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A civil lawsuit filed on behalf of Jane Doe, a minor and former student at Contra Costa School of Performing Arts, targets Charthouse Public Schools and its former employee, Gerard Flaherty. The complaint alleges serious lapses in the school’s oversight, raising alarms about student safety. Flaherty, once the Climate and Culture Supervisor, allegedly assaulted Jane Doe in his office on school grounds. According to the lawsuit, he gave her alcohol, forcibly embraced her, and engaged in non-consensual sexual intercourse, leading to her pregnancy. The incident shattered the trust placed in the school’s administration.
In May 2025, Flaherty’s arrest followed a police-monitored phone call where he allegedly urged the teenager to have an abortion. He sought to protect his reputation and family, the complaint states. Now, he faces serious criminal charges, including forcible rape of a child and assault with intent to commit a felony. Additional charges include unlawful sexual intercourse, highlighting the severity of his alleged actions.
The lawsuit details Flaherty’s grooming behaviors, which included giving Jane Doe special attention and communicating through private messages. He also allegedly offered her rides in his personal vehicle and isolated her in his office. The door was often closed or locked, creating a dangerous environment. These actions, the lawsuit claims, formed a pattern of inappropriate conduct. Charthouse Public Schools failed to address this behavior, despite multiple warnings.
Students, parents, and staff reportedly raised concerns about Flaherty’s actions, but the administration did not respond adequately. In January 2025, a parent reported that their daughter felt uneasy about Flaherty’s inappropriate attention. Another report claimed he allowed students to vape in his office. Rumors swirled about Flaherty providing alcohol to students and engaging in an affair with a student. Executive Director Catherine Foster allegedly dismissed these concerns as baseless, allowing the misconduct to continue unchecked.
The lawsuit argues that Charthouse Public Schools neglected its legal duties under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. The school failed to report suspicions of abuse to law enforcement or child protective services. No investigations were conducted, and Flaherty faced no discipline. This inaction, the complaint asserts, enabled the alleged assault to occur.
Beyond failing to act on reports, the school breached its duty to ensure a safe learning environment. The lawsuit claims Charthouse did not properly screen or supervise Flaherty. It also neglected to train staff to recognize and prevent grooming behaviors. These failures left students vulnerable to harm.
Attorney Lauren Cerri, representing Jane Doe, emphasized the broader implications of the case. “This highlights systemic failures in ensuring student safety,” she said. Schools must adopt stronger policies to protect students from abuse, she urged. Proactive measures, including better training and oversight, are essential to prevent such incidents.
The lawsuit seeks to hold Charthouse Public Schools accountable for its alleged negligence. It underscores the need for schools to prioritize student safety above all else. By failing to act on clear warning signs, the administration allowed a dangerous situation to escalate. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction.
Jane Doe’s experience has sparked calls for reform within Charthouse Public Schools and beyond. Schools must enforce robust policies to detect and address inappropriate behavior. The lawsuit aims to ensure such failures are not repeated. It also seeks justice for a student whose trust was betrayed. As the case moves forward, it raises critical questions about accountability in educational institutions. Protecting students requires vigilance, training, and a commitment to act swiftly on concerns. Only then can schools truly provide a safe environment for learning.
