WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A $640,000 settlement between New Hanover County Schools and three survivors of sexual abuse by a former teacher will be covered almost entirely by insurance, school district officials said.
The school district’s share is just a $5,000 deductible, and its attorney, Norwood Blanchard, is prepared to argue it shouldn’t have to even pay that amount.
New Hanover County Schools has now settled two lawsuits tied to former teacher Michael Kelly’s abuse. In 2023, the district settled with 14 survivors for $5.75 million. Insurance also covered that settlement; Blanchard said NHCS paid a $5,000 deductible then that he believes means they shouldn’t have to pay the deductible in this recent settlement. In a phone call, the attorney said he’s focused on saving every public dollar possible…