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By: Jordan Baker
A chilling picture of sexual abuse has emerged from Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences High School in Queens, where music teacher Scott Biski allegedly groomed and abused a female student.
NY Post exclusively reported that the Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools released a damning report detailing a pattern of abuse that spanned years, leaving the victim deeply traumatized.
The report reveals a calculated campaign of grooming by Biski, who allegedly cultivated a disturbing “escape room” within his classroom-office. NY Post reported that this space, adorned with old desks and file cabinets, became a breeding ground for his predatory behavior. He would invite students to hang out in this unsettling environment, gradually isolating the victim and creating opportunities for abuse.
NY Post reported that the abuse escalated beyond the classroom walls. Biski allegedly invited the student to his home under the guise of playing board games with other students, only to find herself alone with him. This pattern of isolation and manipulation was a key component of his grooming strategy.
Lavish gifts, including a coveted flute, designer clothing, and significant sums of cash, were used to further manipulate and control the victim. NY Post reported that these gifts, coupled with preferential treatment in the school band, including coveted solo performances and glowing college recommendation letters, created a sense of dependency and indebtedness.
The investigation uncovered a disturbing volume of communication between Biski and the student. NY Post reported that nearly 700 text messages were exchanged, with a staggering 82 messages sent during school hours. To further conceal his predatory actions, Biski instructed the student to save his phone number under a fake name – “Arthur Dent” – to avoid raising suspicion.
The report paints a disturbing picture of a teacher who exploited his position of trust to prey on a vulnerable student. The victim described feeling “disgusted” by Biski’s actions, viewing him as a “father figure” who betrayed her trust in the most profound way.
Despite the student initially claiming the sexual encounters were consensual after she turned 17, the investigation deemed Biski’s behavior “egregious, manipulative, and predatory.” The report emphasizes that the age of consent does not negate the predatory nature of the teacher’s actions, highlighting the power imbalance and the long-term psychological harm inflicted upon the victim.
The New York Post report indicated that Biski was removed from his teaching position at Gateway but remained on the city payroll for a year, collecting a substantial salary. This egregious lapse in accountability further underscores the need for systemic reforms within the Department of Education. The investigation has prompted a review of policies regarding teacher-student communication, particularly concerning the use of personal phones.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger safeguards to protect students from predatory teachers. Robust investigations, swift and decisive disciplinary action, and a commitment to student safety are paramount in preventing such abuse and ensuring that educators uphold the highest ethical standards.