FLORIDA SCHOOL BOSS COLLABORATES CONCIERGE

Your humble Concierge has been looking for a slimmer brush (trying to get rid of the broad brush). I realize that this is another isolated incident (not sure what the magic number is to get rid of the word ‘isolated’). This post on a blog certainly supports my side commentary on “Legal Defense Fund”. (please reread again)

This “Florida School Boss” presents 3 lessons that are a must read for school administrators.

His last three paragraphs should also have red flares attached with extra cowbell and brought to the attention of school boards across the nation. If one reads for comprehension, it speaks directly to the differing motives of “the school board attorney” and the “district’s liability insurer’s attorney”.

May 10
Pass the Trash and Pay the Piper
This case sounds all too familiar to Florida School Bosses. Huge settlements handed out... because the district hasn't got a real good case (the teacher admits too much and the teacher aides will testify to long-term abuse of students)... and the legislature will seemingly approve any jury award or settlement even though they must approve any award over $100k.
One lesson here is obvious... don't pass the trash.
Another is a little harder... make sure teacher aides know they have a duty to report wrongdoing... and make it easy for them to do so. Then listen to them.
The final lesson is more subtle. When a teacher has been accused of abusing severely disabled students, but there isn't enough evidence to dismiss or convict, don't leave them in charge of defenseless profoundly disabled, autistic kids.
Make them teach high school kids with normal IQ's and communication abilities... so they can report the strange behaviors of the teacher.
Did I mention that over 1.5 million in cash has left the district coffers and they aren't done yet. It's important to know that insurance may cover these settlements, but the higher rates will definitely impact the district's discretionary budget.
The school board attorney is a veteran and would not recommend a settlement unless it was the best he thought could be done.
Or the district's liability insurer's attorney insisted on the settlement... you knew they could do that, right?

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