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Parkland Today
By the People, for the People
Victims of ex-Parkland teacher's sex abuse reach $6 million settlement with school district
Three victims of former teacher Christian Willman's sexual assaults reached the settlement, alleging the district failed to protect them.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Three victims of former Parkland teacher Christian Willman, who sexually assaulted multiple students, have reached a $6 million settlement with the school district. The lawsuit alleged that the district failed to protect the students despite repeated warning signs about Willman's behavior over many years.
Why it matters
This case highlights the devastating consequences when school districts fail to properly address reports of inappropriate behavior by teachers, allowing abuse to continue unchecked. The settlement sends a strong message that schools must take all signs of risk seriously and prioritize student safety above all else.
The details
The lawsuit alleged that Willman, who taught at Parkland from 2001 to 2011 and then at Palisades from 2011 to 2018, groomed, manipulated and abused the girls, and that Parkland failed to intervene despite 'repeated warning signs' of his concerning conduct, such as spending extended time alone with female students. Teachers reported Willman's behavior but were ignored or retaliated against, according to the lawsuit, which also states that Willman quietly left for Palisades after Parkland students reported their own concerns.
- In 2021, three of Willman's victims filed a lawsuit against the district and Willman in Lehigh County Court.
- On February 11, 2026, the victims reached a $6 million settlement with the district.
The players
Christian Willman
A former teacher and coach at Parkland and Palisades schools who sexually assaulted multiple students over many years.
Parkland School District
The school district that failed to protect students from Willman's abuse despite repeated warning signs.
Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan
The law firm that represented the victims in the lawsuit against the Parkland School District.
Alexandria MacMaster
An attorney for the victims who said the case revealed 'years of missed warnings, ignored reports and systemic inaction' that allowed the abuse to continue.
What they’re saying
“This case revealed years of missed warnings, ignored reports and systemic inaction that allowed this abuse to continue. Our clients were failed at every turn. This settlement reflects their strength and sends a message that schools must take every sign of risk seriously. Children's safety must always come first.”
— Alexandria MacMaster, Attorney for the victims (mcall.com)
What’s next
Willman remains in state prison after pleading guilty to abusing six girls and being sentenced in 2020 to six to 12 years.
The takeaway
This settlement underscores the devastating consequences when school districts fail to properly address reports of inappropriate behavior by teachers, allowing abuse to continue unchecked. It serves as a stark reminder that schools must prioritize student safety above all else and take every sign of risk seriously to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
