Former Hoyt Middle School Principal Settled Lawsuit
The Des Moines school district agreed to pay $24,000 to resolve a discrimination lawsuit filed by a former principal.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Special Education
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Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi Martinez has reached a settlement with Des Moines Public Schools to resolve a lawsuit alleging she was passed over for senior positions. The agreement concludes the litigation that began in December 2025 without the district admitting to any liability or wrongdoing.
Why it matters
The settlement allows both parties to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a scheduled November 2027 trial. It marks the conclusion of a dispute involving a former administrator who led Hoyt Middle School beginning in 2022.
The $24,000 settlement includes $16,000 designated for lost wages and emotional distress alongside $8,000 earmarked for attorney fees.
The players
Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi Martinez
She is a former principal at Hoyt Middle School who currently works in a human resources position for the state.
Des Moines Public Schools
This is the school district responsible for overseeing educational operations in Des Moines.
The details
Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi Martinez, who served as principal at Hoyt Middle School starting in 2022, alleged in her lawsuit that she faced discrimination when passed over for senior district roles. The school district did not admit to any wrongdoing or liability as part of the agreement, which was finalized ahead of a trial that had been slated for November 2027.
Timeline
2022: Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi Martinez became Hoyt Middle School principal.
December 2025: Lawsuit was filed against the district.
2025-2026: Bishara-Rantisi Martinez was replaced as principal.
November 2027: Original scheduled trial date.
Culture Shift
This settlement highlights the trend of resolving high-profile administrative disputes through private agreements rather than litigation. It reflects broader movements within local educational institutions to mitigate the financial and reputational risks associated with extended personnel lawsuits.
Residents and taxpayers in Des Moines should be aware that the $24,000 settlement is paid out from district resources. The resolution of this case removes the potential for further public expenditure on a scheduled court trial.
The takeaway
Legal settlements involving school administrators provide a pathway for districts to resolve disputes without a formal finding of fault. Readers should note that such agreements often prioritize financial finality over public admissions of liability.
Further reading
For more on administrative issues in the local school system, visit our Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Des Moines Register.
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