Exclusive information on Williston teacher case

The family of the fifteen year old boy who allegedly had a sexual relationship with his teacher, Jessica Wishnask, is seeking justice. Troy Slaughter, the attorney representing the minor and his family, sued not only Jessica Wishnask, but the principal and vice principal of Williston Middle School.

Slaughter claims they knew there was an inappropriate relationship going on between the student and teacher, and failed to do anything about it. “One of the allegations in our complaint is that every child in this state has the right to an education free from harm including the minor we are representing,” Slaughter said.

The suit claims that on two occasions, Principal MaryPaul Beall and Burton Kilpatrick met with Wishnask and the boy to discuss their possible relationship. Both times, Wishnask was suspended, and asked to stay away from the boy.

Slaughter added, “A minor cannot consent to have sex with an adult, you can’t do it.”

The suit claims Wishnask was negligent in actively pursuing an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Wishnask, Beall and Kilpatrick were served the lawsuit Friday. Often times in cases like this, the school district would be protected by what’s called “sovereign immunity”, a doctrine that protects a government agency from lawsuits. This is why Slaughter decided to sue the individuals outside of their official capacities.

We spoke to the attorney for the school district, Wayne Bullard, Friday afternoon. He told us he was not aware of the civil suits, and until he reads them, he’s not prepared to comment.