MONTICELLO, NY — On September 17, a Sullivan County Supreme Court jury found the Monticello Central School District liable for failing to adequately protect a student from assaults by other students, according to the student's attorneys. 

Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law issued a statement saying that the case arose from repeated incidents of assault, bullying or both involving the student while attending a school within the Monticello Central School District. The lawsuit alleged that the district had notice of the prior conduct, threats and incidents and failed to take reasonable measures to protect the student from foreseeable harm.

After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict finding the Monticello Central School District liable, the firm announced. 

“This case was about our client’s right to be free from harm as a high school student,” said Julie Iacobucci, trial attorney for the plaintiff. “When a school district knows that a student is at risk of being harmed, it has a responsibility to protect that student. We are grateful that the jury carefully considered the evidence and held the school district accountable.”

In a statement released September 22, the Monticello Central School District acknowledged the verdict, which it said involved an incident from 2022. "As the matter remains in active litigation, the district will not comment on the specifics of the case at this time," it reads. 

"Student safety and well-being remain a top priority for the district. The district takes a proactive, comprehensive approach to meeting student needs, continually reviewing its programs, resources and procedures to help ensure students feel safe, supported and connected at school," it reads. 

The litigation remains ongoing because damages have yet to be determined.