MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) - A former Mattoon School Board member is suing the Mattoon Community Unit School District, Mattoon Tim Condron Superintendent and the CUSD2 Board president for alleged retaliation.
Heidi Larson's attorneys filed suit after she said the Superintendent and Board president retaliated against her after she made comments that are protected by her free speech rights. Larson said from 2021-2025 she criticized decisions made by the district, including a mask mandate and funding for the LIFT program. Larson said she also questioned construction contracts, requested a review of the Superintendent Condron and challenged his travel expenses. She believed the superintendent then retaliated against her to deflect attention and transparency.
Larson was an Eastern Illinois University professor during her time as a Board member. She said the Mattoon superintendent misrepresented Larson, compelling EIU to launch an investigation into Larson.
"The intentional interference with Larson’s employment was in retaliation for Larson’s Protected Speech and Activity in the past, to coerce and chill its continued expression and to coerce Larson not to run for re-election to the Board."Â
The investigation was later dropped and Larson cleared of any wrongdoing, according to the lawsuit. However, the investigation was pending when Larson came up for re-election, preventing her from running.
Larson is seeking damages and attorneys fees.
CUSD2 said the claims "are without merit" and that the district will fully defend itself.Â
"While the district adamantly disagrees with the allegations in the complaint, the district is committed to upholding the rights of all students, staff, faculty, board and community members to express their beliefs and exercise their constitutional right of free speech," the district said in a statement.
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