Petrilli v Silberman: Ishmael dismisses Constitutional Claims

In response to a set of motions made late Thursday, Fayette County Circuit Court Judge James Ishmael has dismissed a handful of constitutional claims made by former Booker T Washington Academy Principal Peggy Petrilli against Fayette Co Superintendent Stu Silberman.

In sustaining a defense motion for a directed verdict, Ishmael determined that Peggy Petrilli "had the requsite constitutional guarantees."

In other action, the judge denied the plaintiff's motion for directed verdicts on the other charges.

Trial continued this morning with Silberman and the board still facing claims of racial discrimination, retaliation and a whistleblower charge.

On the stand, Lu Young said she was aware, from Herald-leader reports of Petrilli's sudden departure from BTWA in August 2007, and that her Jessamnie County interview committee was concerned.
Notes from committee members said:

"too fast," "too focused," "left stakeholders behind," "stakeholders (PR)" and "must have PR"

Young acknowledged that Silberman told her of Petrilli's suit against Fayette County but the conversation took place after Jessamine had already slelcted another in district candidate as principal at Nicholasville Elementary, for which Petrilli had applied.

FCPS Special Education Director Kathy Dykes also testified this morning.

Judge Ishmael expects to conclude witnesses this afternoon and come back tomorrow for closing arguments and jury deliberations.