Ousted Public School Head May Sue School Committee for Breaking Contract

After losing a bid to remain superintendent of the Cambridge public schools. William C. Lannon may take legal action against the school committee, his attorney said yesterday.

"He's considering a lawsuit," said attorney Daniel J. Finn. "He's foreclosed no options".

Finn said Lannon could charge that committee members made false accusations against him or that the manner of Lannon's removal violated his contract.

Charging Lannon with political patton age and administrative improprieties, the committee voted two weeks ago not to renew his contract, which expires in August. A four-member committee majority has since defeated motions to reinstate him.

If Lannon decides on legal action, he will seek a financial award in reparation for the alleged offenses. Finn added.

Defending the committee's actions, committee Chairman 1 conard J. Russell who supported I annon said yesterday he believed the committee had followed contractual procedues.

Committee members contacted yesterday said that annon had not informed them of any intention to sue Lannon could not be reached for comment.

Rena H. Leib a committee member who supported Lannon, said she had discussed the possibility of legal action with him and feels that he may have grounds to sue "I think some things said at the hearing were not true. She added

Last week Linnon court Koocher said I an non lalsely represented a Black candidate's record when called to account for the appointment of a white administrator allegedly in violation of minority hiring guidelines.

Settlement

"The school committee has settled out of court so many that I wouldn't rule out the possibility of the superintendent hoping to win some out of court settlement." Koocher commented.

In 1969, the committee reportedly awarded James Sullivan $50,000 when he challenged his removal from the superintendency.

Lannon's controversial dismissal followed a series of public hearings and committee dehates. Hundreds of parents and teachers turned out to support the superintendent, whom many credit with restoring order in the city's schools.

Tonight, the committee will convene to Map out its search for a new superintendent. Preliminary plans drafted by Koocher provide for broad community input.