Myrtle Beach Schools Security Scandal Takes a New Turn

News Summary

A legal battle has erupted in Myrtle Beach following a gun incident at Myrtle Beach Middle School. Former security coordinator David Beaty is suing the school system after being blamed for the incident. The tension escalated during a board meeting, leading to calls for Beaty’s resignation and subsequent termination. Meanwhile, plans for a weapons detection system are now being discussed. The fallout raises serious questions about school safety and accountability within the district as the community seeks answers.

Myrtle Beach Schools Security Scandal Takes a New Turn

Myrtle Beach has found itself in the midst of a surprising legal drama that has everyone talking. David Beaty, the former security coordinator for Horry County Schools, is taking action against the school system and Board Member Howard Barnard. And what’s the buzz? It all revolves around a rather serious incident that took place back in February when a student brought a gun to Myrtle Beach Middle School.

Accusations Fly

Beaty, who held the position of security coordinator from June 2012 until March 2024, claims he was unfairly blamed for the incident involving the firearm, which sent shockwaves through the community. Tensions around school security were already running high following the event, and Beaty believes he has become a scapegoat in a situation that was out of his hands.

Interestingly, just months before the incident, Beaty had advocated for a thorough and independent audit of the school’s safety measures. The findings of this audit were quite promising, and it seemed like things were heading in the right direction. However, after the gun incident, a third-party security expert was brought in and recommended prioritizing existing safety measures over implementing a weapons detection system. This expert advice, however, fell on deaf ears.

Weapons Detection Debate

The lawsuit claims that Barnard pushed for a weapons detection system despite the expert’s recommendation. This push led Beaty to present these findings during an intense board meeting on March 11, 2023. While Beaty was trying to convey important information, the tension in the room was palpable. Several board members expressed their dissatisfaction with the security staff, which only added fuel to the fire.

The Fallout

In a surprising twist, following the heated meeting, Barnard called for a vote of no confidence against the security staff. However, Beaty’s complaint suggests this move was legally questionable, as there was no official protocol established in the Board Policy for such a vote. Things didn’t stop there; Superintendent Dr. Rick Maxey, feeling the heat from the community and the board, told Beaty he had a choice: resign, retire, or face termination. Interestingly, Maxey believed Beaty had done nothing wrong.

The situation escalated further when Beaty, who was actually on vacation during the school incident, subsequently found himself placed on paid administrative leave and ultimately faced termination at the end of his contract in June 2024. Rather dramatically, his position was then restructured and advertised under a different title, a position Beaty applied for but did not get.

The Personal Cost

As this saga continues, Beaty claims that he has suffered greatly on both professional and personal fronts. He describes feelings of embarrassment, humiliation, and serious mental anguish. The aftermath of the February incident was tough for not just Beaty but the entire school community, heightening concerns about safety in schools across the area.

Looking Ahead

In a move that reflects the urgency of the situation, HCS has announced plans to purchase a weapons detection system in May 2024, almost a year after the troubling incident. Interestingly, emails showed that discussions about acquiring such a system had begun much earlier, as far back as June 2022, which raises more questions about the timing and motivations playing out behind the scenes.

The Legal Battle

Now, with a lawsuit on the table, Beaty is seeking both actual and punitive damages through a jury trial. While the case unfolds, Horry County Schools has opted to stay mum on the ongoing litigation. It will be interesting to see where this legal drama leads and how it will impact the community as they continue to grapple with issues of school safety.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Myrtle Beach Teacher Arrested on Serious Charges

Additional Resources

• WBTW: 15-Year-Old Charged in Shooting Death
• Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
• WMBF News: Horry County Schools Statement
• Wikipedia: School Safety
• My Horry News: 15-Year-Old Charged in Horry County Shooting
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Violence