By SAMUEL LOPEZ | USA HERALD
August 30, 2025
Case Intel
- A New Jersey school board faces a defamation lawsuit from its former broker.
- The plaintiff insists board officials lied about his licensure and costs.
- Defense coverage may hinge on the scope of the board’s public officials liability insurance. 🛡️
A Gloucester County lawsuit filed August 27, 2025, by insurance broker Christopher Milam accuses Washington Township Board of Education officials of defaming him in the course of replacing him with a different brokerage firm. The complaint paints a picture of personal attacks, misleading financial claims, and reputational damage. But like most defamation lawsuits against public entities, this one faces several hurdles that could limit its traction, shape the board’s legal response, and determine whether the district’s insurer will pick up the tab for a defense.
Milam’s core allegation is that in a September 2024 school board meeting, officials falsely accused him of costing the board about $400,000 in 2021. He claims the truth was the opposite: that his work secured the district a $469,000 medical loss rebate and another $69,000 in additional financial benefit. He also accuses the superintendent of lying by stating he was not a licensed insurance broker, even though he has held an insurance producer license in New Jersey since 2009. The complaint further alleges that the board’s business administrator told members they risked losing coverage unless they switched firms.
On the surface, these accusations, if true, look troubling. But the weaknesses in Milam’s case begin with the legal standard for defamation. Statements made in a public meeting by school board officials may be covered by qualified privilege, meaning the plaintiff must show not just that the statements were false, but that they were made with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth. ⚖️ This is a high bar, especially since courts generally give public officials latitude when discussing matters of public concern such as budgets, insurance costs, and vendor qualifications.
Another potential weakness lies in damages. While Milam claims reputational harm and lost income, he must tie the alleged statements directly to measurable financial losses. The board’s decision to change brokers could be defended as a discretionary business decision, regardless of any comments made at the meeting. Even if officials overstated costs or misstated his licensing status, the defense can argue that the board retained broad authority to select service providers. That decision-making process itself could insulate the board from liability, even if certain statements were exaggerated or mistaken.
The issue of licensure also invites defense strategies. While Milam emphasizes his long-standing producer license, records show he has restrictions when it comes to securities work. The board could use this to argue that questions about his credentials were not entirely baseless. Even if a misstatement was made, proving intentional falsehood may be difficult.
So how might the board legally defend itself? First, they will likely invoke absolute or qualified immunity for statements made in the course of official duties at a public meeting. They may argue that any statements were expressions of opinion or based on financial information reasonably believed to be true at the time. They could also stress that the decision to hire a new broker was motivated by fiduciary responsibility, not personal malice.
Moreover, the board might attempt to shift the litigation focus to causation, contending that Milam’s lost business was not solely the result of any alleged defamation but rather the product of a competitive procurement process or other performance concerns. In public contract disputes, even a flawed justification may not equate to actionable defamation if the board can show it acted within its discretionary powers.
That leads to the question of insurance. Would the school board’s current liability carrier cover defense costs in this case? Most New Jersey school boards carry public officials liability (POL) insurance, which typically includes coverage for employment practices, errors in administrative decisions, and in many cases, defamation claims against board members or administrators. 🛡️ However, coverage is not automatic. Many policies exclude coverage for intentional wrongdoing, malicious acts, or statements made with actual knowledge of falsity.
In practice, insurers often agree to defend under a reservation of rights, meaning they provide legal defense but reserve the option to deny indemnity later if the court finds intentional misconduct. This scenario is likely here. The school board’s carrier may assign counsel and cover litigation costs initially, since defamation claims fall into a gray zone between negligence and intentional torts. But if the plaintiff succeeds in proving actual malice, indemnity may be denied, leaving the district potentially exposed for damages.
Beyond the courtroom, the case underscores the tension between public oversight and reputational risk. School boards are tasked with scrutinizing financial performance and making tough calls about service providers. Brokers like Milam are understandably protective of their reputations, especially when false statements could affect future clients. The clash becomes a legal battleground where truth, privilege, and damages collide.
Milam, represented by Jordan Barbone of Jacobs & Barbone PA, seeks both compensatory and punitive damages. The Washington Township Board of Education and its named officials have not yet filed an answer. When they do, observers can expect defenses grounded in immunity doctrines, the discretionary nature of public contracts, and challenges to causation and damages. For now, the plaintiff’s complaint has placed a spotlight on the delicate balance between government transparency and liability risk.
The case is Christopher Milam v. Washington Township Board of Education et al., case number GLO-L-001153-25, in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Gloucester County, Civil Division.
🛑 It should be noted that the assertions in the lawsuit are merely allegations and have not been proven in a court of law.
