The Montecito Union School District has agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle two alleged sexual abuse cases that date back to the mid 1970s.
The district issued a surprise press release on Saturday, but it appears that the Board of Trustees approved the settlement in a special meeting on Friday, and then made the announcement after the board meeting.
“We are deeply mindful of the enduring pain caused by sexual abuse, and feel for any person who has experienced such abuse,” the news release states.
“Together, as a community, we share the responsibility to protect and care for our children. We hold deep respect for any individual impacted and hope for their healing and peace.”
The district did not admit liability, according to the news release.
Two former students — identified as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 — sued the district alleging they were sexually abused by then-Principal Stanford Ker, and that the district failed to protect them.
The crimes allegedly occurred between 1972 and 1978.
The plaintiffs are now in their 50s. They alleged that at least two of Kerr’s secretaries and a teacher knew about the alleged abuse and harassment and conspired to cover it up.
Kerr died in 2013.
“The board’s decision to settle was made to protect our students and our instructional program,” according to the release. “While we were prepared to mount a vigorous defense, the possibility of significantly larger verdicts is well documented in sexual abuse cases throughout California.”
The release continues: “Such a verdict could have substantially diminished our ability to serve students now and well into the future. Because the district does not have insurance coverage for these historic claims, continued litigation created exceptional financial vulnerability.
“Settling now allows us to stabilize operations and remain focused on today’s students. “
The release says that student safety, well-being, and academic success continue to be their top priorities.
“We continuously refine our policies, conduct rigorous background checks, and train staff on mandatory reporting obligations,” according to the release. “All staff members receive comprehensive and regular training to prevent sexual abuse and to report any concern immediately to the appropriate authorities.
“No current employees were employed by the district during the 1970s.”
The district said it plans to manage the financial impact of the settlement by implementing a hiring freeze, seeking to reduce staffing when natural attrition occurs, using funds previously designated for capital repair projects for operational costs, and working collaboratively to make other changes.
“While we face some financial challenges ahead, agreeing to this settlement now means that we do not have to consider layoffs,” according to the release.