West Bonner County School District has reached a settlement with Branden Durst, the district’s short-tenured former superintendent, agreeing to pay $67,500 to resolve a wrongful termination lawsuit filed last year.
The settlement, finalized in late December and signed by Durst on January 2, covers lost wages, damages and attorney fees stemming from his removal after serving just four months in the position. The amount represents a fraction of the $400,000 Durst originally sought when he filed suit in February 2024.
Disputed Resignation Letter at Center of Lawsuit
Durst’s legal action alleged wrongful termination, breach of contract and lost wages and benefits after district officials interpreted a September 25, 2023 letter as his resignation. The letter, which Durst posted on social media, stated he believed it necessary to step aside as superintendent with his last day to be determined by the school board.
In his lawsuit, Durst maintained the letter was intended to address what he characterized as a hostile work environment created by certain board members, not to resign from his position. He calculated his losses at more than $402,000, including over $220,000 in total compensation and $181,465 in state retirement benefits.
State Certification Questions Complicated Case
The district’s legal response argued that even if Durst had not resigned, his employment contract was invalid because state education officials denied him the certification required to serve as superintendent in Idaho.
When Durst sought the superintendent position in June 2023, he applied to the Idaho State Board of Education for an emergency provisional certificate. He hoped that credential would allow him to work toward fulfilling all requirements outlined in Idaho code for school superintendents.
State law requires superintendents to have four years of full-time certificated experience working with students under contract with an accredited school, among other qualifications. Durst did not meet that threshold when hired.
Following a legal review of Idaho statutes, the State Board’s executive director determined the board lacks authority to grant certificates to administrators who do not meet statutory requirements. Executive Director Matt Freeman wrote that without meeting all five requirements for a superintendent endorsement under Idaho code, no pathway existed for Durst to obtain legally required certification for the West Bonner position.
Settlement Closes Chapter for District
Settlement documents note both parties deny liability but chose to resolve the matter to avoid continued litigation costs. The case was dismissed with prejudice, preventing Durst from filing another lawsuit based on the same claims.
Public records containing the settlement agreement were obtained through a records request by KREM 2 News. The $67,500 payment represents approximately 17 percent of Durst’s original demand.
What Comes Next
With the settlement signed and the case dismissed, West Bonner County School District can move forward without the legal uncertainty that has surrounded the superintendent position since fall 2023. The district must ensure any future superintendent candidates meet all state certification requirements before contract approval. The brief tenure and costly legal dispute underscore the importance of verifying administrative credentials align with Idaho education code before districts finalize leadership appointments.