Port Jefferson school board approves $16.5M to settle sexual abuse lawsuits

By Lynn Hallarman

The Port Jefferson Board of Education announced approval of a total payout of $16.5 million to resolve lawsuits brought by seven people alleging sexual abuse that occurred years ago. The announcement was made in a statement posted on the district’s website late Friday night, Nov. 1. 

In the statement, the board describes the settlement as the “best outcome for the district taxpayers” by avoiding a prolonged court trial that could result in “significantly greater overall costs.” Payment amounts to individual litigants remain confidential. 

The settlement represents one of numerous lawsuits brought against Long Island schools under the 2019 New York State Child Victims Act, which allows survivors of sexual abuse a longer time frame to file a claim for monetary damages.

Before passing this legislation, survivors had a maximum of five years after turning 18 to file a civil lawsuit. The CVA extended this period to age 55 and included a temporary lookback window for survivors for whom the deadline to file had expired. The lookback window was closed in August of 2021. 

According to its statement, the school board will pay for the settlement using a combination of debt financing and existing reserve funds, underpinning the need to “mitigate the overall financial impact on the community. “ 

The board noted, “Unfortunately, we have not been able to secure any insurance coverage to date for these claims.” 

Superintendent Jessica Schmettan has not provided further comment on request by TBR News Media beyond the announcement issued by the school board. 

A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, where district officials will review the implications of the settlement on local taxpayers, according to spokesperson Ron Edelson.