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By Caden Fanshaw

SD 57

Former Superintendent files lawsuit against former Trustees, SD57 Board of Education

Jul 13, 2022 | 4:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Former Superintendent of School District 57 Anita Richardson has filed a civil claim against School District 57 and two former Trustees.

Former Chair of the SD57 Board of Education Trent Derrick and former Vice-Chair Shuirose Valimohamed were both named as defendants in the case filed on July 8, 2022 in BC Supreme Court in Prince George.

Richardson alleges she dealt with a toxic work environment including bullying and harassment just two months after she was hired between February 2020 and December 2020 from certain School Trustees before she took a leave of absence from her position.

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Prior to the leave, Richardson claims Derrick and Valimohamed breached the Respectful Workplace Policy on several occasions. Court documents claim the unlawful and inappropriate conduct of School Trustees in particular Derrick and Valimohamed resulted in “physical and emotional harm.”

The plaintiff claims the actions also led to embarrassment, frustration, loss of reputation, and an inability to properly carry out her duties as Superintendent.

Court documents list repeated claims of interference by School Trustees which the defendant claims undermined her relationship with local First Nations.

Richardson took a leave of absence in December 2020, and was placed on administrative leave with pay in March 2021. The plaintiff claims she tried to return to work but the Board of Education would not let her.

In January 2022, Richardson was terminated by the SD57 Board of Education a move she claims was made in bad faith.

Richardson is seeking damages for breach of contract against the Board of Education, damages against the defendants, and other relief.

CKPG News reached out to all parties involved who would not comment as the matter is before the courts.

None of the allegations have been tested in court and none of the defendants have yet filed responses to the claim.