Santa Cruz Schools Agree to $4.5M Settlement in Abuse Case

Santa Cruz Schools Agree to $4.5M Settlement in Abuse Case

Introduction

Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS) has agreed to a $4.5 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by a law firm representing two former students who alleged sexual abuse by a former SCCS teacher between 1987 and 1991.

$2.25 million for each plaintiff

Each of the 49-year-old plaintiffs will receive $2.25 million for the abuse they endured during their middle and high school years.

Who is the teacher?

The teacher in question was hired by SCCS in 1981 as Principal at Branciforte Junior High in Santa Cruz. Before joining SCCS, he taught at Crittenden Middle School in Mountain View and founded "The Traveling School Summer Program," a mobile education initiative. Once he joined SCCS, the program was integrated into the district's curriculum. Both plaintiffs participated in the program and reported enduring sexual abuse during their time in it. One attended from 1988 to 1990, while the other was involved from 1988 to 1991.

The plaintiff's testimony

The first plaintiff expressed hope that the teacher would never be allowed to teach again and that he would face full legal consequences. He criticized SCCS for failing to implement safety measures and oversight, stating, "This lawsuit could have been easily avoided. Several young boys, now men, could have had much different lives if Santa Cruz City Schools had protections in place. I hope cases like this coming to light will safeguard future children from abuse."

Other plaintiff's testimony

The second plaintiff shared how the abuse deeply affected his ability to maintain healthy relationships and set boundaries. He described how being coerced into secrecy led to decades of anxiety, panic, and substance abuse as coping mechanisms. "The good news is that when secrets are told, they lose their power, creating an opportunity for healing and closure," he said.

What did the plaintiffs' attorney say?

The plaintiffs' attorney emphasized the long-term impact on the victims, stating, "These men were abused decades ago and have lived with shame and guilt all this time. The goal is to bring them a sense of closure and validation to help them move forward."

Troubling detailed of the lawsuit

The lawsuit revealed troubling details about the Traveling School program, which was designed for students with behavioral and academic challenges, often from broken homes. Massage was incorporated into the curriculum, but only boys were given massages, often shirtless, and were also required to massage the teacher in class. On "Body Theme Day," students wore minimal clothing, with boys instructed to wear Speedos, as did the teacher.

Witnesses testified to the lack of oversight and policies regarding the program. Leaders admitted there were no rules or training on appropriateness, and no SCCS personnel monitored trips. The teacher exploited this absence of oversight to abuse students over several years. One leader acknowledged that no SCCS staff ever joined or supervised Traveling School trips.

The attorney also represents two former students from Crittenden Middle School who allege they were sexually abused by the teacher in the 1970s when the Traveling School program was still independent. That case is scheduled for trial this summer.