Newburgh School District settles lawsuit with former superintendent Steven Phillips for $135000

The Newberg School District Board convened on March 11, 2025, to address significant matters, including a legal settlement with former superintendent Dr. Steven Phillips. The board unanimously approved the addition of this action item to the agenda, highlighting its importance.

During the meeting, it was announced that the district has settled a $2.5 million lawsuit filed by Dr. Phillips. The settlement involves a payment of $135,000 from the district, with an additional $15,000 covered by the district's insurance provider, PACE, which also handled all attorney fees. The board emphasized that while they believe Dr. Phillips' termination was justified due to concerns about his leadership, settling the lawsuit was deemed the most fiscally responsible decision.

The board expressed that avoiding prolonged litigation would prevent financial strain on district resources, allowing funds to be redirected towards supporting students and educational programs. The resolution aims to reaffirm the district's commitment to strong leadership and financial accountability while enabling the board to focus on delivering quality education.

Following the settlement discussion, the board moved on to the consent agenda, which included various new hires and resignations within the district. The meeting concluded with a clear direction for the district to continue prioritizing its educational mission amidst ongoing administrative changes.