Lawsuit Filed Against Santa Barbara Charter School and District for Negligence Over Teacher Filming Students – edhat

The Santa Barbara Unified School District and Santa Barbara Charter School are facing a lawsuit for negligence after a teacher allegedly recorded students with hidden cameras. The lawsuit was filed by the parents of a child, known as Jane Doe, who was confirmed to be a victim of these recordings.

Steven Schapansky, the 54-year-old teacher responsible for 5th-6th graders at the Santa Barbara Charter School, was arrested last month on a misdemeanor “invasion of privacy with a recording device” charge for the secret filming of students in dressing areas.

He was released shortly after but remains on indefinite leave from the school amidst ongoing investigations by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

The school serves approximately 240 children from grades K-6th grade on its campus at 6100 Stow Canyon Road in Goleta.

In a statement to The Independenta spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office stated the case is of great public interest and there is no further information to share as the investigation is ongoing.

Attorneys David Ring and Natalie Weatherford from the plaintiff trial law firm Taylor and Ring filed the claim on behalf of Doe’s family.This preliminary step typically precedes a full lawsuit and aims to secure compensation for damages suffered by the victims.

The lawyers claim they have reason to believe Schapansky has been recording students over a period of six years, as reported by The Independent.

Presently, Schapansky faces no criminal charges beyond the initial misdemeanor. However, Santa Barbara Charter School sought a workplace violence restraining order against him on July 24 to protect Cristina Cullen, the school’s director of operations. A court hearing is scheduled for August 12.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office is taking diligent measures to identify all juvenile victims in the recordings and to provide necessary support in collaboration with school administrators.

Santa Barbara Unified School District has refrained from commenting on this pending litigation.

Sheriff’s detectives coordinate closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of victims are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused.

Advocates are available to ensure that victims are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Victims have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at 805-568-2400 or toll free at 855-840-3232.

The story is developing and further updates are anticipated as new information emerges.

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