Title: IN5 General Liability Settlement/ Fernando Cerrato

Recommendation:
I recommend that the School Board approve the Liability  claim of Fernando Cerrato, father Javier Cerrato, and mother Doris Cerrato,(claim # 215606) in the amount of $80,000 representing compensation, attorneys' fees and costs and authorize the execution of all related documents.  This settlement will finalize all outstanding issues.

Description:

The Settlement of this claim was recommended by the District's outside counsel and claim adjusters and has been approved by the Chief Counsel, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Employee Benefits and Risk Management as required by District Policy #6.09.

An 7-year-old  student was allegedly mistreated by his teacher over a period of time in 1999. His parents lost approximately $60,000 in lost wages taking care of their son at home as well as medical expenses in the amount of $5,000. The State attorney  declined to pursue a battery charge against the teacher, who is no longer with the District.  However,  the student is still pursing a claim against the teacher.

This is a negotiated settlement against a demand of $1.5 million.

 The settlement will extinguish all future liabilities against the School Board.

Financial Impact:
The financial net impact to the District for this settlement is $80,000.  The source of funds is the General Fund.

For Additional Information, contact:
Joseph M. Moore (moorej@palmbeach.k12.fl.us)/ Dianne L. Howard