Woman Says Mom Terminated Unfairly
My mother, Carol Benner, was employed with the Central Valley School District for 19 years. She started out as a crossing guard, then became a media assistant and most recently was a head secretary.
In November, one year before retirement, she was terminated.
My mother is a fine, caring woman.
Because I believe a grave injustice has been done to her, I feel I must speak up on her behalf.
Problems began in 1994 at the high school where she had been the media assistant for 10 years.
That September my mom went back to work, as usual. But a medical condition forced her into the heart institute to have tests done on her heart. She was out a week.
Upon returning, her supervisor had changed everything - office, supplies, attitude. The supervisor suddenly became unwilling to deal with my mom at any level. She ignored and quit talking to my mom, making my mom’s job virtually impossible.
Well, to say the least the problem became flat-out harassment. My mom became quite ill due to this harassment.
As a result of this, my mom was laid off work and then transferred to another school.
At the new school she was forced to learn a new job. Two years later, she was again forced to learn yet another job, dealing with yet another harassing situation.
My mom recently had to have shoulder surgery, which she tried to do in the summer, but the school district’s insurance person would not allow it. So my mom finally had surgery in November of 1997. The Friday before the surgery she was told by the school district personnel director she would be terminated upon her return.
All my mom ever wanted was to work.
She had all excellent evaluations until the last one. The last one came after she had filed a lawsuit against the school district alleging harassment.
What a coincidence that all this would happen after filing a lawsuit. And then she is terminated one year before retirement?
Her union says that they are behind her yet nothing has been done.
My mom was put in a tremendously stressful situation and harassed beyond belief.
She is a hard working, caring lady who has gladly lent a hand and given 110 percent in everything she has done.
Because I am her daughter, I am angry.
Because I am a taxpayer, I do not understand how a public school district can condone such behavior by its employees and administration.
Amy Patterson is a resident of Veradale.
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