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Resident presses board for transparency on past abuse settlement; board cites ongoing litigation and public record
Summary
A resident asked why the district did not publicly disclose a settlement related to alleged abuse by a former teacher; the board's attorney said settlement approvals were on a prior public meeting agenda but declined further comment because litigation is ongoing.
A Leonia resident told the school board he was seeking answers about a settlement the district reached late last year in a case involving alleged abuse by a former teacher.
Dan Slateman, 177 Lakeview Avenue, asked why the district was not disclosing the settlement and suggested the board's reticence might be "because you fear there are more victims that may come forward." He said he learned the borough mayor and council had not known of the settlement until he contacted them and urged the district to adopt a comprehensive child-protection policy, citing outside organizations that offer assistance.
The board's attorney said the settlements were publicly approved at a prior board meeting (the attorney cited October or November) and are a matter of public record. He also said the district cannot comment further on ongoing litigation. President Lee and other board members reiterated that the board typically does not comment on matters that are the subject of current litigation.
No new motions or votes were taken in public session on the subject. The board's statement in response limited itself to confirming the public-record approval of settlements and noting litigation constraints on further comment.
