Archived Story
Former employee sues CCC, Dodgion
Published 9:22am Tuesday, October 2, 2012Superintendent says ‘no merit to lawsuit’
GETAWAY — A former employee of the Lawrence County Joint Vocational School District has sued the district and Collins Career Superintendent Steve Dodgion, alleging he was unjustly terminated from his job. Dodgion said the allegation has no merit.
George Brown, who worked at the Collins Career Center as a custodian, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati last Thursday. He seeks unspecified damages. Brown alleges in his lawsuit that he was fired after he left work early several times because he is ill and the termination violates his protection under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
According to the lawsuit, “In August 2011, plaintiff George Brown was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. As a result of his medical condition, plaintiff George Brown would frequently experience flare-ups wherein he would experience severe pain when engaging in such physical activities as walking, lifting, bending, stretching and stooping. Said condition constitutes a ‘disability’ as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
According to the lawsuit, Brown received permission from his immediate supervisor, Steven Martin, to leave work early when he had a flareup of his medical problem and he did on “several” occasions leave work early, according to the lawsuit.
Brown said in his complaint he was confronted Dec. 8, 2011, by Dodgion about leaving work early the day before and Brown explained he had permission to do so.
Brown said Dodgion then put him on administrative leave pending an investigation. Brown was later terminated.
Brown contends in his lawsuit no one at the school ever discussed how Brown might remain on the job and some accommodation be made for his medical disability.
He also contends no one at the school ever discussed with him his possible eligibility for leave time under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Dodgion contends the lawsuit is baseless.
“It’s laughable,” Dodgion said. “It’s an attempt to get money. Mr. Brown was terminated for just cause.”
Dodgion said there is no record of Brown filing for FMLA and the only doctor’s slip on file said Brown had a minor health problem.
“It’s an old story,” Dodgion said. “Everyone is looking for a free ride.”
I asked Lawrence County citizens NOT to pass the levy for the CCC. Now citizens can see first hand the true character of those in management positions.
The vocational school funds should be re-routed to a university and the school closed. It is run as an employment center for the local cronies and not an educational center.
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Mr. Brown worked at the school for over 16 years and did his job with the best of his ability everyday. For Steve Dodgion to say he was looking for a “free ride” only shows his ignorance and lack of knowledge of the employees. Steve Dodgion is also double dipping drawing retirement and enjoying the big raise he probably got coming back full time into the same position.
Steve Dodgion won’t be laughing when he gets on the stand and has to explain why him and Steve Martin got together and railroaded Mr. Brown out of his job over something Mr. Martin gave Mr. Brown permission to do. Together they had been trying for over 3 years to get Mr. Brown out of the school because Mr. Brown is basically to honest to work along side them.
I walk these halls today and miss Mr. Brown very much. He would give you the shirt off his back, as for Dodgion and Martin I wouldn’t pee on them if they were on fire!
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I am surprised that Mr Dodgion would comment like he did “attempt to get money” and “Everyone is looking for a free ride”
I wouldn’t be surprised if he was looking for a new job by the time this lawsuit is settled, if not before …..
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It is normal for the prostate gland to enlarge with age.
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Most people who are the head of a school or public group will not comment on pending legal matters. So not to have something they say be turned around in court. Seems like Dodgion either does not care about that or is not worried.
Then Dodgion talks freely but did not give what the cause for termination was. Almost like we are going to build even if the levy fails.
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“Dodge” knows all about a free ride, he has had one for years. Let’s see if he keeps his attitude when he is on the stand.
“Laughable” is right.
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