Callis approves teachers' union settlement with mother of teen who had relationship with music teacher

One more defendant is out of a suit brought by the mother of a girl who allegedly had a sexual relationship with her music teacher.

Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis approved a settlement between plaintiff Jane Doe and the O'Fallon Federation of Teachers April 1.

The settlement leaves the O'Fallon School District #203 and former music teacher Matthew Lang as the only remaining defendants in the 2009 suit.

The Alton School District was dropped from the case previously.

Jane Doe is suing on claims that the O'Fallon school district concealed information about Lang's inappropriate relationships with students when Alton school officials inquired about him during an employment search.

Lang was eventually hired as a band teacher with the Alton district.

While teaching at an Alton high school, Lang then allegedly entered into a sexual relationship with the plaintiff's underage daughter.

Lang pled guilty to criminal charges in connection with the relationship.

Jane Doe claims her daughter Mary Doe suffered extreme emotional distress as a result of Lang's actions.

The suit seeks damages in excess of $50,000 and other relief per each count of the suit.

The settlement's sum is not available in court documents.

According to Callis' April 1 order, the settlement discharges the teachers union from all liability in the suit.

The O'Fallon district denies the claims.

It had tried to have the suit moved to St. Clair County without success.

Callis also entered orders April 1 that the plaintiffs have 14 days to respond to interrogatories and requests for production and that a protective order shield the plaintiffs' identities.

Callis also continued a case management conference in the case for 90 days.

Thomas Falb represents the plaintiff.

James Craney represents the O'Fallon District.

Chris Kolker represents the teachers union.

Lang does not have an attorney listed in the civil case.

The case is Madison case number 09-L-886.