Insurer challenges Berwyn coverage

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Lawsuit says policy shouldn't pertain to teacher's abuse case

Published April 27, 2005


An insurance company that provided liability coverage for South Berwyn Elementary School District 100 in 1999 has sued, asking to be released from any obligation to pay damages that might be levied against Robert Sperlik Jr. Sperlik is accused of sexually molesting students when he was a music teacher in the district.

The suit, filed by Great American Insurance Co. of New York, says it provided general commercial liability insurance for the district between Dec. 31, 1998 and Dec. 31, 1999, when some of the charges of abuse are said to have taken place. The suit asks that the company be released from paying only the claims against Sperlik. It says his conduct was outside the scope of his duties as a teacher and is not covered by the policy.

Sperlik's attorney was not available for comment. Thomas Melody, an attorney for the school district, said Tuesday that he has seen the suit, but that the district has not yet taken a position on it. He noted that the charges against Sperlik have not been proven.

Sperlik, 45, of North Riverside has pleaded not guilty to 243 charges, including indecent solicitation, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Officials say the offenses took place between 1998 and 2003 and involve acts against 20 students.

Also charged with a misdemeanor is Karen Grindle, 53, principal Pershing Elementary School for six years, who officials say failed to report allegations to authorities.

The insurance company filed the suit Monday in Cook County court. Four lawsuits have been filed in federal court in Chicago against the district, Sperlik and other officials.

Sperlik has been held without bail since his arrest in January.