Arizona Family Brings $55M Claim Against Flagstaff Unified School District for Preventable Tick-Borne Illness at Camp Colton

Key Takeaways:

• A $55 million Notice of Claim has been filed against Flagstaff Unified School District.
• The lawsuit stems from a student’s Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever infection at Camp Colton.
• The claim alleges gross negligence and failure to follow CDC protocols.
• A previous outbreak of TBRF took place at the same site in 2014.
• Plattner Verderame, P.C. served the Notice on August 26, 2025.

Introduction

An Arizona family has taken legal action against the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD), filing a $55 million Notice of Claim. The measure, served on August 26, 2025, stems from an incident at Camp Colton, an outdoor education facility managed by the district, where their daughter allegedly contracted Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) in May 2019. The family’s attorneys, Plattner Verderame, P.C., accuse FUSD of gross negligence for allegedly failing to follow public health guidelines aimed at preventing tick-borne illnesses.

Background on Camp Colton and TBRF

Camp Colton is utilized by sixth-grade students as part of the district’s outdoor education program. According to the Notice of Claim, the student was exposed to “soft ticks” carrying Borrelia hermsii, the bacterium responsible for Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever. This condition is known to cause recurring episodes of fever and other flu-like symptoms. The legal complaint points to a 2014 outbreak of TBRF in which ticks were reportedly found living in rodent nests inside camp cabins, suggesting a history of similar public health risks.

Allegations of Negligence

The legal filing asserts that Camp Colton disregarded pest control protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities. It claims the district overlooked necessary measures—such as regular inspections, proper maintenance, and preventive treatments—despite the documented 2014 outbreak. As a result, the family contends their child’s exposure to ticks at Camp Colton could have been prevented.

Legal Proceedings

FUSD board members formally received the Notice of Claim during a meeting on August 26, 2025. The Notice details the severity of TBRF’s impact on the student’s health and cites the school district’s alleged lapses in protocol as central to the $55 million demand. Under Arizona law, a Notice of Claim is often the first step in pursuing legal recourse against a public entity, signaling the potential for a lawsuit if the claim is not resolved.

Implications for Outdoor Education

This high-value claim may prompt schools and outdoor facilities across Arizona to reevaluate their pest management practices, especially when children participate in overnight trips. Complying with CDC directives, including thorough cabin inspections and preventive treatments, is at the core of the family’s complaint. The outcome of this dispute could influence broader discussions on safety and liability in school-sponsored outdoor programs.

Conclusion

As the legal process unfolds, the $55 million demand underscores the serious consequences of failing to implement rigorous health and safety standards. Camp Colton’s prior experience with TBRF in 2014 highlights the relevance of proper prevention strategies, and the current claim seeks accountability for what the family believes was a preventable illness. Whether through settlement or further legal action, the case has sparked a fresh examination of health protocols in education-focused outdoor facilities.