Orland Teacher Settles Sex Discrimination Suit Against Dist. 135

ORLAND PARK, IL — An Orland District 135 junior high school teacher who accused former Superintendent DJ Skogsberg of failing to promote her because she declined his advances has settled her suit against the district and has been named an assistant principal at Century Junior High.

The settlement with Heather Conrad was approved at Monday night's school board meeting.

"Dr. Conrad will be great as an assistant principal at Century Junior High," said Linda Peckham-Dodge, school board president of District 135.

"And as a board, we are pleased to put all of this behind us."

An attorney for Conrad could not yet be reached by publication Tuesday.

Conrad filed a lawsuit in 2017 that accused the district of sex discrimination and retaliation. The district had denied the allegations. The issue arose in 2016 after Skogsberg was named superintendent. According to Conrad, she mentioned to him that she was looking to become a principal in the district. At the time, Conrad had been serving as an assistant principal.

In her suit, Conrad claimed that after that, on several occasions, Skogsberg told her they "need to go out" or "get together," "I love you" and "I'll take care of you," the Daily Southtown reported.

Months later, Skogsberg told her she was being relieved of her position and was given the choice to resign, to be fired, or to resign and be demoted to a teaching position. She was not given a reason, she said at the time.

Skogsberg surprised parents in March by abruptly taking a leave of absence. He resigned in April. His last day was effective June 30. John Bryk, an assistant superintendent, is serving in his place. A search is underway for a permanent superintendent.

According to the settlement agreement, Conrad will earn a salary of $99,941 and all other benefits that assistant principals in the district receive. She also will paid $98,500, of which $48,500 is earmarked for lost wages, medical bills and other damages associated with the discrimination Conrad said she endured in her lawsuit. The remaining money will pay for her attorney's fees.