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District Pays $2.6M Over Teacher's Alleged Abuse
16 Jul
Summary
- District pays $2.6 million to settle special education teacher abuse lawsuit.
- Teacher fired after allegations of abuse towards autistic, non-verbal child.
- Lawsuit claimed years of inaction despite aides reporting teacher's behavior.
Tacoma Public Schools has agreed to a $2.6 million settlement to resolve a federal lawsuit. The suit alleged the district failed to address documented abusive behavior by a special education teacher, Kathleen Skaar, towards a student identified as O.W., who is autistic and non-verbal.
District findings from November 2023 indicated credible evidence of Skaar mistreating O.W. during his kindergarten year in 2022-2023. Allegations included yelling, throwing objects, and physical force. Skaar denied these claims but was terminated in November 2023.
The lawsuit, filed in October 2024, asserted that classroom aides had reported Skaar's alleged verbal and physical aggression for years. Despite these reports and multiple principals being informed, no intervention occurred, leading to the suit against the district, Skaar, and a former principal.
Investigative summaries revealed many staff members witnessed Skaar's harsh behavior, with some noting it had been tolerated for about 15 years. Skaar, hired in 2005, worked with students with moderate to severe disabilities at Skyline Elementary.
The settlement, approved on July 7, will provide funds for O.W.'s mental health services, education, and lifelong care after legal fees. Attorneys for O.W.'s mother stated the settlement will aid the child in dealing with the harm.
