Edison, wife may sue Plymouth school system

By ANITA MUNSON, Tribune Staff Writer

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Plymouth High School head basketball coach Michael Edison

Plymouth High School head basketball coach Michael Edison lost his job for inappropriately using his school computer. He told WSBT News in October 2007 he would have done anything to keep his job. (WSBT file photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 31, 2008 at 3:14 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 31, 2008 at 3:44 PM EST

PLYMOUTH — Emily Edison, wife of former Plymouth High School varsity basketball coach Michael Edison, confirmed Monday afternoon that they have filed a tort claim against Plymouth Community Schools Corp. in connection with Edison’s resignation Oct. 10.

A notice of tort claim is a document claiming personal wrong or injury against the entity with whom it is filed. Under Indiana law, an individual has 180 days from the time of the alleged wrong or injury to file notice of the claim. It could not be immediately determined when the notice was delivered to the school corporation.

The Edisons have hired Fort Wayne employment law attorney Cynthia Rockwell to serve as their counsel. A message left with her office was not immediately returned this afternoon.

Ron Gifford, attorney for the Plymouth school system, referred inquiries concerning the tort claim to Dan Tyree, assistant superintendent. A message left with Tyree’s office was not immediately returned.

Plymouth school officials — including former schools superintendent John Hill and current Plymouth High School principal Jim Condon — met with Edison after a review of his use of school computers was alleged to be improper. He was asked to resign or face termination.

Edison vowed to fight to keep his job as a coach and teacher before he resigned. The school board accepted the resignation, after accepting petitions that Edison supporters said contained 650 signatures.

Monday, Apr 21 at 5:39 PM LYFFF- Plymouth resident wrote ...

Why is it always about the basketball? The Plymouth Community School Corporation needs to focus on their AYP scores and graduation percentage. I withdrew my daughter from PHS when they demonstrated a lack of concern for her success. The ONLY shining light in that school is Mr. John Fishback.

Friday, Apr 11 at 12:20 AM nathan wrote ...

if mt condon is caught smokin a joint in his car in the parking lot of the high school what happens??? i would think termination as for the lawsuit everyone deserves their day in court this is the usa and i think if he and emily want that its their right i was really looking forward to another edison leading the way for the pilgims maybe we can get mike pettibone oh yeah the school sysgtem did screw that one up well GO PILGRIMS and good luck with the future

Friday, Apr 11 at 12:16 AM nathan wrote ...

well here we are another dispute as if the plymouth schools havnt had enough but.... Let me say that i remember mrs jack edison and jack himself as teachers they were great teachers and an awesome coach i went to school with lise michaels older sister and i can say that the whole family was a great asset to the community and i am sure lisa who is teaching at washington i beleive will continue but... rules are rules michael did wrong he admitted it he is forgiven it doesnt get him his job back

Saturday, Apr 5 at 1:23 PM Alex wrote ...

Framed? Then why did he make the big "I'm a porn addict" speech at his church? Interesting. Personally, I'd rather get fired then take it to court than quit and then sue. He admitted he was guilty as soon as he submitted his resignation. If you are innocent then FIGHT!! But don't fight after the fact. It makes you look guilty.

Friday, Apr 4 at 8:55 AM Jered wrote ...

I wonder why he admitted to it on TV then if he knew all along that he wsa framed?

Thursday, Apr 3 at 9:14 PM mercy wrote ...

You will find when the facts come out that Michael did not get on the site after warned. He was framed.

Thursday, Apr 3 at 6:17 PM PHS Mom wrote ...

Michael and Emily Edison disgust me. They are the type of "Christians" who are a malignant influence on everyone.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 11:39 PM Stephen wrote ...

As an IT professional I can tell you, pop ups do not just "happen" If an email sends you to a porn site, there is a record of how you got there. The cookie it leaves does not matter at it is the way you got there that is important. Everything you do on the Internet leaves a trail. If it was an accident it will come out in the technical evidence. People that think they can go somewhere, look at something, whatever, and be anonymous are mistaken. There is always a trail of truth.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 1:57 PM Frank wrote ...

