Highlands to pay special education director $16,000 to resign

The Highlands School District will pay its special education director just over $16,000 as part of a resignation agreement.

According to the agreement, obtained by the Tribune-Review through a Right-to-Know Law request, Debra Lehew’s resignation is effective June 30. The board approved the agreement, along with accepting Lehew’s resignation during a May meeting.

The reason for Lehew’s resignation never was made public and the agreement states that the district agrees to say only that she left for “personal reasons.”

“No information regarding Dr. Lehew’s employment with the District other than the above will be provided by the District to any potential employer or other interested party unless required by any statute, regulation, order of court or pursuant to a lawful subpoena,” the agreement states.

In the settlement, the district also agrees not to contest any application for unemployment compensation that Lehew may file.

She had been with the district for about 30 years, starting in 1989.

Under the agreement, Highlands will pay Lehew just over $16,000. The money is for 289 unused sick days Lehew accrued while working for the district, which amounts to $10,725; and for 24 vacation days owed to her, which comes to $5,372.

The district also agrees to continue Lehew’s medical and dental insurance for up to six months or until she gets a job that provides those benefits, whichever comes first.

In return, the agreements states, Lehew agrees not to file any claims nor lawsuits against the district arising from her employment and agrees to return any district property in her possession.

Neither Lehew or Ira Weiss, the district’s solicitor, could immediately be reached for comment.