NEWARK, NJ — A Superior Court jury has returned a $30 million verdict against the Newark Board of Education in a landmark case holding the district accountable for failing to protect a student from sexual abuse by a school employee.
The verdict was secured by PCVA Partner Vincent Nappo, in collaboration with co-counsel from Rebenak Aronow & Mascolo, Matt Boninno. After a hard-fought trial, the jury found the district’s negligence allowed the abuse to occur and continue, causing significant and lasting harm.
The case centered on evidence that school officials repeatedly ignored warning signs and failed to intervene even when confronted with troubling conduct by an employee entrusted with students’ safety. At trial, testimony and documentary evidence detailed institutional failures that left a vulnerable student unprotected and suffering.
“This verdict is about accountability and the fundamental obligation schools have to safeguard children,” said Vincent Nappo. “When institutions fail in that most basic duty, the legal system must ensure there are meaningful consequences.”
In its decision, the jury awarded $30 million to the plaintiff, one of the largest verdicts in the state for a case of this kind. The award reflects the severity of the district’s failings and the profound impact the abuse had on the survivor’s life.
The trial included compelling testimony from fact and expert witnesses, and showed a pattern of missed opportunities by the district to address warning signs. The evidence demonstrated that the district’s response was inadequate and that the harm suffered was foreseeable and preventable.
PCVA, with Rebenak Aronow & Mascolo, aggressively presented the case through detailed factual investigation and strategic litigation, highlighting the district’s responsibility to protect students and enforce safety protocols. The team argued that the jury should hold the Board of Education accountable for its systemic failures — and the jury agreed.
“This verdict shows that when institutions fail to protect children, those failures will be examined closely and addressed by jurors who understand the real human cost,” added Nappo.
PCVA is proud to have represented the survivor in this matter, and grateful for the trust placed in the trial team to pursue justice through trial. The firm remains committed to holding powerful institutions accountable when they breach their duty of care.
This story in the news
New York Times (Jan. 28, 2026) – Jury Awards $30 Million to Man Who Accused Teacher of Sexual Abuse
NJ.com (Jan. 28, 2026) – Jury awards $30M to former Newark student in after-school sex abuse case