Hinsdale D86 Settles With Ex-Teacher

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 has settled with a former teacher who sued it eight years ago.

Last week, the school board unanimously approved a settlement with Brett Malas, who worked for the district from 2006 to 2015.

The district has not released the settlement yet, though it is required to do so under state law.

According to a federal lawsuit, Malas said his employment ended in March 2015 with a "constructive discharge." Such a discharge is when an employee leaves a hostile work environment.

In its response, the district said Malas "voluntarily resigned."

In the lawsuit, Malas said he suffered from a number of health issues that limited his major life activities. But he said the issues did not affect his ability to perform the essential functions of his job.

The lawsuit contended the district failed to accommodate his health issues, forcing him to resign. Malas said he was the victim of discrimination.

Malas also alleged the district retaliated against him after he filed discrimination complaints with its human resources department.

As a result, he suffered lost wages and benefits, great pain, humiliation and mental anguish, according to the lawsuit.

Last week, Patch requested the settlement, but the district sought a five-day delay Wednesday. It said it needed more time to determine whether any of the settlement should be blacked out.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, settlement agreements are public record.