School District Liable For Failing to Protect Student

MONTICELLO – A Sullivan County Supreme Court jury has found the Monticello Central School District liable for failing to adequately protect a student from assaults by other students.

The liability verdict was returned on September 17, 2026, following a jury trial before the Judge Stephan Schick in Sullivan County Supreme Court.

The student and her family are represented by Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, with attorneys Julie Iacobucci and Bill Thonus trying the case on behalf of the firm.

The case arose from repeated incidents of assault/bullying involving the student while attending a school within the Monticello Central School District. The lawsuit alleged that the District had notice of the prior conduct/threats/incidents and failed to take reasonable measures to protect the student from foreseeable harm.

After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict finding the Monticello Central School District liable.

“This case was about our client’s right to be free from harm as a high school student,” said Julie Iacobucci, trial attorney for the plaintiff. “When a school district knows that a student is at risk of being harmed, it has a responsibility to protect that student. We are grateful that the jury carefully considered the evidence and held the school district accountable.”

Larry Breslow, Managing Partner of Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, praised the trial team following the verdict.

“Julie and Bill did an outstanding job presenting this case and giving our client and her family a voice in the courtroom,” Breslow said.

“Cases involving the safety of children carry an enormous importance to us. Julie, Bill, and the entire firm worked tirelessly to make sure this family’s story was heard, and today’s verdict sends a message to schools who ignore their responsibilities.”

Because damages remain to be determined, the litigation is ongoing.

The Monticello Central School District in a statement said that it is aware of a recent jury verdict in a case concerning an incident from 2022.

“As the matter remains in active litigation, the district will not comment on the specifics of the case at this time.”

The statement continued, “Student safety and well-being remain a top priority for the district. The district takes a proactive, comprehensive approach to meeting student needs, continually reviewing its programs, resources and procedures to help ensure students feel safe, supported, and connected at school.”

The statement concluded by stating, “The district remains committed to the safety and well-being of all students.”