McLaughlin v. Tilendis

Plaintiffs, John Steele and James McLaughlin, are schoolteachers, and each brought a separate two-count complaint for slander and malicious interference with contract against defendant, Albert Tilendis, Superintendent of Schools of School District No. 149. On defendant’s motion the trial court dismissed the actions stating defendant enjoyed an absolute privilege in his official capacity. Plaintiffs’ actions have been consolidated on appeal.

The issue in both actions is whether communications made by a school superintendent to a board of education regarding the qualifications of teachers are…