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An interim award by an arbitrator does not constitute a "final determination? for the purposes of an Article 75 appeal challenging the award

An interim award by an arbitrator does not constitute a "final determination? for the purposes of an Article 75 appeal challenging the award
Matter of Geneva City School Dist. v Anonymous, 2010 NY Slip Op 06915, Decided on October 1, 2010, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

The Geneva City School District filed 16 disciplinary charges pursuant to Education Law §3020-a against a tenured teacher [Anonymous] employed by the district.

Anonymous asked for a hearing, and the parties selected, "by mutual agreement," an arbitrator to serve as the Hearing Officer pursuant to §3020-a[3][b][ii] of the Education Law. At the commencement of the hearing, Anonymous moved for summary judgment dismissing 11 of the 16 charges. The Hearing Officer made an "interim award" granting the motion. Before the hearing reconvened to consider the remaining 5 charges filed against Anonymous, Geneva filed an Article 75 action seeking to vacate the interim award, contending that it was irrational and violated an important public policy.

Supreme Court rejected Geneva?s arguments and denied the petition. The Appellate Division affirmed the Supreme Court?s ruling, explaining that ?The interim award was not ?a final and definite award? resolving the matter submitted for arbitration? within the meaning of CPLR §7511[b][1][iii].

In the words of the Appellate Division, ?Inasmuch as the interim award does not constitute a ?final determination made at the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings? there is no authority for judicial intervention at this juncture.?

The decision is posted on the Internet at:
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/reporter/3dseries/2010/2010_06915.htm
NYPPL

Full post as published by New York Public Personnel Law on October 06, 2010 (boomark / email).