Pennell v. Board of Education of Equality Community Unit School District No. 4

Donna Pennell, a tenured teacher, sought a writ of mandamus compelling the board of education of Equality Community Unit School District No. 4 (the board) to assign her to a full-time schedule of courses. She also requested damages. The circuit court of Gallatin County denied the writ but held that plaintiff did not lose her tenure status as a result of her reduction to part-time status. Plaintiff appeals. Defendant cross-appeals regarding plaintiff’s tenure status.

The facts involved were largely undisputed. Mrs. Pennell obtained a high school teaching certificate entitling her to teach…