Ocean Bay Elementary School where the recent charges against the principal were dismissed.
Rebecca Schroyer, the principal of Ocean Bay Elementary in Myrtle Beach, SC, has had child abuse charges dismissed after an investigation. While the dismissal brings relief, scrutiny remains as she continues to face administrative leave and community concerns regarding student safety due to previous allegations against a teacher. The outcome of a pending hearing by the South Carolina Department of Education could determine her future in the role amidst increasing pressure from parents and guardians.
In a significant development from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Rebecca Schroyer, the principal of Ocean Bay Elementary School, has recently had her charges dismissed following a child abuse investigation. This news has been met with a mix of relief and continued scrutiny in the community.
Schroyer was placed on paid administrative leave back in November 2022, as allegations arose concerning her failure to report child neglect claims associated with a teacher at her school. Specifically, she faced two counts under South Carolina law, which mandates educators to report suspected child neglect. The case originated from troubling accusations against Grace McColgan, a special education teacher, who was later found guilty in July 2023 of child neglect after a shocking incident where hand sanitizer was applied to a student’s open wound.
On February 28, 2023, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office officially dismissed the charges against Schroyer. However, her administrative leave continues as she awaits the outcome of a hearing by the South Carolina Department of Education, which could take up to a year to conclude. While Schroyer has not set foot in her office during this process, she is still receiving her salary. As of 2023, her salary of $143,979 stands at 23% higher than the average for elementary school principals across the state, and intriguingly, she has even received two pay raises while on leave, including a recent 2% raise.
As many in the community follow this ongoing saga, it’s clear that there are deep concerns about student safety and the ability of the school administration to handle allegations of misconduct. Since the charges against her were dropped, Schroyer remains under the watchful eye of parents and guardians who have raised alarms over the wellbeing of their children. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against both Schroyer and Horry County Schools by parents alleging negligence and cover-up of the abuse incidents, claiming that Schroyer was aware of McColgan’s troubling behavior but failed to inform the necessary authorities. These parents are not just sitting back; they are actively pushing for accountability.
Even though Schroyer still holds a valid teaching certificate through June 30, 2024, she is unable to return to the principal position until her case is resolved. As of the last update, there has been no action taken against her by the Department of Education, leaving many in suspense about what this means for her professional future.
With no clear timeline for when the hearing will take place or the results of that process, Ocean Bay Elementary and the wider school district find themselves in a difficult position. As pressure mounts from parents and community members, it will be essential for the school administration to ensure that all students feel safe and supported. The path ahead is unclear, but what is certain is that the issues raised have sparked a much-needed conversation about accountability, transparency, and ensuring the safety of every child in the school.
As the investigation and subsequent legal matters unfold, the local community has been actively engaging in discussions, sharing their thoughts and hopes for a swift resolution. Many know that the stakes are high, with the safety of children and the trust in educational institutions hanging in the balance. For now, all eyes are on the upcoming decisions that could significantly impact the futures of both Schroyer and the students at Ocean Bay Elementary.
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