Seattle Schools facing $29 million in claims from students alleging sexual assault

Six former students who say they were sexually abused by a teacher or fellow student are seeking $29 million in claims and settlement demands from the Seattle School District, according to a letter sent by the district to the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

The letter, obtained by MyNorthwest.com, details potential financial liabilities the district faces as part of its response to a state audit.

Five former students allege they were sexually assaulted by former physical education teacher Phil F. McGee at B.F. Day Elementary in Fremont. McGee, who has since died, pleaded guilty to molesting four girls in 2008 and was sentenced to 16.5 years in prison.

Each of the five is seeking $5 million in damages from the district for a total of $25 million.

Another student has filed a claim seeking over $4 million in damages, alleging she was sexually assaulted by another student on Roosevelt High School grounds. The alleged attacker, Jose R. Reyes, was a registered sex offender and the claim alleges the district did not properly supervise him while he was at school, according to the letter.

Reyes, an 18-year-old junior at Roosevelt High School, was charged with third-degree-rape for inappropriately touching his then 14-year-old special-ed girlfriend in a girl’s bathroom, despite her requests to stop.

A phone call to the school district has not been returned. According to the letter, the cases have been referred to outside counsel.

The district has reported the potential liability to the self-insurance pool for Washington school districts, covering settlements and judgments over $1 million.