NorthJersey.com: Glen Ridge Schools Face Possible $10 Million Payout Over Claims Ex-Teacher Groomed Minor

[Excerpts from May 14, 2025 article by Nicholas Katzban]

An attorney filed a tort claim against Glen Ridge schools alleging his client was groomed by a former district teacher beginning when she was 11 years old. The harassment led to a “non-consensual relationship” that lasted years before it was uncovered.

In a May 12 notice to the district, attorney Justin Drazin claims the teacher − Gerald White, who has since resigned − coerced the female student (referred to by the initials “MOC”) into the illicit affair beginning in September 2021, while she attended the Ridgewood Avenue Elementary School.

“What began with handwritten notes and early morning meetings escalated into years of inappropriate emails, texts, voice memos, and obsessive messages, including requests for photos and romantic references involving the child,” Drazin stated.

For now, Drazin has only filed a “tort claim,” which notifies the other party of the victim’s allegations. A proper civil complaint may follow if the parties cannot first reach a settlement. Glen Ridge Schools has 90 days from receipt of the notice to respond.

The claimant seeks $10 million in damages due to “emotional pain, distress” and other permanent psychological injury.

Read the full article: Glen Ridge schools face possible $10 million payout over claims ex-teacher groomed minor