Wow Drewkers that sounds like a brilliant legal strategy: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, while my client admits to repeatedly violating documented school policies and codes of conduct which he was well aware of, my cleint is not at fault. The school is at fault, because they failed to protect my client...from himself. I ask for a one million dollar award to compensate my client for lost wages, and damage which the school has done to his character. Is anyone buying this one either?

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 1:45 PM Perone wrote ...

I think everbody understands your point drewkern. Anyone that followed this story knows that he was looking for porno, it didn't just pop up on him. The dude admitted to it on the tv and I saw it. If it did he would be like"oh god some porn just popped up here and I don't know what to do!" " Oh stop popping up like that, I hate porn"

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 1:01 PM Drewkers wrote ...

Pop ups happen, and when they do you are tempted to click, FRANK. I guess you only read half of a point. We all get them and what we do with them is up to you. PHS has to take some responibility for this, If he could surf those site so could the kids. Where my kids go even the myspaces and facebooks are blocked. It is possible to block and should have been done way before this all accured

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 12:56 PM Rhonda wrote ...

I saw this guy admit what he did on TV. He looked at porn, right? and why is it that he is suing the school? Sounds like a real Christian thing to do.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 12:54 PM over it wrote ...

Without justice there's chaos. I read somewhere that when a person personally knows a child molester they are more likely to make excuses for the offender. I think that rule is true here also.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 12:39 PM Tara wrote ...

To Drewkers: I've had to pay dearly for some of my sins. How else do we learn from our mistakes?

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 12:35 PM Angie wrote ...

To don't get it - what's grumping?

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 12:33 PM School Employee wrote ...

I work for a high school in Michigan, and have for 5 years. We have an awesome Technical Department and I have NEVER had a porn "pop-up" come through any e-mail. Therefore, I find it hard to believe Edison did. If the PHS Tech Dept isn't up to that standard, they should be. If the Tech Dept IS up to that standard, shame on Edison. We must be set an example for the kids we work with. Nice guy or not, it is important to show staff and students alike that EVERY decision has consequences.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 11:48 AM Frank wrote ...

Well thanks for the information, Drewkers, you seem like an expert at receiving this type of mail. For your edification, all of the news reports I read indicated that they knew what he was doing, what kind of sites were visited,how often, and how long the visits occurred. Mails systems on the other hand block the receipt of objectionable material so as to minimize the introduction of a virus. If you are suggesting that this is what happened to him, the news reports suggest that he surfed it.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 10:50 AM drewkers wrote ...

it is obvious FRANK that Plymouth Schools did not have great software to block this type of attack, otherwise he (and the students) would not be able to get on these type of sites. And it isnt Porn that friends would be sending, it s the cookie attatched to a joke or even an inspirational message. THe devil uses all kinds of our devices and hits our weaknesses. REmmeber we have ALL sinned and not one sin is greater than the other. So "you without sin throw the first rock."

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 9:07 AM Warned? wrote ...

Several bloggers keep referring to the School Board stating that Michael violted the computer policy AFTER he was warned. Does anyone have links to this type of communication? I don't ever remember seeing that, and I think you will see some back pedalling if they did say that.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 10:27 PM Human wrote ...

Lawsuits aren't always all about the money, it's about affecting change and forcing the school to live up to their duty to be fair and consistent and abide by employment laws. Both sides have to play by the rules. I don't know the administrators in Plym. but in my area the administrators don't play by the rules. They've been known to cover up some things and go on witchhunts about other things depending on who they rub elbows with. That doesn't set a good example of accountability either.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 9:15 PM Aww whaa ...whaaa wrote ...

Cry like a big baby for the old sleazer..

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 8:22 PM Frank wrote ...

I don't think anyone has attacked Mr. Edwards here in a shameless manner. I repeat your quote(s) "I think you'll be surprised at the facts" as if this was some kind of prophetic conclusion. You are just as guilty of reading into this thing a truth which has not been determined, at least from a legal point of view. He ws discharged with good cause from the the school system and that is the only "fact" that remains after this shameful discourse that you engaged in.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 7:52 PM don't get it wrote ...

is this Frank guy just a grumping dude or what? when you get a life, don't screw it up...we're all watching you!!

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 7:38 PM ChurchMate wrote ...

