A new lawsuit from University School of Nashville against Dean Masullo seeks to recover $28,443 paid by the school in Masullo’s termination agreement. The former high school English teacher was dismissed over the summer after allegations of sexual misconduct from a student that included gift-giving, private communication and unwanted physical touching.
USN initially suspended Masullo, who was chaperoning a school trip in Delaware at the time, after a student reported him to administrators for sexual misconduct. The school, led by director Amani Reed, retained legal counsel to review the situation, which resulted in a termination agreement over the summer. That agreement included roughly three months’ salary to avoid future lawsuits by Masullo and required his cooperation in future investigations, according to an email sent Wednesday by the school.
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“We have asked the court to require Dr. Masullo to pay his full severance and any attorney fees incurred in the lawsuit back to USN since he is now in clear breach of his contract,” reads an email sent by the school’s new Ad Hoc Committee for School Safety. “The new investigation is well under way, and moving quickly, and will continue regardless of Dr. Masullo’s refusal to participate.”
An alleged lack of communication from school administrators about Masullo’s termination prompted the student, who has since graduated, to contact USN's board of trustees in August. Connor Daryani initially reported on the student’s letter, which details her experience, for the Nashville Banner. Faculty, students and parents have continued to call for Reed’s resignation throughout the first two months this school year. Others also have also called for the resignations of assistant head of school Quinton Walker and Eric Kopstain, board president. Many fault the school for mishandling the situation and Reed specifically for prioritizing legal exposure for the school over the wellbeing of the affected student. The board has stood with the new director, now entering his third year leading USN.
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The school recently launched an additional investigation into Masullo, who refused further questioning due to a “pending criminal investigation,” according to the lawsuit. The school argues that his nonparticipation violates the terms of his dismissal and seeks $28,443 in damages.
Attorney Robert Peal of Sims Funk filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Davidson County Chancery Court. (PDF below.)
“The lawsuit asks the court for two results," reads a statement from the school. "First, Masullo should abide by his termination agreement and participate in the new investigation. Second, because he has broken the terms of his termination, Masullo should repay the school the 3-month salary he received which was paid to prevent him from filing future litigation. USN seeks truth and clarity regarding this painful matter. Our community is working through a comprehensive process so that we can learn from this difficult situation, heal, and become stronger.”
Disclosure: Motycka is a 2013 graduate of the University School of Nashville.
