November 24th, 2004

Ernie Scott, former Lee County School District Director, has won his case at federal court and has been awarded nearly half a million dollars. This comes after the former director was sacked for what he states was simply being stringent and ensuring the safety of people in the buildings by blowing the whistle on fire codes and asbestos contamination.

Last week, before the court hearing, Scott complained that officials had forced him to stay in his office on many occasions because they didn’t want him going out, finding problems, and then delaying works that were to be done. Apparently, the final straw came when contractors complained because Scott’s stringency was causing massive delays to their work.

After hearing his case earlier this week, the jury at the federal courthouse awarded the former employee $400,000. However, the school district could appeal to have the decision overturned. Scott himself has commented that he would have preferred his job back to the money. He stated:

“If there were guarantees in place, I could do my job with the same people as before, I would take the job back.” However, Bob Chilmonik stated: “What are the chances Ernie Scott could get his job back at the district? At this point, I can’t comment one way or the other.”

Scott is still part of a group of teachers and students who are continuing to seek compensation for exposure to asbestos and toxic mold within the buildings.