to the editor: The Los Angeles Times took an important step by investigating the Assembly Bill 218 settlements, but it didn't show the full picture of what also remains in the dark regarding these settlements (“Times investigation: Public in the dark over big sexual abuse payouts from some schools,”December 19).
If we're going to follow the money, let's follow it all the way. A key component missing from the Times' reporting is how much of these settlement dollars will go to trial lawyers, who will take between 40% and 50% of the settlement. These are school dollars that go toward teacher salaries, safe and healthy facilities, student support programs, and much more, but are instead in the hands of lawyers.
Californians who fund AB 218 settlements have a right to know where their education dollars are going, and that includes attorney involvement.
Dorothy Johnson, Sacramento
This writer is a legislative advocate for the Association. of California school administrators.
