The defendants in the $7 million lawsuit brought by a former Ottoson teacher and principal have asked for more time to prepare their answers. Attorney Timothy O. Egan filed a motion March 3 seeking an extension until March 19, court records show.

"The defendants state that this is a complicated matter," the motion says. "All of the defendants are still investigating the facts asserted. Some of the defendants are still in the process of finding legal counsel."

Feb. 9: Bouris, Coughlin sue schools for $7m | Feb. 13: Attorney for Levenson rejects allegations of retaliation

Attorney Frank Mondano filed the lawsuit in federal court Feb. 8, alleging that school officials wrongfully terminated in August 2007 Charles E. Coughlin Jr. from his teaching position and Stavroula Bouris, then the Ottoson principal.

The defendants in the case include former Superintendent Nate Levenson, current tech employee Tracy Buck and current School Committee member Jeff Thielman. The defendants' lawyers were to respond by Feb. 28.

"The requested extension is reasonable in length and will permit newly-retained counsel the opportunity to fully review and respond to the allegations contained in the complaint," the motion continues. "No party will suffer prejudice due to the allowance of this motion."

The motion concludes that on March 3 Egan received word that the plaintiffs would agree to the extension.

Joining in submitting the motion were Egan, of Peabody & Arnold of Boston, identified as an attorney for the School Committee; Town Counsel Juliana Rice; and Barry Klickstein, Levenson's attorney.

On Thursday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m., Robert Gill of Peabody & Arnold, representing the town in insurance matters, accompanied by Town Manager Brian Sullivan and Rice, attended a closed meeting of the School Committee. They entered the room while a reporter was present and stayed when the committee voted to go into closed session.

The specific reasons for such meetings remain hidden from the public under state law, but those present suggest the session was held to discuss matters related to the $7 million lawsuit.