Settlement reached in Ferraina Lawsuit

The case against former Long Branch Superintendent Joseph M. Ferraina has been settled and the results were discussed during a Long Branch Board of Education meeting tonight, Jan 24.

According to Long Branch Superintendent Michael Salvatore, “A tentative settlement has been reached among the parties involved in the lawsuit brought by former employee Adele Russo against the long Branch Board of Education. The settlement was reached with the guidance of Judge Dennis O’Brien of the Superior Court in Freehold.

Joseph M. Ferraina

The settlement was formally reviewed and evaluated by the Board along with legal council John Tratnyek Esq. The settlement is to be paid in full by the Board’s insurance carrier, Zurich, in the amount of $600,000 inclusive of legal fees and additional costs.

“This allows the district to move forward and continue focusing on what matters most, our children, ” Salvatore said.

Adele Russo, Ferraina’s former secretary, had filed a lawsuit in 2011 claiming former Superintendent Joseph Ferraina had forced her into a sexual relationship. Ferraina had denied the accusation. Last summer, an arbitrator suggested that the board and ex-super settle for $4.5 million, but Ferraina declined this suggestion and the case continued to Judge O’Brein’s guidance.

Ferraina has denied all allegations made against him in the suit.