A former Centennial High School student filed a $7 million notice of claim against the Peoria Unified School District late last week, alleging that school officials failed to protect him from grooming and exploitation by a fired teacher. The filing marks the second multi-million-dollar legal notice served against the district over misconduct allegations involving former Centennial teachers Haley Beck and Angela Burlaka.
A Second Multi-Million-Dollar Notice of Claim
The notice of claim, released by the school district on Tuesday, redacts the student’s name. However, the legal document states that the claimant is a close friend of other students whose allegations against Beck have already triggered investigations. Attorneys representing the former student allege negligence, failure to implement mandatory reporting, Title IX sexual harassment, and civil rights violations. The district alongside several current and former staff members are named in the filing, which sets a $7 million settlement demand.
Allegations of Grooming and Out-of-State Travel
According to the claim dated Sept. 22, the alleged grooming began in the spring of 2025. Lawyers state that Beck provided the minor student with marijuana, alcohol, food, and gifts. The document also alleges that Beck hosted the student at her home, exposed him to sexually explicit content, and facilitated an out-of-state trip.
Mounting Scrutiny and Prior Legal Filings
The Peoria Unified School District faces mounting public scrutiny regarding its handling of student safety and internal investigations. In January, another student filed a $20 million notice of claim against the district and school staff. That earlier filing accused officials of failing to protect him from harm, stating that Angela Burlaka and Haley Beck groomed, sexually harassed, and abused him while he was enrolled at Centennial High School.
District Response to the Latest Legal Action
In response to inquiries regarding the latest legal filing, a Peoria Unified School District spokesperson stated that the district is in receipt of the notice of claim and will respond accordingly while working alongside legal counsel.