Ex-Greensburg Salem administrator defends taking $193,000 settlement

A former Greensburg Salem administrator said she accepted a settlement with the district because of the cost to taxpayers and herself if a dispute over her position at the high school continued.

“It absolutely made no sense to use taxpayer money on a battle that had no benefit on the education of children,” Lisa Rullo said.

School directors approved the settlement on Wednesday in a 5-3 vote.

Rullo, a Greensburg Salem employee since 1996, will receive nearly $193,000 in financial compensation to leave the district's employ as of March 31.

District officials had proposed demoting her from her $134,996-a-year job as director of student and district services to an associate principal's position at the high school, which paid less.

Rullo took the unusual step of requesting a public hearing.

Two sessions were held before the settlement was reached after the parties met behind privately with a mediator.

During testimony at the hearings, Superintendent Eileen Amato said she was disappointed in Rullo's leadership skills but never formally reprimanded Rullo for her performance.

At the time, Rullo's attorney, Charles Steele, accused the district of trumping up charges for reasons other than job performance.

Rullo indicated there were “political overtones” behind her proposed demotion, but declined to address them. “It's not in anyone's best interest to get hung up on that kind of thing,” she said.

Under the settlement, Rullo will receive a $40,000 payment from the district within 30 days of the final execution of the agreement.

The remaining $147,500 will be paid to Rullo in two equal installments during the next two calendar years, according to the agreement.

In addition, the district will reimburse her for 11.5 days of accumulated and unused sick days, totaling $5,948.10, and continue to provide her health care coverage until June 30.

So far, taxpayers have paid $54,815.27 in fees to the law firm of Andrews and Price and Solicitor John Scales for matters related to Rullo, according to district records.

Rullo has at least seven days after the school board's vote to reject the settlement, but indicated she does not plan to do so, unless something unforeseen arises.

The first installment of her settlement will go to pay her attorney, whose services will cost “well over $40,000,” Rullo said.

She indicated she plans to remain in the Greensburg area.

“I'm going to do the best I can to be a great community member and citizen and help children and people to be successful,” she said.

Bob Stiles is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-836-6622 or bstiles@tribweb.com.