Robinson v. Morrill Cty. Sch. Dist. 63 , 299 Neb. 740 ( 2018 )

Nebraska Supreme Court Online Library
www.nebraska.gov/apps-courts-epub/
06/01/2018 09:07 AM CDT
- 740 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
Patrick Robinson, appellant, v. Morrill County
School District #63 and Morrill County
Board of Education, appellees.
___ N.W.2d ___
Filed April 26, 2018. No. S-17-216.
1. Schools and School Districts: Termination of Employment: Teacher
Contracts: Evidence: Appeal and Error. The standard of review in
an error proceeding from an order of a school board terminating the
contract of employment of a certificated employee is whether the school
board acted within its jurisdiction and whether there is sufficient evi-
dence as a matter of law to support its decision. In this context, evidence
is sufficient as a matter of law if a judge could not, were the trial to a
jury, direct a verdict.
2. Statutes: Judgments: Appeal and Error. To the extent the assignments
of error on appeal present issues of statutory interpretation or issues of
law, an appellate court reaches an independent conclusion irrespective of
the decision made by the court below.
3. Schools and School Districts: Attorneys at Law. Neb. Rev. Stat.
§ 79-513 (Reissue 2014) expressly authorizes school boards to hire legal
counsel when it deems it necessary or advisable.
4. Due Process. The concept of due process embodies the notion of funda-
mental fairness and defies precise definition.
5. Constitutional Law: Due Process. When a person has a right to be
heard, procedural due process includes notice to the person whose right
is affected by a proceeding, that is, timely notice reasonably calculated
to inform the person concerning the subject and issues involved in
the proceeding; a reasonable opportunity to refute or defend against a
charge or accusation; a reasonable opportunity to confront and cross-
examine adverse witnesses and present evidence on the charge or
accusation; representation by counsel, when such representation is
required by constitution or statute; and a hearing before an impartial
decisionmaker.
- 741 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
6. Judges: Juries: Administrative Law: Presumptions: Proof. As a
general rule, decisionmakers are presumed to be impartial and unbi-
ased; the burden of showing otherwise rests on the party making
the assertion.
7. Schools and School Districts: Teacher Contracts: Evidence. A school
board can consider all relevant conduct when determining whether to
cancel a contract.
8. Teacher Contracts: Termination of Employment: Words and
Phrases. For purposes of cancellation of an employment contract under
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-827 (Reissue 2014), “incompetency,” as defined by
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-824(4)(a) (Reissue 2014), includes “demonstrated
deficiencies or shortcomings in knowledge of subject matter or teaching
or administrative skills.”
9. Teacher Contracts: Words and Phrases. Teacher incompetency is not
measured in a vacuum or against a standard of perfection but, instead,
must be measured against the standard required of others performing
the same or similar duties.
10. Teacher Contracts: Termination of Employment: Words and
Phrases. For purposes of cancellation of an employment contract under
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-827 (Reissue 2014), “neglect of duty” generally
requires evidence of something more than occasional neglect. Evidence
that a particular duty was not competently performed on certain occa-
sions, or evidence of an occasional neglect of some duty of perform­
ance, in itself, does not ordinarily establish incompetency or neglect of
duty sufficient to constitute just cause for termination.
11. ____: ____: ____. For purposes of cancellation of an employment con-
tract under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-827 (Reissue 2014), “unprofessional
conduct” must be conduct directly related to the fitness of the employee
to act in his or her professional capacity.
12. ____: ____: ____. For purposes of cancellation of an employment con-
tract under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-827 (Reissue 2014), “insubordination”
is the absence of subordination or submission, resistance to or defiance
of authority, refusal to obey orders, refractoriness, or disobedience.
13. Courts: Appeal and Error. In an error proceeding, issues not presented
to the district court are not preserved for appellate review.
Appeal from the District Court for Morrill County: Leo P.
Dobrovolny, Judge. Affirmed.
Robert M. Brenner, of Robert M. Brenner Law Office, for
appellant.
- 742 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
Steven W. Olsen and John L. Selzer, of Simmons Olsen Law
Firm, P.C., for appellees.
Heavican, C.J., Miller-Lerman, Cassel, Stacy, and
Funke, JJ.
Per Curiam.
A school board canceled the contract of a certificated
employee after holding a formal hearing. The employee filed
a petition in error in the district court, which affirmed the can-
cellation.1 The employee now appeals, raising various issues
regarding notice and due process in addition to challenging the
merits of the cancellation. We affirm.
