District 95 statement on lawsuit settlement

Following is a statement attorney William Gleason issued on behalf of the Lake Zurich Unit District 95 school board, Superintendent Michael Egan and Lake Zurich High School Principal Kim Kolze regarding the settlement of one of two lawsuits involving the sexual molestation of two students by former teacher Ronald D. Culver:

The mission of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 is to inspire students to be passionate, continuous learners and to prepare them with the skills to achieve their goals and flourish as responsible, caring citizens in a global community. In order to provide a high-quality education for its students, the Board of Education and its administration strive to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for all district students. The district believes that in creating this environment, students will be better able to more successfully achieve their educational goals. The district and its employees work tirelessly to ensure that this educational mission is implemented and that the appropriate learning environment is created.

Mr. Ronald Culver unfortunately betrayed this mission of the district. The conduct for which he pled guilty to in a court of law is reprehensible and in no way reflects the accepted standards or practices of the district. The first time that any employee of the district became aware of Mr. Culver’s nefarious conduct, including Dr. Egan and Ms. Kolze, was on Oct. 28, 2010. The district administration immediately contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Lake Zurich Police Department that same day. Mr. Culver was not permitted to have contact with students after the allegations came to light and he resigned from his employment with the District on Oct. 29, 2010.