In a significant step to address the impacts of teacher misconduct, Horry County Schools is dedicating over $600,000 to support families affected by abuse in special education settings. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to student advocacy, child welfare, and family assistance, highlighting the important role local education agencies play in maintaining safe and supportive learning environments.
Horry County Schools allocates $675,000 in settlements following teacher misconduct
The Horry County School District is set to pay approximately $675,000 in settlements this year related to lawsuits involving teacher misconduct at Ocean Bay Elementary School. The cases revolve around Grace McColgan, a former special education teacher who was found guilty of abusing children with moderate to severe special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, many of whom were nonverbal. These students ranged in age from seven to ten years old.
Three of the six families involved have received settlement offers of $125,000 each, with 20 days to accept. Two other families have offers of $150,000 each, pending court approval on July 25. A sixth family has yet to receive an offer. These funds stem from Education Funding resources allocated for ensuring student welfare and remedying harm when misconduct occurs.
- Settlement offers range from $125,000 to $150,000 per family.
- Cases involve children with special educational needs.
- Use of funds aims to provide immediate family assistance and support services.
- Associated legal processes highlight the importance of accountability in school systems.
Background on the misconduct and community response
Grace McColgan’s arrest in late 2022 followed witness testimonies revealing troubling behavior such as rubbing hand sanitizer on children’s open wounds and subjecting students to physical harm and isolation in dark seclusion rooms. This deeply troubling behavior violated the trust placed in educators and necessitated swift action to protect student rights.
Rebecca Schroyer, the principal of Ocean Bay Elementary, was implicated for alleged failure to report the abuse. While criminal charges against Schroyer were later dismissed, she received a formal Public Reprimand on her educator certificate by the State Board of Education, signaling the school’s commitment to teacher support structures and adherence to ethical standards.
- McColgan pled guilty to six counts of unlawful conduct toward a child.
- She surrendered her educator certificate and received a 30-day jail sentence.
- Schroyer faced administrative sanctions but maintained her certificate with a reprimand.
- The case has sparked conversations within the community about monitoring and prevention of abuse.
Enhancing family resources and community support in response
In response to these circumstances, Horry County Schools is emphasizing enhanced family resources and community support to restore trust and provide meaningful assistance to affected families. The district’s efforts align with broader initiatives that promote child welfare and student advocacy at every level.
Families impacted by the misconduct benefit from monetary settlements, but also from access to supportive services tailored for children with special educational needs. These wrap-around supports are critical for healing, ensuring educational continuity, and fostering a nurturing environment at home, which research shows is vital for school readiness and resilience.
- Monetary settlements aid in covering therapy, counseling, and specialized care expenses.
- Partnerships with local organizations offer additional emotional and educational support.
- Programs focus on empowering parents to foster supportive home environments.
- Community workshops promote awareness about recognizing and preventing abuse in schools.
Explore more on how family assistance boosts educational outcomes and student resilience at Education to the Top.
Role of local education agencies in preventing teacher misconduct
Incidents such as those involving McColgan highlight the critical role of local education agencies in maintaining vigilant oversight and investing in teacher support programs to prevent misconduct. Such agencies are responsible not only for education funding but also for creating environments where students and families feel safe and supported.
Building robust systems of accountability and swift intervention, combined with ongoing professional development for educators on ethics and child welfare, is essential. Furthermore, fostering open communication channels for families to report concerns without fear encourages proactive protection strategies.
- Implement regular training on child welfare and ethical teacher conduct.
- Strengthen reporting mechanisms for suspected abuse or neglect.
- Allocate education funding to support teacher well-being and professional growth.
- Facilitate collaborative networks between schools, families, and community organizations.
Discover strategies for supporting special educational needs teachers at Education to the Top.
Student advocacy and community initiatives gaining momentum in Horry County
Beyond immediate remediation, the Horry County community is rallying to promote student advocacy and reinforce collective responsibility. Encouragingly, parents and educators are collaborating to create more transparent environments and prioritize the voices of students and families.
- Advocacy groups are increasing awareness around students’ rights and protection.
- Community support initiatives promote mental health and wellness among students.
- Local education agencies emphasize preventative measures alongside response strategies.
- Parental involvement programs are expanding to strengthen family-school partnerships.
Learn how fostering supportive home environments can enhance learning outcomes at Education to the Top.