I. FACTS
In the fall of 2013, Patrick Robinson was hired as the
curriculum and assessment coordinator at Bridgeport Public
Schools pursuant to a contract with the Bridgeport Public
Schools Board of Education (school board).2 In February 2015,
Robinson was notified his contract was being canceled. He
requested and received a hearing before the school board, and
the following evidence was adduced.
1. Veterans Day Incident
In November 2013, the community of Bridgeport, Nebraska,
held a Veterans Day celebration at the school on a nonschool
day. A portion of the parking lot was reserved for veterans
attending the celebration. Robinson, who served in Iraq with
the U.S. Army, came to the school that day to work and
parked in the veteran’s parking area. A teacher, and later an
administrator, approached him and asked him to move his
car, explaining the intent was to reserve the parking spaces
for older or disabled veterans who would have difficulty with
mobility. Robinson became angry and refused to move his
1
See Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-1901 to 25-1908 (Reissue 2016).
2
See Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 79-101 and 79-818 (Reissue 2014).
- 743 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
car. Robinson generally felt he was treated unfairly during
the incident.
2. December 2013 Incident
With Student
In December 2013, two teachers at Bridgeport observed an
eighth grade student standing at her locker, laughing. When
they asked what she was laughing about, the student told
them Robinson had left a funny note in her locker. She told
the teachers she thought Robinson was very funny and said
“we game or do something together.” The teachers thought it
was odd that Robinson had accessed the student’s locker. They
understood the student’s comment to relate to some sort of
online gaming activity and were concerned that Robinson and
the student may be involved in an inappropriate relationship.
The teachers informed a school administrator of the incident
and their concerns, which was a reporting procedure that con-
formed with school policy.
An administrator investigated the incident by questioning
the student, her parents, and Robinson, and determined there
was no inappropriate conduct. Robinson received a letter from
the administration on January 16, 2014, stating the incident
had been investigated and no wrongdoing was found.
3. Fellow Teacher Breach
of Confidentiality
Before Robinson received the January 16, 2014, letter
reporting no wrongdoing had been found, one of the reporting
teachers told the athletic director about the locker incident.
The athletic director then told Robinson that two teachers
had reported him, and Robinson understood the teachers had
accused him of grooming a student for a sexual relationship.
Robinson informed administrators about the reporting teach-
er’s breach of confidentiality. The administration conducted
an investigation and reprimanded the teacher for telling the
athletic director about the report. The written report of this
investigation was dated March 6, 2014, and reiterated that
- 744 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
Robinson had not engaged in an inappropriate relationship
with a student. The report also stated the superintendent had
investigated and had found there was no harassment directed
toward Robinson after the December 2013 incident.
4. Robinson’s General Conduct
Beginning in January 2014, Robinson started refusing to
come out of his office at school to meet or interact with
other staff members. Robinson was upset about the allegations
and the administration’s response. Robinson believed school
employees continued to talk about the incident and perpetrate
the rumor that he was a sexual predator. He felt his reputation
had been tarnished and did not think the administration had
acted to stop the rumors or protect his reputation.
Robinson complained to both the teachers’ union and the
Department of Education about the administration’s failure to
protect him from what he perceived as continued accusations
after the December 2013 incident. He informed others that
the principal had harassed and disparaged him and should be
fired. He told a school board member that the superintendent
should “back off” from evaluating him. In early January 2014,
Robinson received emails from other school employees asking
general questions about the school’s curriculum and interpreted
the emails as attacks on his decisionmaking ability and com-
petence. In February 2014, Robinson was told by administra-
tors as part of his employee evaluation that he needed to start
interacting with fellow staff members.
At Robinson’s request, he met with the school board in
February 2014 to discuss the concerns he had with the school
administration. After the meeting, Robinson gave a written
summary of his complaints to an attorney the school board
hired to investigate the matter. Robinson subsequently refused
to meet with this attorney.
Chuck Lambert took over as superintendent at Bridgeport
in June 2014, while the situation with Robinson was ongoing.
Lambert met with Robinson in June and told him he would
look into his complaints, but asked Robinson to view the new
- 745 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
administration as a clean slate and an opportunity to work to
move forward. An attorney representing the school board sent
a letter to Robinson’s attorney in July addressing Robinson’s
continuing concerns about the December investigation and stat-
ing the school district found no wrongdoing and considered the
matter closed.
