The importance of ensuring a safe learning environment in schools.
The South Carolina Board of Education issued a public reprimand to former Ocean Bay Elementary principal Rebecca M. Schroyer. This decision follows allegations that she failed to report a child neglect case during her tenure. In a significant ruling, the board determined that her actions constituted unprofessional conduct. Although Schroyer maintains her teaching certificate, uncertainty lingers about her future in education amidst ongoing discussions about leadership accountability.
In a surprising turn of events, the South Carolina Board of Education made headlines on April 1, 2025, as they ruled on the case of former Ocean Bay Elementary School principal Rebecca M. Schroyer. The board’s decision to issue a public reprimand marks a significant moment in the ongoing saga surrounding Schroyer’s administrative leave and involvement in a serious child neglect case.
The story began back in November 2022 when Schroyer was placed on administrative leave amidst allegations of her involvement in a child neglect case. The situation escalated as she faced possible suspension of her state educator certificate due to two counts of failing to report a child neglect allegation during the 2021-22 school year. Although criminal charges against her were dismissed on February 28, 2023, the case was handed over for a thorough review by the state board.
This recent public reprimand reflects the Board’s determination that Schroyer engaged in unprofessional conduct by not reporting suspected child abuse to the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) or law enforcement. Although she did promptly inform the Horry County Schools’ Human Resources director about the incident, this was deemed insufficient in terms of addressing the allegations raised against a teacher in her school.
The child neglect case revolved around a teacher named Grace McColgan, who faced serious charges for allegedly putting hand sanitizer in a child’s open wound in February 2022. Following a thorough investigation, McColgan ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple counts of unlawful conduct toward a child in July 2023. The details surrounding the incident and the subsequent actions taken have raised serious questions about the responsibilities of educational leaders in protecting student welfare.
Having devoted over two decades to Horry County Schools, Schroyer has held various roles since she first joined the district in 2001. In 2016, she stepped into the role of principal at Ocean Bay Elementary. It was hoped that during her tenure, she would inspire students and staff alike. Yet, this recent controversy has overshadowed her achievements, leaving many to wonder what’s next for her professional future.
As part of the public reprimand, Schroyer waived her right to a hearing and accepted a Consent Order from the Board. She maintains her teaching certificate, which is set to expire on June 30, 2024, unless she opts to renew it beforehand. However, the possibility of her returning to her role as principal remains uncertain in the wake of the Board’s ruling.
During her time on administrative leave, Schroyer received two pay raises, including a 2% increase for all district employees in both 2023 and 2024. By 2023, her salary had climbed to an impressive $143,979, notably 23% higher than the average principal salary in South Carolina. This is particularly striking given the circumstances surrounding her absence from school.
Meanwhile, Horry County Schools has acknowledged the Board’s decision and is actively reviewing all relevant information with its Human Resources Department. As this story unfolds, many in the community are left to ponder the implications of leadership accountability in education, especially in the context of protecting the most vulnerable among us—our children.
As the dust settles on the decision against Schroyer, the impact of this ruling resonates throughout the community. Educators, parents, and students are all keeping a close watch on how this will affect the culture within their schools moving forward. The overarching question remains: how do we ensure that our schools are safe havens for all students, so that situations like this do not arise again?
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