Three former Solon High School students will each receive $85,000 after settling lawsuits against the institution.
Three former Solon High School students will each receive $85,000 after settling lawsuits against the institution.
During their time as students, plaintiffs felt that they were in danger due to inappropriate behavior displayed by the school’s band director, Edward Kline. Solon High School principal Erin Short and former Solon High School assistant principal Terry Brownlow were said to be “deliberately indifferent” regarding the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against Kline.
“Despite actual knowledge by a Solon school official that Kline was looking up the skirt of a female student, Solon failed to take any action to investigate, let alone stop, discipline, or deter Kline from engaging in such behavior,” the lawsuit stated.
In 2022, Kline was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges of gross sexual imposition. Police say these crimes occurred over the span of decades.
According to recent settlement agreements, the total amount of $255,000 was awarded directly from the school district’s insurance company, Liberty Mutual. Solon schools denied any wrongdoing as part of the agreements.
Authors: Alexis Kabat and Andy Goldwasser
