9-06-2023 8:32pm

Alamogordo Public Schools Sued for Alleged Retaliatory Discharge IPRA Violations

Chris Edwards Editor

A lawsuit has been filed in the 12th Judicial Court District as a civil case to be heard before Judge Ellen Jessen. The case is brought forth by a former employee of the Alamogordo Public Schools Sharon Scott. She has filed suit against the Alamogordo Public Schools Board of Education with allegations of retaliatory termination and against the custodian of school records Rachael Burks of violation of timely and comprehensive fulfilling of IPRA requests filed by Ms Scott.

Ms Scott further alleges violations of Whistleblower Protection Act violations. The lawsuit was filed 8-25-23.

AlamogordoTownNews.com’s Chris Edwards, heard of the lawsuit filing and in a meeting with acting Superintendent, Pamela Renteria and Deputy Superintendent of Operations ,Colleen Tagle asked if they were aware of the lawsuit and did either have any comment?

As is customary, and the policy of the Alamogordo Public Schools, they responded that; neither had yet to see the lawsuit, that they had “not yet been delivered a copy of the lawsuit nor it’s allegation’s but even if they had at that time they cannot comment on pending or active litigation against the school system.”

Understandable and the correct response given their roles and responsibilities with regard to Alamogordo Public Schools.

The lawsuit itself targets Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Colleen Tagle more specifically and Superintendent Kenneth Moore. Readers and listeners may recall Dr Kenneth Moore is the superintendent of Alamogordo Public Schools that was placed on paid administrative leave pending investigations into another lawsuit naming him filed by the Sheriff’s wife, Lorrie Black. Mr. Moore is still on paid administrative leave and in his absence the Alamogordo Public Schools named Pamela Renteria as acting Superintendent.

Colleen Tagle as Deputy Superintendent of Operations has responsibility for Human Resources related issues, thus any termination, staff suspension or major disciplinary action crosses her desk. Thus she is named significantly many times over in the lawsuit given her job role.

The lawsuit gives several examples or instances where the plaintiff alleges improper disciplinary action was taken by her or the administration. Examples listed name individuals with a range of different responsibilities within the system, from a bus driver who allegedly was aggressive to a child, to two individuals that got into an aggressive assault situation and were placed on administrative leave.

Ms Scott was the Human Resources Coordinator and reported to Ms. Tagle. The accusations also claim that placing individuals on leave verses outright termination was a misuse of funds and violated rules of fiscal responsibility and the collective bargaining agreement.

Further, Ms. Scott alleged that she asked to report directly to Dr Moore, as she had significant concerns with reporting to Mrs. Tagle given the circumstances and the fact they disagree on several disciplinary matters and their resolution.

The lawsuit claims Dr Moore thanked Ms Scott for following the procedures for grievance but he directed her back to her supervisor Mrs. Tagle.

Ms. Scott as plaintiff claims this failure by Dr Moore then ultimately resulted in a retaliatory termination and is a violation of the state Whistleblower Protections and thus she is due back pay, interest, plus mental and emotional damages as allowed by the courts.

The complete filing with allegations and request for compensation is outlined in the lawsuit filed in the link below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-qyw1GTOYZRhU-J3QdkkYIg3Pe4Knzr/view?usp=drivesdk

As of this time the Alamogordo Public Schools has not had time to file their response and a hearing date will be set in the near future. This is an evolving story, stay tuned to AlamogordoTownNews.com and KALHRadio.org as further updates and information becomes available.