Background and Initial Allegations
In February 2025, serious allegations emerged involving Mark E. Gridley, a 60-year-old speech and language pathologist at Prairie Park Elementary School in Lawrence, Kansas. Gridley was charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child, following reports of inappropriate conduct with students under his supervision.
Gridley had been employed by the Lawrence School District since August 2021, serving as a speech pathologist at Prairie Park Elementary. On February 7, 2025, an incident was reported leading to his arrest and subsequent charges. Initially, two victims were identified, both connected to Gridley’s role within the school.
Expansion of the Investigation
As the investigation progressed, the Lawrence Police Department expanded its scope, uncovering additional potential victims. Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius indicated that more than two victims had come forward, some outside of Gridley’s speech pathology program. These findings prompted a broader inquiry into Gridley’s interactions within the school environment. Read more details in the article published on KMBC News.
Legal Action Against Lawrence School District
In the wake of these allegations, several families of the affected students have sought legal recourse. Attorneys Jill Kanatzar and Lauren Dollar are working on filing a lawsuit representing one of the victims in this case. A lawsuit has not been filed yet, but is in progress against the Lawrence School District, alleging negligence in hiring and supervising Gridley. The plaintiffs argue that the district failed to protect students from foreseeable harm, given Gridley’s position of authority and access to vulnerable children.
The law firm Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe, renowned for its advocacy on behalf of sexual assault and abuse survivors, is representing one of the several victims taking legal action. With extensive experience in handling similar cases, the team of Kansas City sexual assault attorneys are committed to seeking justice and ensuring accountability.
Legal Grounds and Objectives
Several lawsuits being filed against the Lawrence School District are grounded in claims of negligent hiring, retention, and supervision. Representatives of plaintiffs assert that the school district breached its duty of care by failing to conduct thorough background checks and by not adequately monitoring Gridley’s interactions with students. Attorneys at Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe have not yet initiated legal action, however plaintiffs aim to seek compensatory damages for the emotional and psychological trauma endured by the victims, as well as punitive damages.
In Kansas, civil actions for childhood sexual abuse must be commenced within three years of the date the victim discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, that the injury or illness was caused by childhood sexual abuse.
Support Systems for Survivors
Recognizing the profound impact of sexual abuse, several organizations in Kansas provide support to survivors. The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center offers free counseling, crisis response, advocacy, and education to clients in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties.
The allegations against Mark E. Gridley have not only led to criminal charges but have also prompted civil litigation against the Lawrence School District. As the legal proceedings unfold, Kansas City personal injury attorneys emphasize that the focus remains on ensuring accountability, securing appropriate compensation for the victims, and implementing measures to safeguard students in the future. The outcome of this case may serve as a catalyst for policy reforms within educational institutions, emphasizing the paramount importance of student safety and well-being.