Constance Days-Chapman with her attorney, Lee Vartan.
Atlantic City High School's suspended principal had her record cleared when a motion to dismiss charges against her was recently approved.
Now, her legal bills are paid as well.
The Atlantic City Board of Education approved two payments Wednesday night, covering the $338,770.07 it cost for the criminal defense of Constance Days-Chapman.
The principal faced several charges of official misconduct after she was accused of failing to report abuse allegations made by the daughter of Mayor Marty Small and Schools Superintendent Dr. La'Quetta Small.
Days-Chapman's attorney, Lee Vartan, insisted throughout that his client did report the allegations and was just collateral damage because of her relationship to the Smalls.
Days-Chapman, known as Mandy to her friends and family, also was the mayor's campaign manager and a close friend of the family.
After the mayor was acquitted at trial in December, Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds made a motion last month to dismiss the charges against Dr. Small and Days-Chapman, who earned her doctorate during her time suspended.
Reynolds said that after speaking with the Smalls' now-18-year-old daughter, it was in the best interest her and justice to dismiss.
That has now become official, clearing the way for the school district to cover Days-Chapman's legal bills, since she was charged in her official capacity.
NJSA 18A:16-6.1 allows a school board to "defray all costs of defending the employee, including reasonable attorney fees, including costs of appeal, but only if the employee wins the case."
It also states that the board "shall save harmless and protect the employee from any financial loss whatsoever resulting from defending the action."
School districts are to have insurance to cover these types of costs.
"With the board's approval, this ordeal is fully and finally behind Mandy," Vartan told BreakingAC. "We thank all those who remained supportive of Mandy throughout this abusive prosecution.
"After almost two years, Mandy is back where she belongs: behind the principal's desk at Atlantic City High School," he continued.
Days-Chapman received a warm welcome when she returned to work last month, complete with a crowd of the senior class, band members and both Smalls.
The board approved two payouts in line items not listed on the public agenda, that it appears were discussed during executive session.
The first is $241,485.61 for unpaid attorney fees. The second is $97,284.46 in reimbursement to Days-Chapman for money she paid out during the case.
While Days-Chapman did not go to trial, Vartan argued several motions on her behalf, including taking some to appeal.
The Board of Education attorney did not return a request seeking comment.
