Former KC schools worker gets $362,000 in lawsuit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The chief of staff for former Kansas City School District Superintendent Anthony Amato has been awarded $362,000 in a complaint against Amato and the district.

In a complaint filed in 2007, Emanuel McCrainey contended that Amato retaliated against him after he privately complained to Amato about his alleged use of derogatory names for two board members.

The Kansas City Star reports that McCrainey also claimed the district's legal counsel, some board members and other administrators knew the he was concerned about retaliation, but did nothing.

A Jackson County jury determined Friday that the school district and Amato should each pay $16,000 in compensatory damages. The school district was also ordered to pay another $250,000 and Amato another $80,000 in punitive damages.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com