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If John Deasy is, indeed, stepping down as superintendent of the LA Unified School District, the district appears to be moving to protect itself against a lawsuit.

When reached by phone, Deasy would only tell LA School Report that he has “not submitted a letter of resignation” and that he can’t talk before he meets with the board members tomorrow.

But a revised agenda (click here) for tomorrow’s board meeting was posted on the school board website over the weekend, with one addition to the closed-door discussion:

“Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation –
Significant Exposure To Litigation Pursuant To Gov. Code
Section 54956.9(d)(2) (1 Case) – Superintendent’s Separation.”

From the California Code, here’s what the section refers to:

“(2) A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the
legislative body of the local agency on the advice of its legal
counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there
is a significant exposure to litigation against the local agency.”

It’s unclear whether this language reflects due diligence by LA Unified’s legal team or new concern by the board that Deasy might have cause for legal action in response to rumors that board members may have played a role in his departure by leaking it to reporters. By terms of Deasy’s contract, he can be fired with 30 days notice.