When classes started in the fall of 2014, Robinson contin-
ued to seclude himself in his office. He avoided interacting
with school staff except through email. At least once in August
2014, Robinson perceived a communication relating gener-
ally to school business as a personal attack on him. Robinson
testified at the hearing that he considered his work environ-
ment hostile, because he never received an apology after the
December 2013 incident and did not think he had been told
he was cleared of any wrongdoing over the incident with
the student.
5. August 28, 2014,
Union Meeting
On August 28, 2014, after the school term had started, the
teachers’ union held a meeting at the community center in
Bridgeport. The meeting was called by legal representatives
of the union, and its general purpose was to inform members
of the union that Robinson had filed a complaint against the
union, alleging failure to provide representation. At this meet-
ing, the union explained how Robinson’s complaint would
be addressed and warned the members not to engage in any
type of retaliatory action toward Robinson. Robinson was not
invited to the meeting, but was aware it had been scheduled.
He asked another Bridgeport teacher to attend the meeting,
hide a tape recorder in her backpack, and record the meeting
for him. She did so.
Robinson listened to the recording the next day and was
upset by what he heard. Generally, the recording demonstrated
that although the meeting was intended as an informational
session and an opportunity for counsel to give general legal
advice to union members, various attendees made unflattering
- 746 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
comments about Robinson. Several noted they were afraid of
him, and one expressed fear that Robinson might bring a gun to
school. One referred to Robinson as a “creep.” Another said he
was not a “normal, stable-minded person.” When the attendees
were advised to let the administration know if Robinson made
a threatening comment, one stated, “But I think that’s how this
all got started.” Another attendee warned everyone to avoid the
athletic director, explaining that the athletic director was “on
[Robinson’s] side.”
The day after the union meeting, the Bridgeport principal
sent Robinson an email asking if Robinson could meet with
him and several teachers to review some new curriculum.
Robinson perceived the email as a threat, apparently because
he thought the curriculum meeting would be attended by
some of the same teachers who made unflattering comments
about him at the union meeting. Robinson forwarded the
principal’s email to Lambert, the superintendent. Robinson
informed Lambert that he perceived the proposed meeting
as an attempt to make him uncomfortable by forcing him to
face his accusers, and he declined to attend unless Lambert
ordered him to do so. Robinson also forwarded Lambert an
email he received from an administrator requesting some staff
training and informed Lambert he did not wish to meet with
a certain staff member because she was the leader of a “lynch
mob” against him. Additionally, Robinson emailed Lambert
to inform him that, because of what had been said about him
at the union meeting, he would not attend any athletic events
involving the school.
On Monday, September 1, 2014, Robinson emailed Lambert
and requested that Lambert have a school district representa-
tive contact Robinson’s attorney. The next day, Robinson sent
Lambert a reply to an email that was 6 months old and related
to the school safety plan. Robinson’s reply pointed out that the
plan contained various spelling errors. Lambert responded by
thanking Robinson for the input but asking why Robinson was
responding to such an old email. After sending Lambert two
- 747 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
additional emails generally indicating that he thought Lambert
was attacking him, Robinson went home sick.
6. Meeting With Superintendent
Lambert did not know about the August 28, 2014, union
meeting until after it occurred. Once he received the emails
from Robinson on August 29 and September 1 and 2, Lambert
was concerned about Robinson’s behavior, so he went to
Robinson’s office to talk with him. Robinson tape recorded
the conversation without Lambert’s knowledge. During this
conversation, Lambert asked Robinson, “Do you see that your
struggle with the past is affecting you now?” And, “Do you
understand that the feelings that you have . . . will make it
really tough for us to function and get to where we need to
be?” Robinson responded, “Yes, I get that completely.” The
record shows that during 2013 and 2014, Robinson also tape
recorded other meetings with school employees without their
knowledge or consent.
On September 4, 2014, Lambert gave Robinson a letter
informing him he was being suspended with pay. The letter
referenced Robinson’s inability to work collaboratively with
other school personnel.
In February 2015, Lambert notified Robinson that the school
was canceling his contract. Robinson requested and received a
hearing before the school board.3 After the hearing, the school
board voted unanimously to cancel his contract. Robinson
filed a petition in error in the Morrill County District Court,4
which affirmed. He filed this timely appeal, which we moved
to our docket on our own motion.
II. ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
Robinson assigns, restated and consolidated, that the district
court erred in finding (1) notice of the school board hearing
3
See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-827(2) (Reissue 2014).
4
See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-833 (Reissue 2014).
- 748 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
was proper, (2) Robinson’s due process rights were not vio-
lated prior to his suspension, (3) the school board’s use of a
hearing officer was proper, (4) evidence of Robinson’s conduct
during a previous contract period was properly received to sup-
port terminating the present contract, (5) the school board did
not improperly rely on documents not received in evidence,
and (6) there was sufficient evidence to establish a lack of pro-
fessionalism and insubordination.
III. STANDARD OF REVIEW
[1] The standard of review in an error proceeding from an
order of a school board terminating the contract of employment
of a certificated employee is whether the school board acted
within its jurisdiction and whether there is sufficient evidence
as a matter of law to support its decision.5 In this context, evi-
dence is sufficient as a matter of law if a judge could not, were
the trial to a jury, direct a verdict.6
[2] To the extent the assignments of error on appeal present
issues of statutory interpretation or issues of law, we reach an
independent conclusion irrespective of the decision made by
the court below.7
IV. ANALYSIS
1. Notice of M arch 6, 2015,
Meeting Was Proper
Robinson received advance written notification of a March
6, 2015, hearing on whether to cancel his employment
contract,8 and he was present and represented by counsel at the
hearing. Robinson does not dispute that he had actual notice
5
See McQuinn v. Douglas Cty. Sch. Dist. No. 66, 259 Neb. 720, 612
N.W.2d 198 (2000).
6
Id.
7
See J.S. v. Grand Island Public Schools, 297 Neb. 347, 899 N.W.2d 893
(2017).
8
See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-832(1) (Reissue 2014).
- 749 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
of the hearing, but he argues the school board failed to give
“[d]ue and proper notice of the hearing” “in accordance with
the Open Meetings Act” as required by § 79-832(2).
The Open Meetings Act requires “reasonable advance publi-
cized notice of the time and place of each meeting by a method
designated by each public body and recorded in its minutes.”9
The record shows that on February 24, 2015, the school board
posted notice of the March 6 meeting at three local Bridgeport
establishments: “Sonny’s Super Foods,” “Jack & Jill,” and
“Prairie Winds Community Center.” This method of notice
was used by the board and recorded in its minutes at least 21
times between January 14, 2013, and February 9, 2015. Board
minutes also show that on other occasions, the board published
notice of meetings in the local newspaper. As between these
two methods of notice, the record shows the board published
notice in the newspaper approximately 60 percent of the time
and posted notice at local establishments approximately 40
percent of the time.
The district court found notice was given in accordance
with law. Robinson argues the meeting notice was improper
because (1) the customary practice of the board was notice by
publication and (2) the minutes of the March 6, 2015, meet-
ing did not reflect how notice was given. We reject each of
these arguments.
The record shows the board gave notice of the March 6,
2015, meeting using a method it had used regularly over the
2 preceding years. We conclude this was “reasonable advance
publicized notice . . . by a method designated by [the board].”10
As for Robinson’s argument that the method of notice was not
properly recorded in the minutes of the March 6, 2015, meet-
ing, we find any such omission to be irrelevant. The intent of
the notice requirement is to adequately notify the public, in
advance of the meeting, when and where the meeting will take
9
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-1411(1) (Reissue 2014).
10
§ 84-1411(1).
- 750 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
place,11 and the record shows this was accomplished. This court
has never held that the failure to record the particular method
of notice used nullifies actual notice properly given, and we
decline to do so here. To the contrary, in a related context,
we held in Schauer v. Grooms12 that even though a designated
method of service was not formally set forth in the minutes as
such, § 84-1411(1) is satisfied by evidence from which one
could “discern, through the minutes of past meetings, a cus-
tomary and consistent method of notifying the public.”13
Here, the record shows the method used to provide pub-
lic notice of the March 6, 2015, meeting was used by the
board and recorded in its minutes at least 21 times between
January 14, 2013, and February 9, 2015. It further shows both
Robinson and members of the public were given reasonable
advanced notice of and attended the meeting. The district
court did not err in finding that notice was given in accord­
ance with the law.
2. Use
of H earing Officer
Not Improper
The school board hired an attorney—referred to by the par-
ties as a “hearing officer”—to preside over Robinson’s hear-
ing.14 Robinson objected to this procedure, arguing the use of a
hearing officer was not statutorily authorized.
