North Idaho College settled a lawsuit with a former communications director for $20,000, the college announced Friday.

Laura Rumpler filed a federal lawsuit last year against the college, alleging trustees deprived her of her due process rights, violated the terms of her employment contract and Idaho’s employment laws, the Coeur d’Alene Press reported last year. 

Rumpler resigned in September 2023 after an undisclosed personnel matter caused friction with trustees for months.

Since then, a new board majority has taken over at the college and decided to settle the legal action, while continuing to “categorically” deny Rumpler’s allegations.

“The decision to settle the case was based on the best interests of NIC, avoiding the high cost and distraction of litigation, and maintaining a positive path forward,” the college’s statement reads.

The settlement is far less than the $1.3 million discussed in relation to Rumpler’s initial allegations.

Rumpler’s initial complaint alleged that the board of trustees and the college president created an “unsafe and untenable” workplace through “toxic, retaliatory and harassing conduct,” the CDA Press reported.

As part of the settlement, Rumpler agreed not to disparage NIC or its employees.