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The Gatti Law Firm has successfully secured a $400,000 settlement on behalf of former students in a case involving teacher misconduct within the Salem-Keizer School District.
As part of the settlement agreement, the district will pay $200,000 each to two women who alleged that former McNary High School teacher Joshua Rist engaged in grooming behavior and inappropriate interactions with them while they were students. The settlement, finalized on November 5, brings an end to the $10 million lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs in September, with legal representation from The Gatti Law Firm. In exchange, the women have dismissed their case against both the district and Rist with prejudice, ensuring the matter cannot be litigated further.
Teacher Misconduct and Investigations
Allegations against Rist span several years through 2020, ultimately leading to his removal from his teaching position at Kalapuya Elementary School last October. The lawsuit prompted the Salem-Keizer School District and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission to initiate new investigations after additional allegations surfaced.
Currently, Rist remains on paid administrative leave while these investigations continue. Before the lawsuit, he had admitted to a “gross neglect of duty” concerning inappropriate interactions with two students, resulting in the temporary suspension of his teaching license in June 2023. However, he remained in the classroom until the lawsuit prompted further action from the school district.
Legal Action Spurs Legislative Reform
The Salem-Keizer School District case spurred legislative change. Superintendent Andrea Castañeda highlighted a concerning loophole in Oregon law that permitted teachers to engage in relationships with former students as soon as 90 days after graduation. In response, state lawmakers extended the restriction period to one year to provide greater protection for students.
Attorneys Emily Stebbins and Ryan Jennings of The Gatti Law Firm praised their clients for their courage in coming forward, emphasizing the impact of their actions in driving meaningful change.
“While this in no way undoes the harm inflicted upon them, our clients are now able to close this painful chapter and move forward with their lives with a measure of justice done,” Stebbins and Jennings said in a statement. “They can feel proud that their courage led to the district finally removing Joshua Rist from the classroom. We hope these long-overdue actions will help protect students in the future from similar harm.”
A Step Toward Accountability
Despite multiple investigations and public scrutiny, Rist has not commented on the settlement, nor has his attorney responded to inquiries. Salem-Keizer School District, which is self-insured, will cover the settlement directly. While the financial agreement does not undo the harm the women endured, this case has set a precedent for accountability and student safety in Oregon schools.
As Oregon’s largest personal injury law firm, The Gatti Law Firm remains committed to fighting for justice and securing compensation for those who have been wronged. If you or a loved one have experienced misconduct or injustice, contact The Gatti Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Our dedicated attorneys are here to advocate for your rights.
