Perry Davis v. Redlands Unified School District

On March 27, 2024, the twelve-person California jury unanimously found the issues in favor of Perry Davis and against Redlands Unified School District in this wrongful termination lawsuit.

Case Background

On January 16, 2021, Perry Davis filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Redlands Unified School District before the California State, San Bernardino Superior Court. Hon. Jay Robinson presided over this case, [Case number: CIVSB2103756]

Cause

Plaintiff Perry Davis, a school safety officer, worked at Redlands East Valley High School for eight years and received excellent performance reviews. He also served as an assistant coach for various high school sports. After he reported illegal activities at the school, including a supervisor circulating a nude photo of a student and a cover-up of a student’s drug possession at prom, the Defendant district terminated his employment. They cited incompetence, insubordination, negligence, discourteous and abusive conduct, and dishonesty as reasons for his dismissal in October 2020.

Damages

The Plaintiff claimed past and future economic damages. He also sought special damages for past and future emotional distress caused by his wrongful termination

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Perry Davis
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Tamara Freeze | Brian Hannemann
    • Experts for Plaintiff(s): Mark Falkenhagen 
  • Defendant(s): Redlands Unified School District
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Maria Aarvig

Claims

The Plaintiff had an impeccable work history at RUSD, marked by excellent performance reviews, pay raises, promotions, and a positive reputation among staff, teachers, and parents. In January 2019, he filed a written complaint with the school principal about illegal activities at the school. Later, he submitted additional written complaints to District HR Director Dr. Joseph Hyde, highlighting a cover-up and fraud involving a student drug possession incident at prom, which he alleged was mishandled by a school assistant principal.

Following these complaints, the Plaintiff faced suspension. Subsequently, the district brought up nine accusations against him, which led to his wrongful termination.

Defense

The Defendants denied allegations of wrongful termination, They maintained that the Plaintiff had been terminated for alleged insubordination, dishonesty, sexual harassment, violating the student boundaries policy, and missing paperwork.

Expert Testimony

The Plaintiff brought in an expert in economics, Mark Olaf Falkenhagen to quantify his damages.

Jury Verdict

On March 27, 2024, after a thirteen-day trial, the twelve-person California jury unanimously delivered a $800k verdict in favor of Plaintiff Perry Davis. The breakdown of the amount is as follows:

Economic Damages:

  • Past: $250,000
  • Future: $250,000

Non-Economic Damages:

  • Past: $150,000
  • Future: $150,000

Court Documents:

Available upon request