Title: Settlement re: Deborah Bennett v. Magnum Publishing, et al

Recommendation:
I recommend the Board approve the settlement in the matter of Deborah Bennett v. Magnum Publishing Co., Jeff Perlman and the Palm Beach County School Board and authorize the Chairman and Superintendent to execute all related documents.

Description:

• All parties to the lawsuit are parties to the Settlement Agreement.
• The lawsuit with Plaintiff is settled and the only payments made to Plaintiff are $3,000.00 from the Co-Defendants (Magnum and Mr. Perlman) and $3,000.00 from the School Board, for a total of $6,000.00 as payment of attorneys’ fees. 
• Mrs. Bennett will dismiss with prejudice the trial court action after receipt of payment and delivery of an affidavit from Mr. Perlman and specified documents. (This Affidavit and the documents have already been delivered to Plaintiff.)
• A representation that counsel represents the parties and the agreement is voluntary. The parties acknowledge this is their entire agreement and there are no other representations other than what is contained in the Settlement Agreement.
• A limited release by Mrs. Bennett of any claims, except as to obligations under the Settlement Agreement, against the Defendants and their agents relating to the public records request underlying this lawsuit, as well as a release by the Defendants against Mrs. Bennett for claims arising from the litigation.
•  A non-admission clause. 
• Subject to School Board approval.

Financial Impact:
The financial impact is $3,000 from the general fund.

For Additional Information, contact:

Gerald A. Williams, Esq., Chief Counsel (williamsg@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)

Bruce A. Harris, Esq., Senior Counsel

Attachments (list):
Bennett Settlement March 1, 06.pdf