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extra time and wages during the litigation period. When held to T.C.A § 49-1411, Pullum’s<br />

reassignment was effective upon the date of commencement as established by the local school<br />

superintendent and school board.<br />

Disposition: The Chancery Court’s ruling was reversed, Pullum’s claims were dismissed,<br />

and costs were assessed against Pullum.<br />

Citation: In the Matter of Waterloo Community School District and Concerning William<br />

J. Gowans, 338 N.W.2d 153, (1983 Iowa Sup.).<br />

Key Facts: The Waterloo Community School District had been experiencing financial<br />

woes for some 15 years. In 1983, feeling yet another reduced budget, the school board, on<br />

recommendation from the superintendent, met in executive session to discuss reducing the<br />

number of elementary school principals by three. The board agreed to this, and one of the<br />

positions dissolved was that of William J. Gowans.<br />

Gowans received notification from the board that his job had been terminated based on<br />

the following reasons: continued decline in student enrollment, continued budgetary limitations,<br />

elimination of three full-time elementary school principal positions, and consideration of the<br />

performance of administrators. Gowans brought suit in district court where he was rewarded a<br />

reversal of the board’s action. That decision was appealed by the district and remanded to the<br />

Supreme Court of Iowa.<br />

Issues: (1) Was Gowans terminated under a reduction in force initiative or performance<br />

initiative? (2) Did the school district have to show evidence to support the fourth cause? (3) Was<br />

Gowans’ termination capricious and arbitrary?<br />

60

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