Santa Barbara Schools Settle $7.5M ’70s Abuse Case

Santa Barbara Schools Settle $7.5M ’70s Abuse Case

Introduction

On the eve of what was expected to be a lengthy and emotionally taxing trial, Montecito Union School District in Santa Barbara County reached a $7.5 million settlement with two brothers, now aged 65 and 68, who alleged they were sexually abused by a long-deceased principal in the 1970s.

The brothers had originally sought $35 million for the harm they claimed to have suffered, according to an attorney representing the younger sibling.

Financial Impact on the District

The $7.5 million settlement represents roughly 40% of the district’s projected 2025–26 budget of 350 students. While the district has not released the full terms or payment schedule, Superintendent and board members acknowledged the settlement would impact finances. The board announced the agreement over the weekend, signaling an attempt to close the matter without prolonged litigation.

Legal Context: AB 218

The lawsuit was filed under California’s Assembly Bill 218, enacted in 2019, which removed the statute of limitations for claims against public agencies for sexual abuse of children in their care. AB 218 allows survivors of abuse to seek legal recourse decades after incidents occurred.

Rising Costs Across California

Experts estimate that settlements and jury awards under AB 218 could cost California school districts up to $3 billion, or potentially much more. Los Angeles County alone has agreed to pay $4 billion in abuse-related claims, with additional cases still pending, many involving former foster children. Small districts like Montecito are particularly vulnerable, as multimillion-dollar payouts could strain budgets or push them toward insolvency. Meanwhile, school insurance premiums have skyrocketed, more than doubling over the past five years.

Broader Statewide Implications

The Montecito case is not unique. The San Francisco Unified School District is facing ongoing litigation involving allegations of abuse from the mid-1960s. The California School Boards Association has taken note of such cases, providing Montecito Union a $50,000 grant to help with legal costs. A spokesman for the association noted that the district’s superintendent has advocated for reforms to AB 218, citing the law’s unintended consequences on current and future students’ education.

Legislative Efforts

The settlement coincided with the expiration of Senate Bill 577, which would have reinstated a statute of limitations for cases like these. The bill was not voted on during the final days of the legislative session, but the sponsor has indicated plans to reintroduce it next year.

Court Proceedings and Background

The case was scheduled for a 17-day trial in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. During a brief hearing, the judge described the matter as “a case of real consequence.” Lawyers for the district did not attend. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleged that Montecito Union’s former superintendent and principal sexually abused the brothers, including acts of rape. The principal, who passed away in 2013 at age 89, never faced criminal charges.

Additional Settlements

A third plaintiff, who also alleged abuse by the same superintendent, previously reached a separate settlement with the district for $1 million. Court filings indicate that his claims covered a wide range of abusive conduct, including rape.