Teacher attacked at Central High School sues district

The teacher who was attacked at Central High School in St. Paul is threatening to file a civil lawsuit against the school district.

John Ekblad suffered traumatic brain injury after he was assaulted by a student while trying to break up a fight involving 16-year-old Fon’Tae O’Bannon. O'Bannon has pleaded guilty to felony assault charges.

In a release, the law firm representing Ekblad said the school has failed to keep its teachers safe from violence, even though the district has been notified of problems in the past. The firm said during this school year alone, 20 teachers have been assaulted by students in Ramsey County.

Ekblad and the firm will give further information at a press conference on Tuesday.