The former state director of Madison County Region II Special Education claims breach of contract in a lawsuit against the agency.
Debra Hamel of Vandalia says the terms of her early retirement, which went into effect June 30, included fully paid family medical insurance coverage.
According to her complaint filed Nov. 14 in Madison County Circuit Court, a committee accepted her retirement letter on Feb. 19, 2006, which included a reduction in maximum salary increase, use of vacation days and full family medical coverage.
She claims the agency now refuses to provide full family medical coverage.
"As a result of this refusal, Debra Hamel will have to make provisions for health insurance for her husband, Denny Hamel, which will be approximately $701.00 per month and increasing over time," the complaint states.
She claims her husband, who is 59, would have had six years of coverage under the agreement totaling at least $50,472.
Her suit seeks at least $50,000 in damages.
Hamel is represented by Brock Willeford of Greenville.
Retired education director sues agency for failing to pay family medical coverage
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