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Keywords

contractlawsuitbreach of contractdamagesattorneytrialverdictmotionwrongful termination

contractbreach of contractdamagesattorneytrialverdictmotionwrongful termination

Related Cases

McNaughton v. Charleston Charter School for Math and Science, Inc., 411 S.C. 249, 768 S.E.2d 389, 165 Lab.Cas. P 61,560, 314 Ed. Law Rep. 560, 39 IER Cases 1278

Facts

Cynthia McNaughton was hired by the Charleston Charter School for Math and Science to teach art while participating in the PACE program for teacher certification. Despite receiving positive feedback, she was terminated mid-year to reallocate her salary for a new math teacher. McNaughton claimed her termination was unjust and filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and breach of contract, among other claims. The trial court granted a directed verdict on some claims but allowed the breach of contract claim to proceed, resulting in a jury verdict in her favor.

Cynthia McNaughton was hired by the Charleston Charter School for Math and Science to teach art while participating in the PACE program for teacher certification.

Issue

Whether the trial court erred in denying the school's motions for a directed verdict and judgment notwithstanding the verdict on McNaughton's wrongful termination/breach of contract claim, allowing the jury to award special damages, and awarding attorney's fees under state law.

Rule

The court applied the principle that a breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their obligations under the contract, and special damages may be awarded if they were within the contemplation of the parties at the time the contract was made.

Analysis

The court found sufficient evidence to support the jury's conclusion that the charter school breached McNaughton's employment agreement, particularly noting that funding was available for her position at the time of her termination. The court also determined that McNaughton had presented adequate evidence to justify the jury's award of special damages, as the school was aware of her status in the PACE program and the potential consequences of her termination.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decisions, holding that the charter school breached the employment agreement and that McNaughton was entitled to special damages and attorney's fees.

Who won?

Cynthia McNaughton prevailed in the case because the jury found that the charter school breached her employment agreement and awarded her damages.

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