In a recent decision that could have statewide impact, DeKalb County State Court Judge Dax Lopez denied the DeKalb County School District’s motion dismiss GAE’s liquidated damages lawsuit. The Court’s decision clears the way to holding a trial on whether the liquidated damages provision in educator contracts is valid and enforceable. The liquidated damages provision in contracts has been used as a financial penalty to prevent teachers from resigning, even for good and valid reasons, during the term of the contract. An eventual win would mean that teachers in DeKalb County would not be subjected to this abusive practice and it would have implications for stopping the practice statewide. opportunity to present evidence from her witnesses.
