ERIE, PA -- A 56-year-old Elk County, Pennsylvania teacher is suing the school district over allegations that she was forced out of her job because of her age.
Pamela Lynch filed a lawsuit against the Ridgeway School District on Aug. 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania citing alleged age discrimination and retaliation, as well as a violation of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
On June 12, 2012, the district’s superintendent placed Lynch on a Performance Improvement Plan, which was scheduled to begin in August 2012. In May 2013, Lynch began a medical leave of absence. While on leave, she received two unsatisfactory performance reviews followed by a settlement proposal to end her employment.
The first evaluation accused her of not being “rigorous,” being incapable of getting along with students and teachers, and allegedly refusing to follow rules.
Her “final evaluation” was done a month later. She was then offered a settlement proposal, which she rejected. One day later, Lynch was suspended without pay.
Lynch alleges in the lawsuit that she was retaliated against for complaining about age discrimination and otherwise engaging in ``protected activity.”
She is seeking back pay and full benefits, in addition to damages and costs. Lynch is represented by Timothy M. Kolman, Wayne A. Ely and W. Charles Sipio of Kolman Ely, P.C. in Penndel, Pennsylvania.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case no. 1:15-cv-00128-BR