are, hopefully, writing a scorcher fingering Avie and Cathy as a primary reason for resigning."

Avie Katz is the president of the high school district's board, and Cathy Katz is the guidance resource teacher who may have been uncomfortable working with Krieger due to a previous incident in which Krieger accused the Katzes' daughter of cheating, an allegation which was later determined to be unfounded.

The email may have a played a role in Rowley's unexpected firing. He also wrote a controversial reply to the Wall Street Journal in December 2005 after the newspaper wrote an article on so-called "white flight" at Monta Vista High School. He had two years left on a six-year contract.

At the Aug. 22 meeting, the board also voted 3-2 to investigate the circumstances surrounding Krieger's and Walczak's departure. The board named Deputy Superintendent Polly Bove as Rowley's temporary replacement.

"Bove is still doing her old job and filling in as superintendent," MacArthur said. "I don't think the board knows the timeline yet [for filling the position]."

In the meantime, the district's attorneys are working with Rowley's attorneys to handle the claim.