A former speech pathologist at Prairie Park Elementary School in Lawrence faces eight charges of sexual assault involving students at the school.
60-year-old Mark Gridley was originally charged with one count each of aggravated indecent liberties with a child younger than 14 and kidnapping, both felonies. The original charges involved one victim, but subsequent evidence led to the additional alleged victims and charges:
Gridley has been with the USD 497 since 2021. In response to the allegations, the district terminated Gridley’s employment. Interim Superintendent Jeanice Swift has announced a comprehensive review of safety protocols across all school buildings.
Gridley was previously employed by the Topeka Seaman District. Brad Wilson, a spokesman for Topeka Seaman, told The Sentinel:
“There have been no reported incidents regarding Mark Gridley at Seaman.”
Gridley remains jailed in the Douglas County Jail. His bail was set at $1.5 million. At a recent hearing, Gridley was ordered to undergo a mental exam to determine if he is competent to stand trial.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed against the school sistrict on behalf of the family of one of the victims. It alleges the district was negligent in the hiring, supervision and retention of Gridley and accuses the district of Sexual Battery – Vicarious Liability as Gridley was performing his duties as assigned to him.
Reed Martens is the family’s attorney:
“Our clients are experiencing every parent’s worst nightmare when they drop their kids off at school. The parents are seeking justice for their daughter in hopes that something like this will never happen again.”
