LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lake County School Board has decided to settle a case with a teacher fired over sexual harassment claims.
A judge recently told the district it had to give former teacher John Anselmo his job back and give him back pay.
The board agreed to pay him $60,000.
Of that $60,000, a portion is for back pay while the rest is money was given to him with the understanding that he won't to work for the district again.
"We're pleased. My client has always maintained that the school district had engaged in unlawful employment practices," said Jamison Jessup, Anselmo's representative.
Anselmo was accused several times of sexual harassment. After school officials got word of the allegations, he was transferred to different schools, suspended and then eventually fired.
But a judge ruled that the district had already punished him before he was terminated and said he couldn't be punished twice for the same incidents.
School superintendent Susan Moxley recommended to the school board that they hand over a settlement.
"We always consider all factors. We look at what's in the best interest for the school district and the students and staff served by the district, and so that's the driving force," said Moxley.
Anselmo's representative said he's not sure what his client is planning to do next, but he said he is happy that his dealings with the district are over.
"(He's) suspended for a year now, so he's weighing his options about what he is going to do in the future and he looks forward to those opportunities," said Jessup.
By accepting the money, Anselmo can't work for the Lake County School District again, but he can seek work in other districts.
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