Soules v. Independent School District No.

518 258 N.W.2d 103 (Minn. 1977)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

From the school term in 1967 to the term ending in 1972, Soules (P), was employed by the District (D) under five separate one-year contracts to teach remedial reading on a part-time basis. P was a regular elementary classroom teacher. When P’s 1971-72 contract expired, it was not renewed. Since, D through its board neither gave P notice of termination nor granted her a hearing, the district court in summary judgment proceedings ordered her reinstated, reserving the issue of damages for trial. The district court determined that D had failed to comply with statutory procedures of notice and hearing which were required for the termination of P’s continuing contract under Minnesota law. Following her court-ordered reinstatement, the issue of damages was tried by the court sitting without a jury. The court found that P sustained $17,401.48 in damages for unpaid salary, insurance benefits, and interest. The court then reduced this amount by $9,100 on finding that P had failed to mitigate her losses. P appealed the reduction.