Fargo Park District Sought Dismissal of Lawsuit
The district requested that a judge dismiss a wrongful termination and age discrimination case filed by a former director.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Job Search
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The Fargo Park District requested a judge dismiss a wrongful termination and age discrimination lawsuit filed in March 2025 by former executive director Dave Leker. Leker, 61, claims the district retaliated against him following his 22-year tenure with the organization.
Why it matters
The legal filing highlights internal disputes over administration and leadership expectations within a major municipal body. Leker argues he faced a hostile work environment and discrimination, while the district maintains his termination was based on documented performance failures.
The district submitted performance reviews dating to 2020 to support its dismissal motion. Leker, who served three years as executive director, applied to over 100 positions after his 2023 termination.
The players
Dave Leker
He is a former executive director of the Fargo Park District who currently leads the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District.
Fargo Park District
This is the municipal agency responsible for maintaining public parks and recreational facilities in Fargo.
Susan Faus
She was promoted to the position of executive director of the Fargo Park District in December 2023.
The details
The Fargo Park District filed a legal brief asserting that Leker failed to meet standards for leadership, communication, and administration. Leker claims the district pressured him to sell his West Fargo home in 2022 to comply with residency policies prior to his eventual termination.
Timeline
Leker began his tenure as executive director in 2020.
The Park Board voted 3-2 to terminate Leker on June 13, 2023.
Susan Faus was promoted to executive director in December 2023.
Leker filed his lawsuit against the park district in March 2025.
A jury trial for the case is currently scheduled for May 2027.
Market Landscape
The litigation mirrors broader tensions in public sector leadership transitions where residency mandates and performance assessments intersect. This legal battle follows a pattern set by the 2022 Fargo Park District residency policy, which has been central to the conflict between the board and former executive leadership.
Residents and taxpayers may see public funds diverted toward ongoing litigation costs until the matter is resolved. The outcome of the trial could also influence administrative personnel policies and leadership stability within the district.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of documented performance reviews in professional separations. Disagreements over administrative policy often carry significant long-term legal consequences for public organizations.
What happens next
A judge is expected to issue a ruling on the motion to dismiss in the coming months, followed by a scheduled jury trial in May 2027.
Further reading
For more on administrative career transitions, visit the Job Search section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by INFORUM.
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