Sexual Harassment Suit Against School District Settle for $125,000
The Vineland Board of Education approved a $125,000 out-of-court settlement to Joni Kane, the district’s public information assistance, who commenced a civil sexual harassment suit in 2006 against district spokesperson John Sbrana and the school system. Kane charged Sbrana and the school with placing her in a hostile work environment where she was sexually harassed, and denied promotions and pay increases.
The suit alleged that one month into Kane’s employment with the communications office in 1997, Kane was subject to sexual advances by Sbrana through emails. In 1998, after avoiding Sbrana’s advances, Kane was told that she would have to work weekends, holidays and evenings without overtime compensation. The suit also named the district for failing to resolve the hostile work environment and abusive work conditions. Kane’s attorney, Marc Weinberg, said the situation had caused Kane “extreme physical and psychological injuries,” warranting compensatory and punitive damages.
The Board of Education split in a 5-3 vote to authorize the payment by the district’s insurance carrier. Objections were made with respect to how the investigation was handled at the outset when allegations of sexual harassment first arose in 2006. Frank Giordano, President of the Board, said that even though there was an interest in letting the matter proceed to give each party equal access to justice, if the district lost in court and Kane was awarded more than $125,000, the remaining balance would have to be paid by taxpayers. However, Superintendent Charles Ottinger explained that the Board’s displeasure with the outcome and their legal representation was not a reflection on the merits of Kane’s case, and further reiterated that any employee who is subject to sexual harassment should bring the matter to the attention of the administration.
