Myrtle Beach Teacher Sues After Gun Incident at School

News Summary

A former security coordinator for Horry County Schools, David Beaty, is suing the district and board member Howard Barnard after being unfairly terminated following a gun incident at Myrtle Beach Middle School. Beaty claims the no confidence vote against him was not legitimate and that he suffered professionally due to the incident. Meanwhile, the district has implemented new security measures, including a $3 million weapons detection system. Beaty seeks a jury trial for defamation and damages as he battles for his reputation in the community.

Myrtle Beach Teacher Files Lawsuit After Gun Incident at School

In a surprising turn of events, a former security coordinator for Horry County Schools (HCS) has decided to take legal action against the school district and board member Howard Barnard. This lawsuit comes after a tense situation unfolded in February 2022, when a student managed to bring a gun and ammunition into Myrtle Beach Middle School, a major security concern that raised eyebrows across the community. Interestingly, the school’s metal detector failed to catch the weapon, making the incident even more alarming.

Allegations of Unfair Termination

David Beaty, who held the position of security coordinator, was out on vacation at the time of the incident. However, the school board quickly placed the blame on Beaty, leading to what he claims is an unfair termination. The incident triggered a vote of no confidence against the district’s security staff, which sent shockwaves through the HCS community. Following this vote, Beaty was put on paid administrative leave and was effectively sidelined until his contract expired in June 2024.

Claims of Intimidation and Disrespect

Beaty asserts that Howard Barnard played a significant role in pushing for his removal, going as far as to violate board conduct standards with the call for a no confidence vote. It is suggested that Barnard had tipped off local media to ensure widespread coverage of the board’s actions, wanting to paint a picture that might seem favorable to him. As the situation escalated, the then-superintendent, Rick Maxey, allegedly informed Beaty that the board had instructed him to either resign or face termination—an ultimatum Beaty firmly stood against.

Big Changes to Security Measures

In a notable twist, a third-party security expert had previously recommended against the installation of a new high-caliber weapons detection system. Despite these recommendations, Barnard pushed for the new system, claiming it was essential for student safety. Following Beaty’s leave, HCS moved forward with purchasing a hefty $3 million weapons detection system that utilizes artificial intelligence for enhanced security.

A Matter of Authority

Beaty has also raised concerns over the legitimacy of the no confidence vote, arguing that it was not even on the meeting agenda. The official agenda only included a discussion regarding security matters at the schools, not a vote related to personnel issues. He contends that the responsibility for implementing security measures actually lay with building-level administrators, not with him as the security coordinator.

Professional Reputation at Stake

Throughout this ordeal, Beaty claims to have suffered both professionally and personally. He has expressed feelings of embarrassment and mental anguish due to the ongoing allegations against him. To add insult to injury, after his contract came to an end, HCS recreated his position under a different title but chose not to hire him, despite Beaty being the most qualified candidate available.

New Leadership in the Safety Department

In a further indication of change, Mike Frederick, a former police chief, was appointed as the new executive director of safety and security as of August 2024. This move indicates a significant shift in the approach HCS is taking to address safety concerns following the unsettling incident.

What Lies Ahead?

It’s important to note that the HCS spokesperson has stated the district refrains from commenting on pending legal matters, which adds an extra layer of tension to this unfolding story. Beaty is seeking a jury trial and is requesting actual and punitive damages for what he claims to be unfair termination and defamation, leaving the community waiting for what could be a significant legal showdown.

As this story develops, the impact on Horry County Schools and the community remains to be seen, with many keeping a close eye on the legal proceedings and potential outcomes of this case.

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Ex-Horry County Schools Security Coordinator Lawsuit
• My Horry News: Who is Clifford Jones?
• WBTW: Horry County Schools Delays Action on Safety Committee
• Wikipedia
• Encyclopedia Britannica