Former Dist. 15 assistant principal sues over firing

A former Palatine Township Elementary District 15 assistant principal has filed a lawsuit claiming she was fired for reporting her boss’s alleged drinking problem, sexual harassment and inability to perform his duties.

Elizabeth Wong who was the assistant principal at Carl Sandburg Junior High School from 2008 through 2010, filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday accusing Superintendent Scott Thompson, the school board, and three other staff members of violating the Illinois Whistleblower Act.

In the suit, Wong claims the principal of the school had an alcohol abuse problem, which interfered with his duties. She also claims the principal sexually harassed female employees, including herself.

Wong reported the problems to the district’s assistant superintendent and requested action be taken, according to the suit.

Wong claims no action was taken against the principal and no investigation took place.

The suit claims the principal then attempted to intimidate Wong after she brought the complaints to school district authorities. When she requested a copy of her contract for the next school year, her pay was reduced by $2,000.

In March, Wong claims an evaluation of her performance as assistance principal at Whitley School, where she was transferred to against objections, contained false statements. Wong said the incidents, which resulted in her immediate firing while school remained in session, described in the evaluations were completely fabricated.

Thompson did not return a phone call seeking comment Thursday night.

Wong is seeking no less than $500,000 in the suit.