Falb
The O'Fallon Federation of Teachers has settled with the mother of an Alton teen who allegedly had a sexual relationship with her music teacher.
According to a notice of hearing filed March 21, Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis will be asked to find the settlement in good faith at 9 a.m. on April 1.
Plaintiff Jane Doe sued the O'Fallon teachers union and O'Fallon School District #203 claiming they withheld information about former music teacher Matthew Lang's history of inappropriate relationships with his students when Alton school officials inquired about him during an employment search.
Following the inquiries, Lang was then hired by the Alton Community Unit School District #11 where he had a sexual relationship with Jane Doe's teenage daughter Mary Doe.
Lang was later arrested and pled guilty to criminal charges in connection with the relationship.
The Alton school district and its officials were dismissed from the suit.
Jane Doe's sought damages in excess of $50,000 per count and other relief.
The terms of the settlement are not included in the notice of hearing.
However, the March 21 notice indicates that the sum of the settlement will be presented to the court at the April 1 hearing.
The March 21 notice does indicate that the teachers' union will not admit liability under the settlement.
The teachers' union had attempted to have the suit dismissed.
The O'Fallon school district tried unsuccessfully to have the suit transferred to St. Clair County.
Callis denied that move and the appellate court declined to hear the matter.
Thomas Falb represents Doe.
James Craney represents the O'Fallon district.
Chris Kolker represents the teachers union.
Lang does not have representation listed in the 2009 civil suit.
The case is Madison case number 09-L-886.