Facts

Plaintiff Lisa Polonsky-Britt worked as a special education teacher in the Yuba City Unified School District for about 15 years.

In 2010, Polonsky-Britt sued the school district and several individuals including, Angela Huerta, Brian Acuri, Craig Guensler and Elizabeth Engleken, for allegedly retaliating against her after she advocated for special education students. She was transferred to different schools, and was ultimately declared "unfit for duty as a teacher."

Polonsky-Britt claimed that the district's retaliation and lack of support led her to taking a medical leave of absence due to excessive caseload, which resulted in lost wages and medical bills. Despite being transferred to another school, she claimed that the retaliation continued because administrators at the school failed to accommodate her visual disability.

Result

The parties reached a $150,000 tentative settlement. This settlement was contingent on Polonsky-Britt receiving a disability retirement from the California State Teachers Retirement System. She was also required to "voluntarily separate" from her job with the school district, "but remain eligible for retirement health benefits, provided she pay her premiums."