Nebraska statutes allow a Class IV or Class V school dis-
trict to use a hearing officer when the issue of termination of
a certificated employee is determined.15 These statutes require
the parties to select the hearing officer and authorize the hear-
ing officer to actually conduct the hearing and serve as the
fact finder who makes recommendations to the board for its
11
See Schauer v. Grooms, 280 Neb. 426, 786 N.W.2d 909 (2010).
12
Id.
13
Id. at 443, 786 N.W.2d at 924.
14
See, generally, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-513 (Reissue 2014).
15
Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 79-840 to 79-842 (Reissue 2014).
- 751 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
final decision.16 Bridgeport is not a Class IV or Class V school
district, and thus, Robinson is correct that the use of a hear-
ing officer was not authorized by these statutes. We conclude,
however, that the attorney hired by the school board was not
the sort of hearing officer referenced in these statutes and that
the procedure used was not improper.
After Robinson objected to the use of a hearing officer, the
attorney representing the school administrators in the hearing
explained that the attorney hired by the school board was not
acting in the capacity of a “hearing officer” statutorily autho-
rized for Class IV and Class V school districts, but instead
was presiding over the proceedings, a role that was “extremely
helpful” to the school board, which lacked “legal training.”
The hearing officer himself explained on the record that it was
“customary” for school boards to seek outside counsel to help
conduct hearings in similar situations. He noted that his role
was to “see that this hearing is conducted fairly and efficiently
and in a manner consistent with Nebraska law” and empha-
sized that it was the board’s duty “to determine what the facts
are.” Indeed, the hearing officer expressly stated, “I have no
involvement in the ultimate determination made by the [b]oard.
My role is to conduct the hearing and then assist the [b]oard
through the process.”
Whether characterized generally as a “hearing officer” or
more precisely as counsel hired by the school board, we find
no error in the school board’s retention and use of counsel to
conduct and oversee the hearing on behalf of the board. The
board hired an attorney to preside over the hearing, rule on
objections, and receive the evidence to be considered by the
board. This attorney did not function as the fact finder and thus
was not the type of hearing officer statutorily authorized for
Class IV and Class V school districts.
[3] Both Robinson and the administration were repre-
sented at the hearing by counsel, and the school board hired
16
Id.
- 752 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
an attorney to preside over the proceedings. Section 79-513
expressly authorizes the board to hire legal counsel when it
deems it “necessary or advisable,” and no party directs us to a
statute, regulation, or practice that prohibits the procedure fol-
lowed here. We reject Robinson’s invitation to adopt a blanket
rule that precludes school boards from employing counsel to
help the board conduct hearings of this nature.
3. Decisionmaker Was Impartial
[4-6] Robinson also argues his procedural due process
rights were violated because the school board was not impar-
tial. The concept of due process embodies the notion of fun-
damental fairness and defies precise definition.17 But “‘“the
central meaning of procedural due process [is] clear: ‘Parties
whose rights are to be affected are entitled to be heard
. . . .’”’”18 Thus, we have said:
“When a person has a right to be heard, procedural
due process includes notice to the person whose right
is affected by a proceeding, that is, timely notice rea-
sonably calculated to inform the person concerning the
subject and issues involved in the proceeding; a reason-
able opportunity to refute or defend against a charge
or accusation; a reasonable opportunity to confront
and cross-examine adverse witnesses and present evi-
dence on the charge or accusation; representation by
counsel, when such representation is required by con-
stitution or statute; and a hearing before an impartial
decisionmaker.”19
Robinson argues the board was not an impartial deci-
sionmaker for several reasons, which we discuss in turn.
Prior to doing so, we note that as a general rule, decision-
makers are presumed to be impartial and unbiased; the
17
In re Interest of LeVanta S., 295 Neb. 151, 887 N.W.2d 502 (2016).
18
Id. at 165, 887 N.W.2d at 512.
19
Id. at 165, 887 N.W.2d at 513.
- 753 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
burden of showing otherwise rests on the party making
the assertion.20
(a) Prior Knowledge
Robinson asserts the board was not impartial, because it
knew of the issues related to Robinson’s contract prior to the
hearing. The record does indicate that board members had
some prior knowledge of the December 2013 incident with the
student and Robinson’s resulting allegations that his reputation
was not being protected by the administration. However, this
is only because Robinson himself requested a meeting with
the board in the early part of 2014 to present his complaints.
