The former supervisor of buildings and grounds for the Riverside School District is suing the board of directors, claiming he was fired for political reasons - namely because he was a Taylor resident.
Francis Mickavicz, 408 Harrison St., is suing the board for $195,829 for compensation and benefits applicable under the Administrative Compensation Plan from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2014, as well as emotional distress as a result of his termination, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Scranton on Friday.
Mr. Mickavicz was hired in 2009, but just a year later, in June 2010, the board voted to eliminate the position, according to the lawsuit.
The board members who represent Taylor and Moosic "maintain political allegiances and loyalties" based on which borough they reside in, according to the lawsuit.
When Mr. Mickavicz was hired, five of the nine board members were Taylor residents. After he was hired, the board dynamics shifted, with five Moosic residents and four Taylor residents serving on the board - the same board that voted to eliminate Mr. Mickavicz's position in June 2010, according to the lawsuit.
Riverside School Board member Timothy Lavelle declined to comment and referred questions to the district's solicitor.
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