New job for gay former Catholic school leader

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. (AP) — The Mercer Island, Wash., School District says it plans to hire a gay administrator who was forced out of his job at a suburban Catholic school after his same-sex marriage.

KING-TV reports that the Mercer Island district says Mark Zmuda has been selected to fill the job of associate principal at Mercer Island High School, effective July 1.

Zmuda was forced out of his vice principal job at Eastside Catholic High School last December for marrying his partner the previous summer. He is currently suing the school and the Seattle Archdiocese for discrimination and wrongful termination.

KING says Mercer Island Superintendent Gary Plano will recommend to the school board that Zmuda be confirmed as associate principal. According to a district statement, Zmuda was chosen from more than 60 applicants.

Zmuda will also serve as the school’s athletic director.

Mercer Island is also a Seattle suburb.