The record shows that beyond this communication, the board
had no other information about Robinson’s work performance,
because the administration followed protocol and did not dis-
cuss confidential employee matters with the board. Moreover,
when questioned on the record by the hearing officer and
Robinson’s counsel prior to the receipt of the evidence, each
board member affirmatively stated he or she would base a
decision “solely on the evidence received as a part of this
hearing and exclude anything [he or she] may have heard or
read about this matter prior to the hearing.” On this record,
Robinson failed to show the board’s impartiality was affected
by prior knowledge.
(b) Hearing Officer’s Participation
Robinson also claims the board was not impartial because, he
asserts, the hearing officer “participat[ed] in the deliberations.”21
Robinson suggests there is circumstantial support for his asser-
tion because (1) when referencing the board’s decision to
go into closed session to deliberate, the hearing officer used
the collective term “we” when referring to the board, and
20
Schweiker v. McClure, 456 U.S. 188, 102 S. Ct. 1665, 72 L. Ed. 2d 1
(1982).
21
Brief for appellant at 26.
- 754 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
(2) the hearing officer was present with the board during the
closed session.
As noted, at the commencement of the hearing, Robinson
questioned the hearing officer’s role and the hearing officer
explained that his role was limited to conducting the hearing
and advising the board throughout the process, and he would
have “no involvement in the ultimate determination made by
the [b]oard.” Moreover, before receiving evidence, the hearing
officer instructed the board on its role as the fact finder and
told the board what it could and could not consider in mak-
ing its decision. As part of that instruction, the hearing officer
admonished the board, “Do not take anything I say or do as
expressing my opinion as to how this case should come out or
how you should resolve any issue of fact.”
On this record, the hearing officer’s reference to “we” and
his presence with the board during closed session are insuf-
ficient to show the board was not an impartial decisionmaker.
(c) Consideration of Documents
Not Received
Robinson also argues the board was not impartial because it
considered matters outside the record during its deliberation.
Before addressing this argument, we provide some additional
background.
Prior to the hearing, counsel for the administration prepared
binders containing each proposed exhibit. The binders were
distributed to each board member immediately before the hear-
ing commenced. The board was instructed not to look at any
exhibit until it was offered and received, and this procedure
was followed by both counsel during the hearing. The record
shows that before deliberations, in the presence of counsel and
Robinson, any exhibit in the binders that had not been received
into evidence was removed at the direction of the hearing
officer and left on a table in the hearing room to be recycled.
It appears the hearing officer kept an original binder with all
exhibits in order to preserve them for the record.
- 755 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
The record shows that approximately 50 exhibits were
included in the binders but not received at the hearing.
However, the only exhibit Robinson specifically contends the
board improperly considered is exhibit 108. That exhibit is
a February 26, 2015, letter sent to Robinson and his counsel
by the administration’s attorney. The letter recited the allega-
tions against Robinson and provided a detailed summary of the
exhibits and testimony the administration expected to adduce
at the hearing. Exhibit 108 was admitted at the hearing, but
only for the limited purpose of showing the administration had
complied with statutory notice requirements.22 And at the con-
clusion of the evidence, the hearing officer directed each board
member to remove exhibit 108 from his or her binder, along
with the other exhibits that had not been received.
Robinson argues the board’s ultimate factual findings sup-
porting the decision to cancel his contract were similar to the
information contained in exhibit 108, and he speculates this
could only have happened if the board members kept a copy of
exhibit 108 in their binders or the hearing officer’s copy was
used in deliberations.
While there is similarity between the substantive content of
exhibit 108 and the board’s ultimate factual findings, that is
not surprising. Exhibit 108 was the administration’s prehearing
disclosure of the alleged grounds for cancellation, the reasons
supporting cancellation, and a summary of the anticipated
exhibits and testimony of each witness. In other words, exhibit
108 laid out in detail what the administration intended to prove
at the hearing. The boards’ findings after the hearing tracked
with the issues and evidence presented, and reflected what it
determined the administration had proved. Rather than sug-
gesting reliance on materials outside the record, the board’s
findings merely reflect that the administration carried its bur-
den of proof.
22
See § 79-832.
