Teacher Seeks $350,000 in Damages from Drowning Case

PEORIA - An Ironwood High School teacher is suing the district for emotional damages, saying they blamed him for not preventing the tragic drowning of a 16-year-old student during gym class.

In May, 16-year-old Jesus Prado drowned during a physical education class at Ironwood High School in Peoria.

The teacher who was in charge of the class that day has now taken the first step to sue the Peoria School District.

Tim McKee is asking for $350,000 in damages for emotional distress and pecuniary loss.

McKee, who claims the school is trying to pin the entire case on him, has been on administrative leave since the drowning.

No one has been criminally implicated in the drowning, which has been deemed a tragic accident.

In the letter of intent, McKee says he did all he could to respond to the drowning -- and that the district's implications have caused him emotional distress.

Instead, he says the district neglected to have properly certified lifeguards on duty and if he would've be notified of the requirements, he would've gladly sought additional certification.

The school board will meet August 20 to decide if he'll keep his job.