Kursman is the former Lakota executive director of school community relations whose employment with the district ended Dec. 13. Kursman had been on leave since September.
“The agreement is mutual,” Kursman said in an email. “I am looking forward to spending some more time with my children in the immediate future.”
Kursman was to be paid $90,000 by Dec. 16 in the form of three checks: $44,000, with no withholdings for taxes or any other deductions; $44,000, less deductions for applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes; and $2,000 made payable to Freking & Betz LLC.
When asked why Lakota paid Kursman $90,000 if the separation was mutual, Kursman’s attorney, Lisa Loring said: “That would be something to ask the district.”
The majority of Freking & Betz’s practice deals with employment law, Loring said.
The $90,000 came from the general fund. Kursman was hired by the district on April 21, 2008, and her annual salary was $79,517.
The release and separation agreement was signed by school board President Joan Powell and Treasurer Jenni Logan.
Kursman’s health, dental and life insurance benefits will be maintained until Dec. 31. She is also precluded from seeking employment with Lakota in any capacity, a standard provision in virtually every mutual settlement agreement, Loring said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or steven.matthews@coxinc.com.
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