Merced Union High School District was one of 12 school districts across the state featured in a report released by California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) this month about the impact of litigation on California's schools.
The total litigation costs for all 12 school districts mentioned was $98.7 million -- a number CALA would like to see reduced.
The statewide anti-lawsuit abuse organization revealed that the Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) spent $884,309 on outside counsel costs between 2006 and 2009.
Many of the lawsuits filed are justified, but CALA is speaking out against those that are filed to pursue greed and not justice, according to the organization.
Maryann Marino, regional director for CALA, said when unwarranted lawsuits are brought forward, everyone loses.
"Hopefully, laws will be passed to curb unwarranted lawsuits," she added.
When compiling the costs of the lawsuits for all 12 districts, warranted and unwarranted cases were lumped together, Marino said.
"Every dollar spent outside the classroom is a dollar that could be invested in our children and our future," the report said. "When those dollars are diverted to courtrooms instead of classrooms, the only winners are the personal injury lawyers and those trying to cash in at the expense of California students."
The report examined outside counsel costs, settlements and jury awards that districts paid.
Other school districts in the report include the Los Angeles Unified School District, which spent $44 million on legal fees, and the Modesto City Schools, which spent $1.4 million.
The Merced high school district was named as a defendant in two cases over the past three years, according to court documents.
Both cases were dismissed.
One case was filed in 2007 by an employee who alleged that another employee made unwanted sexual advances at her. The plaintiff also alleged other employees retaliated against her after she complained about the alleged harassment.
The other case was filed by Downey & Son Painting and Work Preservation Fund in 2008 by a construction company over a number of alleged labor code violations.
According to Roberta Perkins, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiff, the district didn't pay a settlement fee. Instead, the district agreed to offer trainings to their staff.
Raynee Daley, MUHSD superintendent of business services, said that the U.S. is a highly litigious society.
"When the district spends money on outside counsel, we're training administrators in understanding their role to prevent situations that put the district at risk," Daley added.
Reporter Jamie Oppenheim can be reached at (209)385-2407 or joppenheim@mercedsun-star.com.
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