Bay Shore School Board Approves $35 Million Settlement for Alleged Sexual Abuse Victims

News 12 Long Island
By Kevin Vesey
12/18/24

Bay Shore School Board Approves $35 Million Settlement for Alleged Sexual Abuse Victims

The Bay Shore School Board voted unanimously Wednesday evening to approve a $35 million settlement for 12 former students who allege they were sexually abused by retired elementary school teacher Thomas Bernagozzi. The settlements are part of claims made under New York’s Child Victims Act, which allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to seek justice even if the abuse occurred many years ago.

Bernagozzi faces accusations from 45 former students. He has been criminally