Flagler School Board Reaches Two Six-Figure Settlements with Former Employees

The Flagler School Board recently resolved disputes with two former employees, Board Attorney Kristy Gavin and school principal Paul Peacock. Both Gavin and Peacock received six-figure settlements for issues surrounding their dismissal. Gavin, who served as Board Attorney for 14 years, received $160,000 in July, while Peacock’s settlement was for $100,000. Another case involving former ESE director Martha von Mering was settled for $19,500 in October.

Gavin’s dismissal in January 2024 was a long-anticipated event that occurred before the end of her contract. The majority vote to fire her came from Will Furry, Christy Chong, and former Board member Sally Hunt. Peacock, the former principal of Wadsworth Elementary School, was placed on leave in May 2023 following text messages revealing his involvement in the firing of former Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt. He was later informed he would not return to the school district.

Peacock received his settlement of $100,000 from the school district in November. Meanwhile, von Mering received a payment of $10,500 on November 1st, along with an additional $9,500 to her attorneys on the same day. Gavin has since moved on from the Flagler School Board to work as an Asst. General Counsel for the City of Jacksonville, a position she has held since February of the previous year.