SCHENECTADY -- The Schenectady school district has apparently reached an agreement that calls for a $250,000 payment to a former custodial supervisor who alleged years of on-the-job harassment by his boss, Steven Raucci, caused him health problems and drove him to retire, according to court papers and a person familiar with terms of the proposed settlement.
School district lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald III confirmed Tuesday that earlier this month, he and Ronald Kriss' attorney, Elena DiFio Kean, met with a mediator to discuss a settlement, and the talks were productive. DeFio Kean did not return a call Tuesday seeking comment.
Under the terms of the proposed deal, which must be approved by the board of education, the district's insurance would cover $100,000 of the total amount.
"We're hopeful we'll be able to finalize the terms by Dec. 1" when the school board meets, Fitzgerald said. However, he declined to give specifics, noting, "Until the board approves the settlement, there is no settlement."
Federal court documents indicate the mediator met with the two sides on Nov. 11. Four days later, U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby signed off on the tentative settlement that dismisses Kriss' civil action after being advised by the mediator "that the parties in this action have entered into an agreement in settlement of all claims in this action."
Logged
