“Survivor: China” contestant Denise Martin claimed on the reunion show that she was demoted from a lunch lady to a janitor because of her involvement on the reality series. Turns out, the school district she works for says Denise Martin was always a janitor and was never demoted.

On the reunion show, Denise Martin said she was demoted because her bosses “didn’t give me my job back.” She also claimed to be “missing out on a lot more” with her family due to the job change. Mark Burnett offered Denise $50,000. Video and more after the jump

Douglas Public Schools superintendent Nancy T. Lane released a statement about Denise Martin:

“…stated that she was demoted from her position as a cafeteria worker upon her return from taping the show. This statement is false. In fact, Mrs. Martin held a full-time position as a custodian prior to her participation in the series, and she returned to this same position upon her return from China. Mrs. Martin was granted — at her request — an unpaid leave of absence so that she could participate in the ‘Survivor’ program. We were pleased and excited to support Denise, and have enthusiastically cheered her on throughout the duration of the show.

Although Mrs. Martin was a cafeteria employee prior to her selection as a contestant, she asked to be considered for a promotion to full-time custodian, and was promoted to this position on March 30, 2007. This promotion came with additional benefits and a higher salary. Following her leave, she then returned to this same position.

Regretfully, the Douglas Public School District was inaccurately portrayed as failing to be accommodating to an employee during what the District viewed as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity. This is far from the case. On the contrary, we granted all requests made by Mrs. Martin so that she could participate in the ‘Survivor’ series. Since Mrs. Martin was on an approved leave, her position was held open for her, and she returned to this same position upon her return from China. As a District, we make every effort to support our employees, and will continue to do so.”