New Suit Says Chappaqua Officials Knew of Problem with Drama Teacher

CHAPPAQUA — A sixth Horace Greeley High School student has come forward accusing former drama teacher Christopher Schraufnagel of improper sexual encounters, the Chappaqua Daily Voice reports.

And in that lawsuit is a bombshell — attached is an affidavit from the former student's mother saying that she heard from Horace Greeley High School officials in 2015 about a sex-abuse allegation against the teacher in 2011 that they had not turned over to police.

Read the entire story in the Chappaqua Daily Voice.

Among the accusations against the teacher are that he engaged students in games with sexual overtones, inappropriate touching, and alcohol and drug use.

Schraufnagel was placed on paid leave in June 2015 during an investigation into his interaction with students. He resigned at the beginning of the school year, in September. He had taught speech and theater for 12 years at Horace Greeley High School.

Now six students who allege improper sexual encounters are suing the district for negligence.

Chappaqua Central School District’s attorneys said in court papers in July that the first four students who filed lawsuits (who were 15 at the time) caused or contributed to the abuse by being careless, reckless and negligent, according to news reports.

Schraufnagel pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child in a plea deal entered in New Castle town court earlier this month. He had originally been charged by police with one count of third-degree criminal sex act, a felony; plus two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of third-degree sexual abuse, all misdemeanors.

The plea deal still must be reviewed and formally OK'd by the judge. Schraufnagel is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 10.

SEE:

• Plea Deal for Former Chappaqua Drama Teacher Accused by Students
• Chappaqua School District Attorneys Say Students to Blame for Abuse By Ex-Drama Teacher
• UPDATE: Greeley Drama Teacher on Leave Since June Resigns

PHOTO: Christopher Schraufnagel/Westchester County District Attorney's Office