- 756 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
On the record before us, Robinson has not shown the
board’s impartiality was affected by exhibit 108. Robinson
does not argue why inclusion of any of the other 50 exhibits in
the binders during the hearing was prejudicial to him, and we
therefore do not address any of the other exhibits.23
(d) Motion for Closed Session
After all parties had presented their evidence to the school
board, the hearing officer informed the board that it could
move to conduct its deliberations in closed session. A board
member so moved, the motion was seconded, and on a roll
call vote, all members of the board affirmatively voted to
deliberate in closed session. The hearing officer then stated
on the record that the board was going into closed session at
7:44 p.m. in a nearby conference room for its deliberations.
Robinson did not object to the closed session or the process
followed by the board, but did ask that the court reporter
remain in the hearing room in case “the board members
. . . end up having a question that needs to have discussion.”
At 10:36 p.m., the board reconvened in open session and
announced on the record its proposed findings of fact and
proposed decision.
On appeal, Robinson argues the motion to go into closed
session did not comply with the Open Meetings Act.24 The
school board relies on this court’s decision in McQuinn v.
Douglas Cty. Sch. Dist. No. 66 25 to argue that § 84-1410, which
sets out the procedure for public bodies to hold closed sessions,
has no application here, because the school board was acting in
a judicial function and not as a public body.
We do not address either argument, because Robinson’s
failure to object to the closed session or to challenge the
23
See, In re Claims Against Pierce Elevator, 291 Neb. 798, 868 N.W.2d 781
(2015); Obad v. State, 277 Neb. 866, 766 N.W.2d 89 (2009).
24
See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-1410 (Reissue 2014).
25
McQuinn, supra note 5.
- 757 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
procedure followed in connection therewith, effectively
waived the argument he seeks to present on appeal. This
assignment of error is without merit.
4. Evidence of Conduct in Prior
Contract Period A dmissible
During the hearing, Robinson repeatedly objected to the
admission of any evidence related to his conduct outside the
time period from August 13 through September 4, 2014. He
argued this was the only relevant time period, because the issue
was whether his current contract, effective August 13, should
be canceled, and he was suspended on September 4. The hear-
ing officer overruled each of these objections, reasoning the
board was not prohibited from considering conduct from a
prior contract period in determining whether the current con-
tract should be canceled.
[7] Our prior case law demonstrates that a school board can
consider all relevant conduct when determining whether to
cancel a contract. In Hollingsworth v. Board of Education,26
we reversed the district court’s judgment affirming a school
board’s termination of a tenured teacher’s contract. In doing so,
we referenced evidence related to the teacher’s entire 21⁄2-year
teaching career at the school and did not limit our analysis to
only the year prior to the termination. We applied a similar
analysis in Schulz v. Board of Education.27
Here, evidence related to the incidents that occurred dur-
ing the prior contract period—particularly the December
2013 incident involving the student—was intertwined with
Robinson’s conduct thereafter and his deteriorating job per­
formance. As such, the evidence was necessary to under-
standing and evaluating the reason for Robinson’s contin-
ued inability to work collaboratively with his fellow school
26
Hollingsworth v. Board of Education, 208 Neb. 350, 303 N.W.2d 506
(1981).
27
Schulz v. Board of Education, 210 Neb. 513, 315 N.W.2d 633 (1982).
- 758 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
employees and thus was relevant to determining whether
his current contract should be canceled. We agree with the
district court that there is no merit to Robinson’s argu-
ment that this evidence was irrelevant and should have
been excluded.
5. Sufficient Evidence to Support
Canceling Contract
Pursuant to § 79-827, the contract of any certificated
employee may be canceled by a majority of the members of the
school board during the school year for, among other things,
incompetency,28 neglect of duty,29 unprofessional conduct,30 or
insubordination.31 The board canceled Robinson’s contract after
finding he had acted in an unprofessional manner, neglected
his duties, been insubordinate, and not acted in a compe-
tent manner.
Robinson argues there was insufficient evidence in the
record to support the cancellation of his contract. The district
court found there was sufficient evidence as a matter of law
to support the board’s decision. We agree with the district
court.
(a) Incompetency and
Neglect of Duty
[8,9] “Incompetency,” in the context of this case, includes
“demonstrated deficiencies or shortcomings in knowledge
of subject matter or teaching or administrative skills.”32 We
have held that teacher incompetency is not measured in a
vacuum or against a standard of perfection but, instead, must
28
§ 79-827(1)(d).
29
§ 79-827(1)(e).
30
§ 79-827(1)(f).
31
§ 79-827(1)(g).
32
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-824(4)(a) (Reissue 2014). Accord Boss v. Fillmore
Cty. Sch. Dist. No. 19, 251 Neb. 669, 559 N.W.2d 448 (1997).
