Bowling Green Independent School District Superintendent Gary Fields said the district will “vigorously defend against” a federal lawsuit filed by a former teacher accusing him, the school board and several employees of discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, among other charges.

The lawsuit brought by former T.C. Cherry Elementary School teacher Shellie Tidball claims she was criticized and demeaned by instructional coach Kristie Downing and that her supervisors neglected to stop the ridicule. T.C. Cherry Principal Kory Twyman and Director of Personnel Ken May are also named in the lawsuit, which was filed in July in U.S. District Court in Bowling Green.

“The defendants caused extreme emotional distress to Tidball by violating her rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and criticizing her to the point of severe mental anguish and impairment requiring medical treatment and hospitalization,” the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit also alleges that Tidball was denied reasonable accommodations, such as medically ordered time off work, for her severe anxiety and depression that resulted from being mistreated.

Tidball is seeking $1.5 million in damages and court costs.

Tidball’s attorney, Cameron C. Griffith, did not respond to calls placed to his office Wednesday or messages sent to an email address listed in a directory maintained by the Kentucky Bar Association.

According to the lawsuit, Tidball filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The complaint was returned April 23 and granted Tidball permission to pursue legal action. However, the EEOC was “unable to conclude that the information obtained establishes violations of the statutes.”

In a statement, Fields responded to Tidball’s lawsuit.

“Former employee Shellie Tidball has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Bowling Green Board of Education and several employees, including myself, alleging a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other claims,” Fields said.

“While I cannot comment on the details of pending litigation, Ms. Tidball voluntarily resigned her employment on January 5, 2018. Subsequently, she filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on April 9, 2018, making similar allegations. Within two weeks, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a dismissal notice of Ms. Tidball’s complaint and stated that based on its investigation, it was unable to conclude that any violation of law had occurred.

“We intend to vigorously defend against Ms. Tidball’s current claims as we strongly believe that we did not discriminate against her in any way.”

Downing remains employed by the school district. Leslie McCoy, director of communications for the district, wrote in an email Wednesday that the district has not yet filed a legal response.

– A copy of the lawsuit is available at bgdailynews.com.