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A former teacher and basketball coach at Noble Academy Cleveland located at 1200 E 200th St, Euclid, OH 44117 is now facing serious accusations of sexually abusing a student. The alleged victim, now an adult, claims the abuse began when she was just 14 years old and playing on the school’s basketball team, according to Cleveland19.
Amanda Polzner, 34, previously served as a math teacher and athletic director at Noble Academy. She was dismissed in December following the allegations, which became public after her arrest that same month. Despite the gravity of the situation, the school waited six weeks to inform parents, prompting widespread outrage.
The delay in notifying parents has left many families angry and concerned. Gewaun Alexander, a parent at Noble Academy, criticized the school’s lack of transparency.
“They really, really did drop the ball this time,” Alexander said. “I’m very disappointed, angry, and I’m also nervous because this is serious. You guys waited until everybody else found out to even try to send out an email.”
The victim reported to police that the abuse spanned two years, starting in 2017, and occurred in multiple locations. These included the back of a school bus during basketball trips, the school locker room, and even Polzner’s home. The victim also revealed that some incidents took place during team sleepovers hosted by Polzner, including one assault in a basement.
She described feeling coerced due to the special treatment she received, such as gifts and food not provided to other team members. Fear and a close relationship between her family and Polzner prevented her from coming forward at the time.
Polzner is now facing several felony charges, including unlawful sexual contact with a minor. While she remains out on bond, her next court appearance is scheduled for January 28.
Parents like Alexander are now questioning the school’s ability to protect students. “We would never just think that this would even transpire. It’s just unbelievable. The school is not to be trusted at this point,” he said.
Noble Academy has stated that no evidence suggests other students were involved or that incidents occurred after 2019. However, the school’s delayed response has left many questioning their protocols for handling such serious allegations.
As the case moves forward, the school is under increased scrutiny from parents and the broader community. While they claim to prioritize safety, their handling of this incident has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the school system.
Survivors of school sexual abuse and their families often feel uncertain about the steps they can take to address the harm they've endured. When abuse occurs in a school setting, the path to accountability can seem even more complex. In a recent conversation, Ohio sexual abuse attorney John Bey shared his knowledge on the legal rights available to victims and their families, how schools can be held responsible for negligence, and the importance of acting within the law’s time limits.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us. Many parents are understandably outraged over this case. What legal options are available for survivors of sexual abuse, particularly when the abuse occurs in a school setting?
Attorney John Bey: Thank you for having me, Darla. Survivors of sexual abuse have the right to pursue both criminal and civil actions. Criminal charges, such as those already filed in this case, are pursued by the state to hold the perpetrator accountable. However, civil lawsuits give victims and their families an additional avenue for justice, allowing them to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological damage caused by the abuse.
Medina: What role does the school play in these types of cases? Can the institution itself be held responsible?
Bey: Absolutely. In cases like this, schools have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for their students. If it can be proven that the school was negligent—whether by failing to properly vet employees, ignoring warning signs, or delaying appropriate action—they can be held liable in a civil lawsuit. This can include claims for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of staff.
Medina: For families who may feel overwhelmed, what steps should they take if they suspect or discover abuse has occurred?
Bey: The first step is to ensure the safety of the child and report the abuse to law enforcement. From there, it’s important to consult with an attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases to understand your legal rights. An attorney can help navigate the complexities of the civil process, gather evidence, and file a claim against both the perpetrator and any negligent parties. Time is a critical factor, as Ohio has statutes of limitations for filing these cases.
Medina: How does the statute of limitations affect these cases, especially for survivors who may not come forward until years later?
Bey: Under Ohio law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have until age 30 to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser. For cases involving schools or institutions, different time limits may apply, which makes it even more important to consult with legal counsel promptly. There are also exceptions in certain cases where evidence of negligence or new discoveries can extend the timeline.
Medina: What advice would you give to parents who are concerned their school isn’t being transparent or proactive in protecting students?
Bey: Parents should demand accountability. If they feel the school is not addressing their concerns, they can escalate the matter to local authorities, file a formal complaint with the school board, or even consider legal action. Transparency and proactive measures are non-negotiable when it comes to student safety. An attorney can also help investigate whether the school has a history of negligence or similar complaints.
If your child has been sexually abused by a coach or school staff member, you don’t have to face this difficult journey alone. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through your options, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the justice your family deserves. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your child’s future.
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