Former La Academia Athletic Director Files Two Lawsuits
Jerry Johnson claims Lancaster charter school fired him in retaliation for reporting a racially motivated assault.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Secondary Education
Jerry Johnson has filed two federal lawsuits against La Academia Partnership Charter School in Lancaster. He alleges that he was wrongfully terminated in retaliation for reporting a racially motivated assault against his son.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights serious allegations of discrimination at the school, which faced significant leadership turnover earlier this year. Johnson asserts his firing was a retaliatory move after he demanded action regarding the safety of his child.
La Academia serves approximately 200 students with a staff of 50 employees. Jerry Johnson, who held a seven-year tenure at the school, claims his termination for lack of certification is invalid under Pennsylvania law.
The players
Jerry Johnson
He is the former athletic director of La Academia who worked at the school for seven years.
Aidalis Lopez
She serves as the Director of Operations at La Academia Partnership Charter School.
Mark Simms
He is the former CEO of La Academia who resigned from his position in March 2026.
Chris Boyd
He served as the school board president before his resignation in April 2026.
Clarina Rodriguez
She is the former principal of the school who resigned in May 2026.
The details
Johnson claims his son was stabbed with a pen by a student who used a racial slur in March. The lawsuits name Director of Operations Aidalis Lopez and former CEO Mark Simms, alleging the school blocked his path to completing a performance improvement plan.
Timeline
Early March 2026: A student allegedly assaulted Johnson's son with a pen.
Late March 2026: Former CEO Mark Simms ended his leadership role at the school.
April 2026: The school board approved the resignations of Simms and board President Chris Boyd.
May to July 2026: Johnson was placed on a performance improvement plan.
October 13, 2026: Two federal lawsuits were filed against the school and its officials.
Culture Shift
This dispute reflects a broader struggle regarding administrative accountability and hiring standards within the Pennsylvania charter school system. The case underscores tensions between institutional governance policies and the state-level professional requirements for educators.
Parents and staff in the Lancaster area may see increased scrutiny regarding the school's internal policies and leadership decisions following these filings. The case could influence how local charter institutions document disciplinary actions and professional development requirements.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the critical importance of transparent dispute resolution and clear employment standards in educational settings. Readers should note that documented correspondence and adherence to state-mandated roles are essential for both employees and administrative entities.
Further reading
For more context on local school policies and administration, visit the Lancaster Secondary Education section.
