Two Pacifica high school students sue district over alleged sexual assaults by two teachers

Two students from Terra Nova High School in Pacifica are suing the Jefferson Union High School District, alleging sexual assaults by teachers Paul Spinetti and Ross Robert Ellison. The lawsuits, filed on August 12, assert that the district failed to protect the students and ignored multiple complaints regarding inappropriate teacher behavior dating back to 2015. Denise Shreve, the district's communications director, confirmed cooperation with ongoing investigations but refrained from commenting on the specifics due to privacy laws. Jane Doe 1 claims she was groomed and assaulted by Spinetti, reporting the incident to her mother and law enforcement. Jane Doe 2 alleges that Ellison exploited his authority to groom her before assaulting her.

The lawsuits emphasize a failure to train staff on recognizing grooming behaviors and a tendency to prioritize the district’s reputation over student safety. Spinetti faces criminal charges, including a felony for lewd acts on a child. The district's handling of these allegations could lead to significant policy changes regarding staff conduct and student safety protocols.