District 115 attempted to dismiss a sexual misconduct case filed in 2021 by citing the statute of limitations had passed–which is Illinois’ five-year threshold for an individual to file charges after an offense. 

However, an Illinois federal judge disregarded the attempted dismissal on Sept. 30, granting approval for the suit to move forward. 

Seven male alumni filed a civil suit against former LFHS teacher David Miller (1966-2009) and District 115, claiming the district was complicit in allowing Miller’s sexual abuse in the 1970s and ’80s to occur. No current LFHS administrators were working at the time of the allegations. 

‘It’s a Culture, Not an Incident’: One Lake Bluff Native Continues to Fight for Answers

When presented with the lawsuit, LFHS attorneys made the case that the district should not bear the consequences of any “personnel and investigatory decisions,” including the decision not to investigate Miller’s alleged misconduct.

According to Patch, Miller resigned from teaching in 2009 after the superintendent at the time requested he do so, but his predatory actions remained unknown to the public until 2020, when several of the men behind the current lawsuit publicized their allegations.

In response to the judge’s approval for the suit to proceed, LFHS issued a press release via email on Oct. 4 titled “Statement from Lake Forest High School District 115 Regarding Litigation and Commitment to Safe Learning Environments,” which expressed that ensuring student safety is the school’s top priority.

“The bottom line is that there is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of our students,” said LFHS Chief Communications Officer Melissa Oakley. “It is critical for individuals to feel safe coming forward with their concerns without fear of retaliation – and the confidence that their allegations will be taken seriously.”

The school board hired sexual misconduct investigator Rebecca Veidlinger to delve into past responses to complaints and sexual misconduct allegations. 

In a board meeting, Veidlinger commented that the administration’s original investigation was “fairly minimal.” According to the executive summary, the district claims they were unaware of allegations until 2009.

She concluded that there were “missed opportunities” in the school’s handling of the initial investigation. 

Veidlinger compiled her findings in an extensive report, which states that she and other investigators were “impressed by the district’s commitment to examine the circumstances surrounding the allegations.” 

In response to Veidlinger’s report and suggestions, the district enhanced its policies regarding training and parent and student communications.

The school enhanced staff training and updated the student handbook regarding the behavior of sexual misconduct prevention and the reporting of reasonable suspicions of inappropriate behavior. LFHS also emphasized using the Confidential Reporting Tool to report suspected misbehavior, or to contact local law enforcement. The crisis hotline Text-a-Tip is also available as provided by LEAD at 844-823-5323 (community code: LAKECO).