Former GW assistant principal sues for wrongful firing

CHARLESTON -- A former assistant principal is suing the Kanawha County Board of Education and the superintendent for wrongful termination.

Peter Corbett was a teacher at George Washington High School from 1989 until 1998, when he was promoted to vice principal, according to a complaint filed Dec. 23 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Corbett claims in 1999 that Kanawha County Schools Superintendent Ronald Duerring made it clear to him that he had to learn how to "make deals" with students who were the children of persons of influence. He claims when he indicated that he would not give special treatment to any student based on the influence of their parents, Duerring advised him that failure to do so would interfere with his ability to receive promotions in the future.

Corbett claims because he refused to give students special treatment, he was repeatedly overlooked for various positions in the Kanawha County school system.

On Sept. 9, 2008, Corbett's employment was terminated.

Corbett is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for wrongful termination, as well as all lost wages. He is being represented by Michael W. Carey and David R. Pogue of Carey, Scott, Douglas & Kessler.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 09-C-2358