Horry County parents are publicly sharing their opinions for the first time on the new position taken by a former elementary school principal. This leader was previously involved in a high-profile abuse case. The community's response highlights varied perspectives on accountability and second chances within the school district.
Key Takeaways
- Rebecca Schroyer, a former principal, is now a teacher support specialist in Horry County Schools.
- She was arrested in 2022 for not reporting alleged abuse of special needs students.
- Charges against Schroyer were dropped, but a misconduct record was issued.
- One parent, Michelle Mayer, expressed strong support for Schroyer's return.
- The abuse case led to six lawsuits, with two already settled by the school district.
Former Principal Moves to New District Role
Rebecca Schroyer, who previously served as principal at Ocean Bay Elementary School, has taken on a new role within Horry County Schools. She now works as a teacher support specialist. This development comes three years after her arrest in connection with an abuse case at her former school.
Schroyer's appointment has drawn attention from local parents. Many are now speaking out about the decision to reassign her within the district. The situation involves a complex history of legal proceedings and community impact.
Timeline of Events
- November 2022: Rebecca Schroyer arrested and suspended.
- 2022-2023: Teacher Grace McColgan pleads guilty and is sentenced.
- Later: Charges against Schroyer are dropped.
- Recently: Schroyer assumes new role as teacher support specialist.
Details of the Abuse Case and Legal Proceedings
In November 2022, authorities arrested Rebecca Schroyer. Officers accused her of failing to report the abuse of special needs students. The alleged abuse was committed by teacher Grace McColgan at Ocean Bay Elementary.
Grace McColgan pleaded guilty to the charges. She received a sentence of 30 days in jail. Additionally, McColgan surrendered her teaching license, ending her career as an educator.
Background on Educator Certification
Educator certificates are professional licenses required for teaching in public schools. The South Carolina State Board of Education oversees these certifications. Misconduct can lead to suspension, revocation, or formal records on an educator's certificate.
Despite the initial arrest, charges against Rebecca Schroyer were eventually dropped. She retained her educator's certificate. However, the South Carolina State Board of Education issued a formal record of misconduct on her certificate. This action acknowledged issues without revoking her ability to work in education.
Parental Reactions to Schroyer's Return
The community response to Schroyer's new position has been mixed. Michelle Mayer, a parent whose child attended Ocean Bay Elementary, expressed strong support for Schroyer. Mayer believes Schroyer did not deserve the initial accusations.
"I mean I don’t think she deserved it at all," Mayer stated. She added that Schroyer "put her whole heart and soul into that job."
Mayer recalled her daughter observing McColgan acting "kind of nasty." However, Mayer maintained a positive view of Schroyer's leadership. She highlighted Schroyer's dedication to the school.
"I would tell anybody that Mrs. Schroyer was A+," Mayer said. "I mean she had triplets in the school, she took away time from her kids to in order to have that school and she was involved in everything and did special things all the time." This personal testimony underscores a parent's perception of Schroyer's commitment.
Impact on Horry County Schools and Ongoing Lawsuits
The abuse case at Ocean Bay Elementary had significant consequences beyond the individuals involved. It prompted the filing of six separate lawsuits against Horry County Schools. These lawsuits allege various failures related to the abuse incidents.
Horry County Schools has already settled two of these cases. The settlements involved six-figure payouts to the parents of affected students. The remaining four lawsuits are still pending, indicating ongoing legal and financial repercussions for the district.
These legal actions highlight the severe impact of the abuse case on the district. They also underscore the financial burden and the trust issues that have emerged within the community. The district continues to navigate these challenges while addressing public concerns.
Key Statistics
- 6: Number of lawsuits filed against Horry County Schools due to the abuse case.
- 2: Number of lawsuits already settled by the district.
- Six-figure: Amount of payouts in the settled cases.
The decision to reassign Rebecca Schroyer within the district is a sensitive issue. It balances legal outcomes, professional conduct records, and community sentiment. Horry County Schools faces continued scrutiny as it moves forward from these events.
The district's handling of personnel changes and legal settlements remains a key focus for parents and the wider community. Transparency and accountability are important as the school system works to rebuild trust and ensure student safety.
