Former Fruitland students file tort claims against Fitch

Former Fruitland High School principal Mike Fitch sexually harassed two former students, including at least one student who was underage, according to two tort claims filed in April.

The Idaho Statesman reported Sunday on the tort claims.

Both claims suggest a pattern of inappropriate behavior, and suggest the conduct was common knowledge at Fruitland High School.

“Prior to Fitch’s harassment of (the former student), there had been reports, complaints or concerns raised regarding Mr. Fitch’s inappropriate conduct and relationships with female students,” said one tort claim, as reported by the Statesman.

“The students informed (the second tort claimant) that Fitch was known to have relationships with students and was generally known as a ‘creep,’” said the second claim, as reported by the Statesman.

In a third tort claim, filed in March, a former co-worker says multiple employees knew of Fitch’s “predatory behavior,” but failed to act. A tort claim is a precursor to a civil lawsuit.

Fitch resigned Thursday. He faces three misdemeanor charges, two counts of sexual battery and a count of solicitation of a prostitute. The three criminal counts stem from allegations of workplace harassment.

 

 

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

Get EdNews in your inbox

Weekly round up every Friday