Cortney Brooks, a former special education teacher and department chair at San Martin Gwinn Environmental Science Academy, has filed a lawsuit against the Morgan Hill Unified School District. The complaint, filed on September 11, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, accuses the district of retaliation for opposing unlawful discrimination under the Fair Housing and Employment Act (FEHA), retaliation based on association with a person having a disability, and whistleblower retaliation in violation of Section 1102.5 of the California Labor Code.
Brooks alleges that her son C.W., who was a student at the same school where she worked, was subjected to severe bullying due to his disabilities. Despite her repeated reports to school administration about these incidents and their failure to comply with her son’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), no corrective action was taken. Instead, Brooks claims she faced retaliatory actions from the district including reprimands, suspension, and ultimately constructive termination. “The District’s ongoing deliberate mistreatment created an environment intolerable for me,” Brooks stated in her complaint.
The complaint details numerous instances of bullying against C.W., including physical assaults and verbal harassment by peers from 2020 through 2024. It also highlights the school’s failure to adhere to statutory timelines required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for C.W.’s IEP meetings. Brooks asserts that when she voiced concerns about these violations as both an employee and parent, she faced unwarranted disciplinary actions which culminated in her resignation.
Brooks is seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by what she describes as adverse employment actions by the district. She also seeks back pay due to her suspension and constructive termination around May 2024. Additionally, Brooks requests any other relief deemed just and proper by the court.
Representing Brooks is attorney Stanley R. Apps from Studio City, CA. The case is being overseen by Judge A. Hernandez under Case No. 25CV474938.
Source: 25CV474938_Cortney_Brooks_v_Morgan_Hill_Complaint_County_of_Santa_Clara_California.pdf
