San Ramon Valley Unified School District Settles for Nearly $7M

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) has agreed to a $6,999,900 settlement with two former students who alleged sexual abuse by former theater teacher Ryan Weible, as announced by the law firm Cerri, Boskovich & Allard. The settlement resolves a lawsuit claiming the district failed to protect the students from abuse that occurred between 2009 and 2012.

The plaintiffs, both minors at San Ramon Valley High School during the period of abuse, accused Weible of exploiting his authority to groom and sexually abuse them over several years. The abuse took place in various locations, including school grounds, Weible’s vehicle, his apartment, and during a school-sponsored senior trip to New York City. The lawsuit, filed in February 2024, highlighted the district’s negligence in addressing clear warning signs of Weible’s misconduct.

Attorney Lauren Cerri, representing the plaintiffs, criticized SRVUSD’s response, stating, “The district ignored obvious indicators of inappropriate conduct, failing to intervene, investigate, or report suspicions to authorities. They neglected disciplinary procedures and failed to train staff adequately to recognize grooming and abuse, allowing Weible’s actions to continue unchecked.” Cerri also noted that the district permitted Weible to resign quietly without reporting him to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or fully cooperating with police, withholding critical information.

One plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, expressed deep frustration with SRVUSD’s handling of the situation. “The district prioritized its reputation over student safety, enabling Weible to endanger multiple students,” she said. “Parents should trust that schools protect their children and follow proper policies, but SRVUSD failed. Instead of taking accountability to prevent future abuse, they shielded a predator to protect themselves. This behavior is unacceptable, and we must remain vigilant to ensure student safety.”

The lawsuit detailed Weible’s predatory behavior, which was reportedly overt and noticeable to both staff and students. Actions such as showing favoritism, engaging in excessive physical contact like prolonged hugs or having students sit on his lap, and spending private time with female students behind closed doors were cited as red flags. Despite these warning signs, the district allegedly took no meaningful action until 2012, after both plaintiffs had graduated.

The core of the case rested on SRVUSD’s alleged gross negligence in fulfilling its duty to supervise and protect students from foreseeable harm. The plaintiffs argued that the district’s inaction breached its responsibility to ensure a safe learning environment, allowing Weible’s abuse to persist. The settlement, just $100 short of $7 million, underscores the severity of the district’s failures and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of mishandling abuse allegations.

This resolution, reached weeks before a scheduled jury trial on September 15, 2025, highlights the need for systemic change in how schools address allegations of misconduct. The case emphasizes the importance of robust policies, clear accountability, and comprehensive staff training to identify and respond to grooming and abuse. A school culture that encourages reporting and prioritizes student safety is critical to preventing future harm.

The settlement also sends a broader message to educational institutions about the legal and moral obligations to protect students. As Jane Doe stated, “I know I’m not the first, and sadly not the last, but we must keep fighting for safer schools.” The nearly $7 million payout reflects not only the harm caused to the plaintiffs but also the urgent need for districts to take proactive measures to safeguard students and address misconduct promptly.

The case underscores the ongoing challenges schools face in ensuring student safety and the consequences of failing to act decisively.

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