Waterville schools to pay teacher $430K to resign

WATERVILLE, Wash. (AP) — A high-school math teacher of Chinese descent who sued the Waterville School District for discrimination has agreed to resign in exchange for about $430,000.

The Wenatchee World (http://is.gd/NmTpg2 ) reports Jim Zhu (zoo) and the district agreed to the settlement earlier this month.

His attorney says Zhu will receive the equivalent of more than three years of pay, before attorney fees.

The school district has issued a statement that denies liability for any discrimination and confirms the financial settlement for his resignation and an agreement to dismiss all claims against the district.

The district has also agreed to give him a letter saying he was a satisfactory teacher.

Zhu has worked for the district since August 2006. He was fired in 2009 for alleged acts of misconduct, including verbally abusing students and refusing to help struggling students. But a state hearing officer ruled the district did not have enough evidence to substantiate the claims and reinstated Zhu.

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Information from: The Wenatchee World, http://www.wenatcheeworld.com