In a recent conclusion to a harrowing chapter for the community, Ninnekah Public Schools has agreed to a $7.5 million settlement in a lawsuit that brought to light the sexual abuse of 14 girls by a former basketball coach. The once-trusted coach, Ronald Akins, pleaded guilty in August 2023 to 10 felony counts, ranging from sexual battery to attempted rape, a situation OKC FOX reported.
As part of the settlement reported by KFOR, Ninnekah Public Schools denies any liability but acknowledges their role in being good stewards of public funds and the welfare of their students. The district appears driven by a desire for closure and a return to educational priorities, as it is now tasked with paying $1.5 million within 30 days and the remainder over three years, funds that will be carved from district's sinking budget.
This settlement marks a record for abuse cases against Oklahoma school districts and signifies a belated acknowledgment of sustained wrongdoings that transpired under the district's watch, as News 9 detailed. Ross Leonoudakis, attorney for the plaintiffs, said, "There's no excuse for any abuse, much less for 14 girls to have to go through this one after another, it's a complete failure."
Survivors like Shelby Boyd, who spoke to News 9 in 2021, shared their painful experiences and the culture of silence they aimed to break. Boyd said, "He had done it before and he was going to do it again, and I wanted to find anyone else he might be impacting," as per News 9. While the settlement offers some justice, it cannot undo the harm suffered by the survivors. However, it is an important step toward holding institutions accountable and may help rebuild trust in those responsible for the community's youth.
