Motion hearing set for Rude lawsuit
Published 12:28 pm Saturday, January 9, 2010
Austin Public Schools is asking for a dismissal of Curt Rude’s lawsuit against the district and former superintendent Candace Raskin.
A motion hearing has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m., March 10.
“We are seeking a dismissal. A hearing has been set and a judge has been assigned,” superintendent David Krenz said.
Krenz and the school board met in a closed legal strategy meeting Friday with special counsel, Margaret Skelton of Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A.
Krenz said the meeting was to discuss the motion for dismissal as well as to brief new school board members Aaron Keenan and Jeff Kritzer.
Former Austin police captain and current school board member Rude sued the district and former superintendent Raskin in November. Rude alleges that statements made by Raskin up to two years ago were defamatory and damaging, and seeks at least $50,000.
This is the minimum required in a civil suit.
APS has denied all allegations and asked that Rude recoup any expenses incurred.
APS Superintendent David Krenz first said in December that the district would seek a dismissal.
Rude’s attorney, Andrea Niesen of Bird, Jacobsen & Stevens, could not be reached for comment.