A teacher at a South Carolina elementary school has been dismissed and is now under investigation following serious allegations of physically assaulting a student. The incident, which reportedly involved spitting and kicking, occurred at Shoally Creek Elementary School in Spartanburg County, prompting an immediate response from school officials and law enforcement.
Spartanburg County School District 2 confirmed the teacher was not a direct employee but worked through a third-party contracting agency. The district has assured the community that the individual will not return to the school as the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office conducts a full investigation into the matter.
Key Takeaways
- A teacher at Shoally Creek Elementary School in Spartanburg County was fired after being accused of spitting on and kicking a student.
- The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation into the allegations.
- The individual was employed through a third-party contractor, not directly by Spartanburg County School District 2.
- School officials have confirmed the teacher will not be returning and are cooperating with law enforcement.
Investigation Launched into Elementary School Incident
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating allegations of misconduct against a teacher at Shoally Creek Elementary School in Boiling Springs. The incident reportedly took place on Friday, September 19, 2025, during school hours. According to initial reports, the teacher is accused of spitting on and kicking a student.
Upon receiving the report, school administration immediately notified the appropriate authorities, leading to the sheriff's office opening a case. As of now, it remains unclear whether criminal charges will be filed against the teacher. The name of the individual has not been publicly released pending the outcome of the investigation.
Details regarding the student, including their age and grade level, have also been withheld to protect their privacy. The circumstances leading up to the alleged assault have not been disclosed by officials.
School's Official Response
In a message sent to parents and staff, the principal of Shoally Creek Elementary School addressed the situation directly. The principal confirmed that the teacher involved in the incident "will not be returning" to the school. This swift action was taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the student body.
The school's leadership also pledged full cooperation with the ongoing law enforcement investigation. "We will help deputies in whatever way possible," the principal stated, emphasizing the school's commitment to a thorough and transparent process.
About Spartanburg County School District 2
Spartanburg County School District 2 serves the communities of Boiling Springs, Chesnee, and Mayo in upstate South Carolina. The district is responsible for thousands of students across its elementary, middle, and high schools. Like many districts nationwide, it sometimes utilizes third-party agencies to fill staffing needs for various roles, including teaching positions.
Contractor Status a Key Detail in Case
Spartanburg County School District 2 officials have clarified that the teacher at the center of the allegations was not a district employee. Instead, the individual was a third-party contractor hired through an external agency to work at the school. This distinction is significant for both the investigation and school district liability.
The use of contract employees is a common practice in education to fill temporary vacancies or specialized roles. However, it raises important questions about vetting, oversight, and accountability. Districts rely on contracting agencies to conduct thorough background checks and ensure their personnel meet professional standards.
"When an incident involves a contractor, the school district and the third-party agency share responsibility for the response. The immediate priority is always student safety, followed by a review of the hiring and oversight protocols."- School Administration Expert
The school district has not named the third-party agency that supplied the teacher. The investigation will likely examine the screening process used by the agency before placing the individual in a classroom setting.
Legal and Procedural Next Steps
With the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office leading the investigation, the next steps will involve gathering evidence and conducting interviews. Investigators will likely speak with the student involved, any potential witnesses, school staff, and the accused teacher.
The findings will be presented to the local prosecutor's office, which will determine if the evidence is sufficient to press criminal charges. Potential charges in such a case could range from assault and battery to child endangerment, depending on the specifics of the incident and South Carolina state law.
Student Safety Protocols
State laws and school district policies have strict protocols for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Any school employee who has reason to believe a child has been harmed is typically mandated to report it to law enforcement and child protective services immediately. The quick response from Shoally Creek Elementary aligns with these standard safety procedures.
While the legal process unfolds, the school district will conduct its own internal review. This review will likely focus on its partnership with the third-party contracting agency and its policies for supervising non-district personnel on campus. The goal is to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and to reinforce a safe learning environment for all students.
The community is awaiting further updates from the sheriff's office as the investigation continues. School officials have encouraged parents with concerns to contact the school administration directly.
