DMPS settles lawsuit against Hiatt principal, says investigation found no wrongdoing

Des Moines Public Schools is paying a minimal settlement to resolve claims that a middle school principal mistreated a student.

Laquisha Fountain and Deandre Smith Sr. sued the district in November 2022, days after their son was in a fight with another student at Hiatt Middle School. The suit accused Hiatt principal Joseph Green, while breaking up the fight, of grabbing their son hard enough to leave bruises and screaming at him in an "intimidating and unprofessional manner." The boy later went to the hospital.

The case was set for trial in June 2024, but on Nov. 1, the couple filed to dismiss the case. Phil Roeder, a spokesman for the district, confirmed the suit was settled for $250, paid by its insurance company, to cover the plaintiff's court costs.

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Although Green was briefly suspended while the district investigated, Roeder said an outside investigator reviewed the complaint against Green and found it to be "completely unfounded."

"Mr. Green returned to his position as principal of Hiatt Middle School," Roeder said. "He remains in that position today, and we are grateful for his service and dedication."

Attorney Ben Lynch, representing Fountain, said the family was glad to have the case concluded.

"We settled the lawsuit against the school district and are happy to put this behind us," he said. "The minor child is in a new school district and thriving."

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Education reporter Samantha Hernandez contributed to this report.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines middle school principal abuse lawsuit settled