A former CEO has taken legal action against her previous employers, alleging a series of retaliatory and discriminatory actions that led to her wrongful termination. Jodi Jones filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, on February 19, 2026, against Innovative Education Management and South Sutter Charter School. The lawsuit accuses these entities of retaliation for protected activity and religious discrimination.
Jodi Jones served as the CEO for Innovative Education Management (IEM) and South Sutter Charter School. She claims she was subjected to retaliatory actions after reporting unethical conduct by the President of IEM, Randy Gashler. According to the complaint, Jones discovered inappropriate personal expenses charged to the organizations and reported them to both the President and the Board. Instead of addressing her concerns, Jones alleges she was demoted to a non-existent position without prospects for advancement. “The retaliatory conduct has only increased,” states Jones in her filing. Furthermore, she accuses Gashler of harassing her due to her lack of shared evangelical Christian beliefs, which ultimately contributed to her wrongful termination when she refused to sign an “Improvement Plan” she deemed improper.
Jones’s timeline within the organization reveals numerous instances where she raised concerns about internal practices, including employee classifications and conflict-of-interest issues. Despite bringing these matters to light through emails and meetings with board members such as Larry (Board Chair) and counsel Arlie Capps, no substantial investigations were conducted. Her attempts at whistleblowing led not only to professional setbacks but also emotional distress and financial damages.
In addition to seeking back pay and future income loss compensation, Jones is pursuing general damages for emotional distress caused by what she describes as harassment based on religious discrimination under California Government Code §12940 et seq., alongside punitive damages for what she characterizes as malicious conduct by IEM’s leadership. The complaint underscores that Defendants’ actions violated public policy by terminating Jones partly due to religious discrimination.
Representing Jodi Jones is attorney Robert P. Biegler from The Biegler Law Firm. The case is filed under Case No. 2 RmwoosoaoFr in front of judges at the Superior Court of California in Sacramento County.
Source: 26CV003907_Jodi_Jones_v_Innovative_Education_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
