The Idaho Education Association has filed a lawsuit against the Snake River School District and Superintendent Mark Gabrylczyk on behalf of 28-year teacher Elaine Asmus. The suit alleges overreaches by the district, including violations of Idaho code, constructive discharge and egregious due process violations relating to an ongoing dispute. The suit was filed in Federal District Court Wednesday.

“Elaine Asmus had an exemplary record and positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students during her career as a science teacher at Snake River High School,” noted IEA General Counsel Paul Stark in filing the suit. “Superintendent Mark Gabrylczyk and district leadership have allowed nepotism and conflicts of interest to trump fair and reasonable conduct, and have ignored the due process rights of Ms. Asmus.”

The dispute arose as a result of a disagreement between Ms. Asmus and teacher Laura Gabrylczyk, who is the wife of the district superintendent. A hearing was held to terminate Asmus. The Snake River School District voted to impose punitive measures against Asmus, which ultimately led to her firing.

Superintendent Gabrylczyk told Idaho Education News on Wednesday afternoon he had not received any news of a lawsuit.