A lawsuit against the West Franklin school district by Gene Hirt has been settled in documents obtained by KOFO, in settlement agreement, the district admits no liability or wrongdoing, and the suit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning that Hirt can not bring any further action based on the claim. A monetary payment was made to him as part of the settlement by the school districts insurance company.
Hirt had sued when the district banned him from all meetings and events in the district for what they described as rude and uncivil behavior following a June 13th, 2015 board meeting. Hirt filed suit soon after claiming a first amendment rights violation. The agreement took effect August 16. USD 287 says they will consider a request by Hirt to enter district events but offered no further comment.
