Months after civil judgment, Episcopal School of Dallas searching for new headmaster

Months after civil judgment, Episcopal School of Dallas searching for new headmaster

The Episcopal School of Dallas is searching for a new headmaster soon after a civil jury ordered it to pay millions of dollars to the family of a former student.

The Rev. Stephen Swann sent a letter this week to parents announcing his move to the position of chairman emeritus of the school’s endowment in the next 18 to 24 months, or as soon as a new headmaster is found.

Swann’s letter made no mention of the lawsuit brought by the parents of a student who was forced to withdraw after her sexual relationship with a teacher was discovered.

In September, a Dallas jury awarded the girl and her family more than $9 million. Attorneys have since agreed that duplications mean the amount is closer to $6 million. The school plans to appeal the verdict.

Longtime board member Dick Heath said the prolonged jury trial was coincidental to Swann’s resignation.

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During the trial, their attorneys demanded changes in school policy, procedure and leadership, claiming officials had failed to protect the girl, who began a sexual relationship with former teacher Nathan Campbell when she was 16.

Attorney Charla Aldous, in a statement, said the “quasi-resignation” of Swann is “nothing more than a feeble attempt” by school leaders to “mislead the public and the ESD community into thinking that real change is taking place.”

Dallas Attorney Charla Aldous in The Dallas Morning News article

Heath said that, despite demands for change at trial, “we made a very clear decision that we are going to manage the school in a way that is best for the students, parents, faculty — all the constituents of the school.”

“Regardless of legal proceedings or the press,” he said.

The ESD board has never voted on Swann’s standing and is not attempting to distance itself from him, Heath said. He noted that, in his new position, Swann would be “out front” in fundraising and pastoral care.

In September, Swann told The Dallas Morning News he hoped to remain as headmaster because “ESD is my life.” He could not be reached for comment Thursday because he was traveling, Heath said.

Heath said no other administrative changes are planned now, but normal succession planning is under way.

As for the board, he said, its chairman, John Eagle, has notified members that he will not stand for re-election as chairman when his term ends in May.

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/headlines/20111229-months-after-civil-judgment-episcopal-school-of-dallas-searching-for-new-headmaster.ece