Caldwell District Will Try To Hire More Minority Staff Move Helps Settle Suit Claiming Discrimination Against Hispanics

As part of the settlement of a lawsuit claiming discrimination against Hispanics, the Caldwell School District will try to hire more minority staff members.

Attorneys for both sides said Friday they have settled a lawsuit filed three years ago. It claimed discrimination against Hispanic students in disciplinary matters; discrimination in hiring and inadequate educational programs for students with limited English proficiency.

The district said Friday it continues to deny the allegations, but agreed to settle with Idaho Legal Aid Services to avoid the cost and contentiousness a legal battle would bring.

The district and Legal Aid Services said U.S. District Judge Lynn Winmill approved of the settlement.

The district said it will:

Establish the position of coordinator of safe schools, an administrative position, to “provide safe schools that are good learning environments for all of its students and staff.”

Set up a new Safe Schools Advisory Committee, with subcommittees at all schools from middle through high school, to deal with any “significant racial, national origin, gender or religious disparities” in student disciplinary referrals.

Create an administrative position and policy statement for a professional staff recruiter for minorities to expand the pool of qualified minorities.

The district promised to make periodic reports on its progress to Legal Aid Society attorneys and the court.