- 759 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
be measured against the standard required of others perform-
ing the same or similar duties.33
Robinson was the curriculum coordinator. There was con-
siderable evidence demonstrating his shortcomings in adminis-
tering his coordinator duties. For example, he refused to attend
meetings with staff and administration. He refused to leave
his office, even after being directed to stop secluding himself.
And he refused to work collaboratively with staff and admin-
istration on curriculum and testing issues.
[10] “Neglect of duty” is not defined in the applicable
statute, but our cases have recognized that, generally, there
must be evidence of something more than occasional neglect.
“‘Evidence that a particular duty was not competently per-
formed on certain occasions, or evidence of an occasional
neglect of some duty of performance, in itself, does not ordi-
narily establish incompetency or neglect of duty sufficient to
constitute just cause for termination.’”34
The record contains sufficient relevant evidence showing
more than just occasional incompetence or neglect of a particu-
lar duty. Lambert testified that after Robinson was suspended,
Lambert discovered significant discrepancies related to cur-
riculum orders made by Robinson that had to be rectified.
Specifically, Robinson had lied about certain purchases for
the curriculum and had exchanged inappropriate and unprofes-
sional emails with a district curriculum vendor. On this record,
the evidence of incompetency and neglect of duty was suffi-
cient to support the board’s decision.
(b) Lack of Professionalism
and Insubordination
[11,12] “Unprofessional conduct” is not defined in the
applicable statute, but we have explained that it must be
33
Eshom v. Board of Ed. of Sch. Dist. No. 54, 219 Neb. 467, 364 N.W.2d 7
(1985).
34
Boss, supra note 32, 251 Neb. at 676, 559 N.W.2d at 453, quoting Sanders
v. Board of Education, 200 Neb. 282, 263 N.W.2d 461 (1978).
- 760 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
conduct directly related to the fitness of the employee to
act in his or her professional capacity.35 “[I]nsubordination”
is defined as the “absence of subordination or submission;
resistance to or defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders;
refractoriness, [or] disobedience.”36
The evidence demonstrating Robinson’s lack of profession-
alism and insubordination in the workplace was substantial.
Summarized, the evidence showed that as the result of real
or perceived slights, Robinson grew increasingly antagonistic
toward other teachers and the administration. Despite encour-
agement from the administration to start fresh, Robinson per-
petuated past conflicts, refused to come out of his office,
refused to attend meetings to discuss curriculum, and refused
to interact or collaborate with other teachers. He secretly tape
recorded conversations with school staff, including Lambert,
and responded with hostility to discussions regarding his job
performance or curriculum. Robinson commented that he may
“go nuclear” and that other employees should not “pick a
fight” with him.
All of this conduct resulted in a dysfunctional working
environment. Robinson admitted he lacked a functional rela-
tionship with at least eight members of the Bridgeport staff,
which he also admitted was unprofessional. In addition,
Lambert testified that professional conduct required an ability
to respond to criticism in a healthy way and to develop work-
ing relationships with colleagues; the record shows Robinson
did neither. Robinson’s refusal to come out of his office and
attend meetings to discuss curriculum can fairly be character-
ized as insubordinate behavior.
We conclude there was sufficient evidence as a matter of
law to support the board’s finding that Robinson’s conduct
was unprofessional and insubordinate.
35
See, Daily v. Board of Ed. of Morrill Cty., 256 Neb. 73, 588 N.W.2d 813
(1999); Boss, supra note 32.
36
“Insubordination,” Oxford English Dictionary Online, http://www.oed.
com/view/Entry/97185 (last visited April 12, 2018).
- 761 -
Nebraska Supreme Court A dvance Sheets
299 Nebraska R eports
ROBINSON v. MORRILL CTY. SCH. DIST. #63
Cite as 299 Neb. 740
6. Presuspension Error
Not Preserved
[13] Robinson contends the school violated his due process
rights when it suspended him with pay in September 2014. His
petition in error enumerated 32 assignments of error, but there
was no error assigned to suspending him with pay. As such,
the issue was not before the district court in the error proceed-
ing and has not been preserved for appellate review.37
V. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the decision of the
district court affirming the board’s cancellation of Robinson’s
contract.
A ffirmed.
Wright and K elch, JJ., not participating.
37
See McQuinn, supra note 5 (error not asserted in petition in error not
preserved for appellate review).