HACKENSACK — A former Hackensack High School teacher has filed a lawsuit accusing the city Board of Education, former Superintendent Robert Sanchez, and Principal Jim Montesano of discrimination.
Angelica Paton, who filed the lawsuit last week in state Superior Court in Hackensack, alleges she was assigned to teach special education—a subject she was not certified for—and was subsequently terminated after informing district officials of her pregnancy.
Paton, who began her tenure at Hackensack High School in January 2022 with a focus on English, was reassigned to special education classes in August 2022. According to the lawsuit, this reassignment was problematic as Paton, holding a master’s degree in education and certified to teach high school English, lacked the certification for special education and had no plans to obtain it.
The lawsuit claims Paton requested to continue teaching general education but was denied. Additionally, she asserts that the district failed to provide adequate classroom support or hire a replacement teacher.
In January 2023, Paton took a 30-day leave of absence due to job pressures. After discovering her pregnancy in February and submitting a request for maternity leave in April, she was informed the following month that her contract would not be renewed.
The lawsuit states that Paton’s termination caused her public embarrassment, humiliation, and significant emotional distress, exacerbated by her pregnancy. She was told her dismissal was due to poor performance reviews. However, Paton argues that this explanation was false and a cover-up for the real reason—her pregnancy and upcoming maternity leave.
Paton, who had previously received positive performance reviews and praise from students, parents, and school officials, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, lawsuit costs, and any additional relief the court may deem appropriate.
Neither Montesano nor School Board President Scott James-Vickery responded to requests for comment.