I didn't promise any "surprises" and never said I had "facts". Simply putting thoughts into writing. I must apologize if I offended anyone for jotting down my opinion on an "open" opportunity article page. First time trying, last time ever. Mr. Edison, as a person who has made mistakes in my past too, I hope you have learned from your mistakes and enhance the lives of your wife, children, and people you meet in your life in the future. Sorry for shameless attacks on you because of my opinions.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 6:41 PM Frank wrote ...

To Answer Drewkers question Directly the answer is: NEVER If people send you porn-in-the-mail at your work place, then they have a weak system for preventing this type of malfesense. Surely the school system of Plymouth has adequate e-mail protection to prevent this sort of thing. Secondly, do you think his church buddies were sending him porn-in-the-mail? Doubtful. The school board explained exactly what happened, and now Edwards is not employed in a situation where he can be around kids.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 6:13 PM nate wrote ...

I think that Churchmate and You'll be surprised are the same person. Why? This isn't a blog, it is the comment section of an article. :)

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 6:06 PM Susan wrote ...

"You'll be surprised", does the school have a handbook for teachers? Did he violate that handbook, or code of ethics, even one time? He needs to be a man, take his punishment, and move on. As Bob stated, you can't teach children personal responsibility if you have zero of your own. He may be a great human being. In fact, I have no doubt he is. With that in mind he needs to do the right thing and move on. He looks like a spoiled child doing what he is doing now. It's disgusting to watch.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 6:01 PM Frank wrote ...

Ok, here we go again. I am going to assume that blogger "You'll be surprised" is a different blogger than the one who promised a "Surprise" So what this blogger is essentially saying, is that the School Board went on television and in front of the community and lied: 1) about the first warning 2) that there was a reoccurence of the inappropriate internet access 3) That this is a vast conspiracy concocted to accuse a teacher who was popular Anyone buying this one?

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 5:27 PM Frank wrote ...

So Churchmate, here is what we have then: No surprising Facts whatsoever, just a bitter former teacher who is trying to bully the school system into some kind of settlement because he has a lawyer who is willing to take on this kind or work, whether there is merit to it or not. You started your first blog post with such zeal, just like Edison did when he went on TV and tried to hoodwink people into thinking him an innocent victim. Don't you see how his lack of humility is at fault here?

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 4:58 PM He was never given a second chance! wrote ...

Why do people believe he was given a "second chance"? None of that ever happened and it will be proven in court. All of you would want ot clear your name as well. Finally, someone has the guts to challenge the system that inaccurately, and tortiously, indicted him.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 4:53 PM You'll be surprised wrote ...

I can't even believe at all the self righteous people on this blog. Do any of you KNOW Michael Edison? He is probably the most Christian person I know. Have none of you ever made a mistake in your life? This man deserves his day in court. You will be surprised with all the behind the scenes events that occurred here. If he were your son, wouldn't YOU want him to be able to tell his side of the story? He was never "warned" and never got on a bad site after being confronted.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 4:27 PM Drewkers wrote ...

How many times have you been sent a joke by a friend and when you clicked on it a porn pop up comes up. It happens quite a bit. And then you have the cookie set, so you start getting more Porn popups. Not saying this is what happens, but a good filter installed by Plymouth Schools would have made this whole thing a no story at all and Mr. Edison would still be teaching. PHS is as responsible as Mr. Edison on this because they have not installed the blocking software to protect the students.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 4:27 PM concerned wrote ...

It is pretty sad that Michael and his wife are going to sue Plymouth Corp. When you are working with children/kids there is no way that we can allow teachers to look at things that they should not be looking at during school. It is sad b/c the Edison's say that they are christian and I believe that they are but they need to think again before going on with this action. I guess in the end we will see how wrong Michael was.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 4:20 PM ChurchMate wrote ...

For the first blog I've ever joined, this has been quite the experience. Frank-last time. I DON'T KNOW FACTS. The moral of my post is to illustrate how insignificant our bantor is, and how cruel we are as a Nation to people when we don't know the facts before we challenge one's value to our community. If they are filing a tort suit, I think we will be surprised by the facts. We're all entitled to opinion, but you are stifling mine. I respect your opinion, respect mine. Thanks for the amusement.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 3:06 PM Bob wrote ...

