Attorneys Call For LAUSD To ID Teachers 'Credibly Accused' Of Abuse

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Attorneys representing dozens of students whose families have filed lawsuits against the Los Angeles Unified School District over alleged sex abuse by teachers Wednesday were expected to push for sweeping policy changes.

Brian Claypool, Luis Carrillo, and Vince Finaldi want LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy and Chair Monica Garcia to provide details on any steps being taken to protect students after a state audit found the LAUSD was not in compliance with state law regarding the reporting of child sex offenders to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Finaldi, who represents 28 students who claim to have been molested at LAUSD schools, told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO any discussion of financial settlements should be delayed until "assurances for meaningful policies are in place at LAUSD to protect children now and in the future."

"We have an ethical and moral obligation to not talk about money until we've fixed the problem that caused this in the first place," Finaldi said. "Kids are at risk."

The attorneys claim the LAUSD has yet to publicly address the exact number and identities of teachers and administrators who have been "credibly accused of abusing children" within the school district.

In a statement, the legal team said the LAUSD's "decision to publicize settlement offers to some of the alleged victims is forcing the coalition of attorneys who represent alleged victims of child sexual abuse at Miramonte Elementary School to make this portion of their settlement offer public."

The coalition is demanding a response from LAUSD by July 3 at 5 p.m.