Teacher sues school district claiming student attempted to trip her

GRETNA – The Jefferson Parish Public School System is being sued by a physical education teacher who claims she was injured and subsequently disabled when a student tripped her in an alleged “assault.”

Starr Schilleci filed suit against the Jefferson Parish Public School System and Jefferson Parish School Board in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 12.

Schilleci asserts she was employed by the Jefferson Parish Public School System and Jefferson Parish School Board as a physical education teacher and was teaching a class on March 14, 2013 at John James Audubon Elementary School when a student resting on a mat reached out her leg and attempted to trip her. The plaintiff claims that the student’s leg contacted her and constituted an assault from which she should have been able to collect “assault pay.” Schilleci alleges that she continued to work as a teacher after the incident, but missed days from work due medical treatment and evaluations to her left knee following the incident.

The plaintiff asserts she eventually had to get a total knee replacement due in part to the injuries she sustained in the incident. Schilleci claims since the accident she has become disabled and should be paid at her full salary despite not being able to work.

The defendant is accused of bodily injury and breach of contract.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for reimbursement of sick leave, medical treatment, disability and court costs.

Schilleci is represented by attorney Joseph J. Schilleci of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 736-424.