A former employee has filed a lawsuit against the Bayshore Union Free School District and several of its officials, alleging wrongful termination based on age bias.
The lawsuit filed by plaintiff Lisa Smyth accuses Bayshore Union Free School District and individual defendants—Dr. Joe Lemke, Chris Kauter, Dr. Steven Maloney, and Dr. LaQuita Outlaw—of age discrimination under both federal and state laws. Smyth alleges that she faced continuous discriminatory practices due to her age, which culminated in her unjust termination from her role as a School Library Media Specialist. The case details how Smyth was subjected to disparate treatment compared to younger colleagues, received unfounded negative evaluations despite her exemplary performance record, and was ultimately replaced by a less qualified younger individual.
Smyth's accusations are supported by numerous instances where she claims she was treated unfairly due to her age. She describes how, after years of dedicated service marked by positive evaluations and innovative contributions to the school's library program, she began experiencing hostility from new administrative personnel. Despite having been assured of future tenure and increased responsibilities based on her strong performance history, Smyth found herself increasingly marginalized. She recounts how meetings with administrators were marked by condescension and unwarranted criticism aimed at undermining her professional standing.
Smyth seeks relief from the court in various forms, including compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, reinstatement or front pay in lieu thereof, punitive damages for willful violations of anti-discrimination laws, as well as attorney fees and costs incurred during litigation.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Scott Michael Mishkin P.C. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 2:25-cv-02252.