Lee County School Board Sued for Sexual Misconduct

According to a report from Wink News, the Lee County School Board is facing a civil sexual misconduct lawsuit. The parents of a student who was sexually assaulted by a teacher’s aide at a school within the district brought the claim. Here, our Miami sexual assault lawyer discusses the case in more detail.

What We Know: Teacher Aide Sexual Assault in School in Southwest Florida

A civil lawsuit has been filed against the Lee County School Board in Florida after a student was sexually assaulted by a teacher’s aide at a district school. The lawsuit, which was brought by the child’s parents, alleges that the district failed in its duty to protect the student and seeks accountability and compensation for the harm their child suffered.

To be clear, this is the civil aspect of a case that has already gone through the criminal justice system in Florida. The criminal aspects of this incident have already been addressed in court, with the former teacher’s assistant convicted and serving an eight-year sentence for the sexual assault of the then-12-year-old student.

For families affected by sexual abuse in educational settings, this case underscores the importance of legal protections and institutional responsibility. In addition to civil remedies, victims and their families should be aware of available resources for support, including counseling and advocacy services. Legal claims like this one seek not only damages but also seek justice more broadly.

A School Board in Florida May Be Liable for the Sexual Assault of a Student

Under Florida law, a school board may face civil liability for the sexual assault of a student when the evidence establishes negligence, negligent supervision, negligent hiring or retention, or a failure to implement and enforce adequate protective policies. Public school districts owe students a duty of reasonable care. That duty includes taking appropriate steps to protect minors from foreseeable harm while they are under school supervision. When an employee commits sexual misconduct, the focus often turns to whether the district knew or should have known of a risk and failed to act.

Notably, claims against a Florida school board are typically governed by sovereign immunity principles (Florida Statutes Section 768.28). While sovereign immunity limits certain damages, it does not bar negligence claims outright. A plaintiff must prove duty, breach, causation, and damages. In cases involving prior complaints, warning signs, or inadequate background checks, evidence that the district ignored red flags can support a finding of breach. As these can be complicated cases, an experienced Miami civil sexual assault lawyer can protect your child and your family. School boards must be held accountable for putting children in harm’s way.

Call Our Miami Sexual Assault Attorney for Victims Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami sexual assault lawyers have the experience victims can trust. If your child was sexually abused in a school, we will fight for justice. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Our firm handles sexual assault cases for victims and families throughout all of South Florida.

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