Forgive him? Absolutely! Forget? Never. We should forgive because that is what God wants us to do. To forget what he did would be foolish. Looking at porn while you are at school surrounded by young people is a mistake they should not ever forget or allow. The rules were clear. If he gets his job back what would that teach those kids about personal responsibility? And to sue the school is simply sour grapes. He isn’t entitled to anything just because his father was an honorable man.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 2:49 PM Frank wrote ...

Churchmate, I am going to try one more time here. The first time I heard of this story, I prayed for Mr. Edison that he would get a second chance. He was very convincing on TV. I then found out that he shot his second chance. You stated that we would be "Surprised by the Facts" I am asking you then, what is so surprising that this school system now has to defend itself against a tort suit? There is a budget crisis of unforseen proportions going on, and now a lawsuit! Tell us Churchmate, why?

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 1:51 PM ChurchMate wrote ...

Frank, the "facts" are that this story is not indicative of who Michael Edison is as a person. We all make poor choices. The "fact" of the matter is, when as Americans, we can find humility and empathy for our fellow man, we will achieve a world that is once again desirable to live in. People do things we deem wrong, and we call for their heads. Are we not guilty of shortcomings as well?

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 12:10 PM Anonymous wrote ...

SUE YOU ARE A SAD PERSON AND I HOPE YOU GET HELP. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 11:01 AM j wrote ...

I graduated from Plymouth High School in 1974 when Jack Edison was a teacher and a coach. I feel really bad for Jack. I'm usre that he is mortified by his son's actions. Now Michael is filing suit against Plymouth High School???? What is he thinking??? Does he really think that he stands a chance of gaining anything from this? He was wrong. End of story. There should be ZERO tolerance in a case like this.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 10:58 AM Frank wrote ...

Churchmate, Again, forgive my tenor, and I am not casting stones here. There is no doubt that Michael is a great guy that found himself in trouble, but you seem to be back-peddling from your earlier statement that we would be surprised by the facts. What are these "Facts"? That is all I want to know. The school system gave him a chance before he left. Did they set him up? That is the only possible reason that I can conceive of that merits a suit. You opened the door, please answer why.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 10:08 AM ChurchMate wrote ...

Seek God...personal attacks? Ever heard of the Golden Rule. God calls us to be teachers and servants, not lawyers and judges. I commend you for clearing ALL your skeletons from the closet. I go to church with the Edison's. Do I support his actions? NO. Am I disappointed in his actions? YES. I do, however, support the fact that as a couple, they are willing to accept their choices made, but address inaccuracies. We could all use some personal inflection when it comes to our shortcomings.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 9:14 AM ChurchMate wrote ...

Frank, what I'm trying to say is simple. We live in America. What a blessing. We don't know how good we have it. I don't know all the facts. Don't need too. What I do know is that we live in a Country that has a system, whether we agree with it or not, that is set up to decipher fact or fiction, even in this case. Am I disappointed in the conduct represented in this story? YES. Do I desire healing and restoration for the Edison's? YES. More servants...less judges.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 9:13 AM concerned wrote ...

i hope he gets his job back. there have been alot of wrong doing from the employees at phs....for some reason he was chosen to show an example of...they need to treat everyone the same, not just pick and choose who has to follow the rules and who doesn't. and believe me there has been worse than what he did and they sweep it under the rug.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 8:35 AM rick wrote ...

i await the tearful news conference, wife by his side where he admits he is a sex addict and an alcoholic and is going into rehab. cue mentions of country, church and god and a few tears. dude, you went to porn websites at work, deal with your own actions!

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 5:51 AM Alex wrote ...

Sue the school? For what? Give me a break. And these people are supposedly christians? Do the right thing and let it go already. All you are doing is embarassing yourself and your community.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 5:19 AM Seek God wrote ...

How can you be a churchmate and supporte this. So he looked at porn, he is a grown man. It's in the fashion and mannerism he looked at it. You people dont get it. If he was already warned and had such a fix that he needed it again????What's next peeping the girls locker rooms? as a wife and mother I would be more upset that this was so public rather than to sue and bring it all up again. Do you really think it was okay for your husband?Submissive is one thing.Churchmate,do you even go to church?

