Lawsuit settled over school sex assault

The Columbus school district agreed to pay $350,000 to the family of a developmentally disabled student who was sexually assaulted at a high school.

A 16-year-old girl told Mifflin High School officials in 2005 that at least two boys dragged her into the auditorium, hit her and sexually assaulted her. She said she was forced to perform oral sex while another student videotaped.

The family filed suit, claiming the district and principal Regina Crenshaw were negligent and failed to take reasonable action to prevent the assault.

The attack generated widespread criticism because school officials did not immediately report it to police, even though they are required by law to report cases of abuse.

Crenshaw was fired, though she was acquitted of a misdemeanor charge of failing to report a sex crime. Three of Crenshaw's assistant principals were suspended without pay for 10 days and reassigned.

Two teens pleaded guilty to juvenile counts of felonious assault.

David Shroyer, an attorney for the girl's family, said the settlement reached last week would end the claims against school administrators. Steps have been taken to improve safety at the school, such as restricting student access to unsupervised areas and cracking down on truancy, he said.

School board President Terry Boyd said the district settled to avoid having to pay more legal fees and perhaps lose the case. The settlement awaits approval by Franklin County Probate Court because it involves payment to a minor.