Finance Director Claims Retaliation for Refusing to Falsify Data
Diane Johnson, former finance director for the Public Schools of Brookline, has filed a lawsuit against the district and the Town of Brookline, alleging she was unjustly terminated after refusing a request to present misleading financial data. Her suit claims that Susan Givens, the Deputy Superintendent of Administration and Finance, asked her to manipulate financial figures to portray an inaccurately positive outlook for the district’s finances.
Johnson served in her role from November 2023 until September 2025. The complaint, filed in November, also asserts that the district withheld over $10,500 in unpaid wages following her dismissal. Johnson’s attorneys argue the termination was not only retaliatory but also violated labor laws concerning wage payment.
Allegations of Falsified Financial Reporting
The lawsuit details an incident on January 14, 2025, when Givens allegedly instructed Johnson to present projected financial data as if it were actual, verified figures. Johnson refused, stating the request was inconsistent with standard practices and would mislead the School Committee.
The financial data in question related to the district’s special education services, which had seen disruptions due to unpaid invoices to third-party providers. These lapses reportedly led to service interruptions for students, as some providers declined to continue without compensation. Johnson’s attorneys claim that the altered figures would have falsely suggested the issues had been largely resolved.
Retaliation and Lack of Investigation
Following her refusal, Johnson claims she was immediately subjected to hostile treatment by Givens, including verbal outbursts and accusations of unprofessional behavior. Johnson reported this behavior the next day, on January 15, 2025, to then-superintendent Linus Guillory and Human Resources Director Alvin Cooper.
From that point through January 22, Johnson sent several emails requesting assistance and asking to avoid one-on-one meetings with Givens. Under Brookline’s own policies, such complaints should have triggered a formal investigation. However, Johnson alleges that no investigation was initiated for several months, during which she was increasingly sidelined from key budgetary responsibilities.
The lawsuit claims Johnson was excluded from the budget finalization process between February and May, resulting in errors and inefficiencies. Additionally, she was denied leave to attend a professional development conference, despite her employment agreement entitling her to such opportunities and reimbursements.
Formal Complaints and Termination
Johnson later filed a formal retaliation complaint with the Town of Brookline. The suit contends that the town’s attorneys conducted a flawed and delayed investigation, handled by a law firm with prior ties to defending the district and the town. The investigation reportedly took three months and concluded that Johnson’s claims were “unsubstantiated,” citing an incorrect policy in its findings.
On August 22, Johnson received notice of the investigation’s findings. Then, on September 5, interim superintendent Bella Wong informed her via email that she was being placed on administrative leave for alleged insubordination. On September 18, she was officially terminated.
The finance director position remains unfilled as of January, according to Wong. Johnson has since accepted a new role as the School Business Official for Stoneham Public Schools, beginning in November—just two months after her dismissal from Brookline.
Class Action Allegations and Broader Implications
Johnson’s lawsuit is also filed as a class action, representing former employees of the Town of Brookline or its school district who were terminated within the last three years and allegedly did not receive their final paychecks on time. The suit claims “dozens if not more” employees have faced similar wage issues, although it provides no specific evidence or names.
Attorneys Francis J. Bingham and Brook Hopkins, who represent Johnson, declined to comment further on the case. District officials, including Givens and Superintendent Bella Wong, also declined to comment, citing policies against discussing pending litigation. School Committee Chair Valerie Frias similarly refrained from remarking on the matter.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case raises questions about transparency, workplace retaliation, and the accuracy of financial reporting within public education institutions. The outcome could have implications beyond Brookline, potentially affecting how other districts handle internal disputes and financial oversight.
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