Picton

In this action for breach of contract, defamation and other torts, plaintiff Bruce Picton (Picton), a high school teacher, appeals from a judgment in favor of his former employer, defendant Anderson Union High School District (Anderson), after Anderson’s demurrer was sustained without leave to amend. Picton had been accused of unprofessional conduct and other matters by four female students. Pursuant to agreements with Anderson and with the student who had leveled the most serious accusation, Picton resigned from his teaching position.

In the published portion of this opinion, we conclude that Picton cannot allege causes of action for breach of contract and defamation against Anderson. Picton claims that Anderson breached a nondisclosure provision in the Anderson-Picton agreement by informing the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the committee of credentials of the facts surrounding Picton’s resignation. We conclude that this application of the nondisclosure provision is illegal and cannot be enforced. We also conclude that the communications to the committee of credentials were absolutely privileged under Civil Code section 47, subdivision (b), as they were made…