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 12:33 AM Susan wrote ...

Gee Tom I suppose you think it's okay to look at porn at work? Who gives a crap about productivity and the like. No Tom, I just know what's right and wrong, obviously unlike you!!! And obviously others think as I do, so get a clue!!!

Monday, Mar 31 at 11:58 PM Joe wrote ...

To PHS - who are you to judge when Penn is FULL of SNOBS and rich kids from Granger, Knollwood and surrounding areas. This guy deserves another chance, it is not right to terminate someone that was liked by all the students!

Monday, Mar 31 at 10:11 PM PHS Student wrote ...

he was given TWO chances, the first i can understand, but TWO! no. i am sorry, but i do not think he should get anything. he had his chance.

Monday, Mar 31 at 9:36 PM Fred wrote ...

"Park em on the on ramps off every highway into every large city thats what I say block em up. This has gone way to far. I am behind the drivers all the way!!!" This one is too tasty to pass up on as well. My hope is that for every truck parked in this way, we see a trucker face federal charges. Maybe a little time in the can will curb the trucker enthusiasm. Whit knights of the highway.. yea right!

Monday, Mar 31 at 9:25 PM Human wrote ...

Glad to hear they are holding the school corp. accountable for administering disciplinary action and complying with employment laws on a fair and consistent basis. You can't pick and choose what rules you want to enforce. He broke the rules but the overkill may have ruined his career. The way I understood it there was no second chance. Should we clean house of all the teachers that have ever made a mistake? PHS lost a dedicated, respected teacher and coach. EVERYBODY makes mistakes at some point

Monday, Mar 31 at 8:45 PM Frank wrote ...

Churchmate, just to clarify, you can tell he is a stand up guy, and by the support he got from the students, you can tell he was probably a great teacher. He made a mistake once and was warned, he made it again and was released. I find nothing surprising in those "facts" Can you enlighten us all as to what the facts are? Did the school board sabotage him by looking at the indecent web sites and then blamed it on him? Was it a student? A janitor? A basketball? Tell us all Churchmate?

Monday, Mar 31 at 8:03 PM Disgusted wrote ...

Pitiful...Are we giving teachers 3 strikes before they get fired for looking at porn? Or is the family upset how well the Boys Basketball team did without him?!?!?!?Sorry Jack...

Monday, Mar 31 at 8:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...

If you had to look at porn couldn't you have done it at home. Work is no place to be looking at that on the internet. Come on now you are old enough to know better. As far as suing that is plain stupid because you were in the wrong and they even gave you a second chance. Anything to make a buck these days I guess. Just to many sue happy people out there who make the world a sad place.

Monday, Mar 31 at 7:15 PM steve wrote ...

break the rules and get fired.he might be a good coach but if you want to look at that stuff do it at home.work compurters are for work.perv

Monday, Mar 31 at 6:21 PM Tom wrote ...

Susan, i bet your a joy to be @, i feel sorry for your significant other anyway im glad you have your life all figured out, now you can start worrying about others. Please leave your friday night support group sermon to yourself no one cares what you think!!!

Monday, Mar 31 at 5:20 PM Susan wrote ...

Looking at porn at school? Does he think this is appropriate behavior and he should get a pat on the back and a raise too??? Come on!! Reality check please!! I'd be fired instantly and I don't work for a school system. And his wife is supportive of his behavior? Or just upset at the loss of her lifestyle. Get a clue and a divorce!!!

Monday, Mar 31 at 4:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...

dont look at porn on school time then you wont get fired! duh !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, Mar 31 at 4:38 PM ChurchMate wrote ...

Michael IS a really nice guy. And a GREAT teacher. Let the facts come out before we pass judgement on him...I think you'll be surprised at the facts. Keep up the fight, Edison's. We love you.

Monday, Mar 31 at 3:49 PM Frank wrote ...

This teacher sounded like a really nice guy, and I felt sorry for him, until I learned that he had been given a second chance, before he was caught a SECOND time. Now he is going to sue? I'm sorry, but I think he had his chance.

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