Employee fired after reporting violations of student special-education rights.
DULUTH, Minn. — Storms Dworak LLC has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against Independent School District #700 on behalf of former speech-language pathologist. The lawsuit, filed November 2, 2025, and assigned Case No. 69DU-CV-25-3420 alleges the Hermantown School District violated the Minnesota Whistleblower Act by retaliating against the Plaintiff after she reported failures to comply with state and federal special education laws.
According to the complaint, the Plaintiff received top performance evaluations and consistent praise for her work with students with disabilities. But that changed, the complaint alleges, after she reported to the District that Individualized Education Program services for students had been revised and ended without parental consent, a violation of laws requiring students with disabilities receive an appropriate education. After raising those concerns, the complaint contends, District administrators and The School Board retaliated against her by denying workplace privileges, disciplining her, and voting not to renew her contract.
That decision was reversed earlier this year, when the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that the District’s decision to end the Plaintiff’s employment “was affected by an error of law,” and reinstated her continuing-contract rights. She now seeks damages for the District’s conduct, including lost income, emotional distress, humiliation, intimidation, reputational harm, and other compensable injuries.
Attorney Naomi Martin stated, “Educators dedicate their careers to helping students succeed. When an educator speaks up to protect students’ rights, the law must protect that educator in return. This case is about ensuring school districts value what is best for students over administrative convenience and follow the law.”
About Storms Dworak LLC Storms Dworak LLC is one of Minnesota’s premier law firms that regularly handles high-profile cases of employer and government misconduct. The firm has represented plaintiffs in some of Minnesota’s most notable cases, including the $27 Million Dollar settlement following the murder of George Floyd. Visit www.stormsdworak.com for more details.