South Kitsap School District settles discrimination case with former coach

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) — The South Kitsap School District has settled with a former assistant high school coach who sued in federal court, alleging his contract was not renewed because of racial discrimination.

The Kitsap Sun says the district will pay $100,000 to Derek Sparks, who agreed to drop his claims.

Superintendent Michelle Reid said Friday the district "continues to deny any liability for its actions, and the resolution is not indicative of any wrongdoing on behalf of the district."

Sparks' attorney did not immediately return a request for comment.

Sparks worked at South Kitsap High School from 2009 through July 2011, when his contract was not renewed. He sued in 2013, saying his dismissal stemmed from his reporting racial slurs on the part of three fellow employees.

Sparks is now head football coach at Seattle's Garfield High School.