Schools

Arbitrator Says Long Branch School District, Former Superintendent Should Pay Ex-Employee $4.5 Million

Either side can appeal the arbitrator's ruling within 30 days.

By Christopher Sheldon

An arbitrator on Thursday said The Long Branch Board of Education and former Long Branch School District Superintendent Joseph Ferraina should pay an ex-employee who claims she was sexually harassed $4.5 million, according to the woman’s attorney.

Ferraina's former secretary, Adele Russo, sued Ferraina and the Long Branch Board of Education in 2011, alleging several sexual offenses.

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Russo's attorney, Gary Fox, said the arbitrator, a former Monmouth County judge, ruled in non-binding arbitration that the board and Ferraina should pay $4.5 million.

Either Russo or Ferraina and the board can file a trial a trial de novo within 30 days if they do not agree with the arbitrator's ruling, which would set aside the arbitrator's ruling and render it moot, Fox said.

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