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Blackhawk board approves $210,000 settlement to end litigation with former superintendent
Summary
The Blackhawk School Board voted 7–2 to approve a full-and-final settlement that would pay former superintendent Dr. Robert Poschopak $210,000 to resolve two pending lawsuits and release claims between the parties.
The Blackhawk School Board approved a settlement on Nov. 18 that will pay former superintendent Dr. Robert Poschopak $210,000 to resolve two pending court cases and release related claims.
Solicitor Mister Mangalow outlined the agreement during the solicitor’s report, saying the settlement resolves one matter in which Dr. Poschopak is seeking approximately $660,000 in attorney fees and interest and a second case challenging his 2023 termination. "Given the facts and circumstances, including the benefit of finality and being able to move forward, we recommend that the board go to approve the settlement agreement under item 8.1 tonight," the solicitor said.
Chair (Speaker 1) moved the item out of order and told the board she would vote in favor: "I will personally be voting yes tonight because I believe that it's time for our district to move forward," she said, urging colleagues to end the uncertainty litigation could bring.
A board member who opposed the settlement said he could not support spending district funds because, he argued, the former superintendent "admitted his guilt in writing." Another board member who opposed the termination at the time said her vote reflected concerns about procedure rather than disagreeing with the ethics findings, and said accepting the settlement protects the district from escalating legal fees and uncertain court outcomes.
The motion to approve the settlement passed in a roll-call vote. Votes recorded in the meeting transcript: Missus Klein — Yes; Mister Hysiak — Yes; Doctor Makozzi — No; Missus Nantzo — No; Mister Scholl — Yes; Doctor Spranker — Yes; Van Zeland (clerk/caller) — Yes; Mister Wissner — Yes; Mister Zachowitz — Yes. "Motion carries," the chair announced.
The solicitor told the board the settlement will bring finality and avoid protracted litigation costs; the board did not discuss any changes to the district’s insurance coverage as part of the motion. The item was carried as a formal motion; the board moved on to administrative reports after voting.
Next steps: The settlement documents will be executed, and the board will return to the regular agenda. The transcript does not specify the exact timing for payment or whether the payment will be reported on a subsequent finance report.
