U.S. Senator Rick Scott demands termination of arrested Palm Beach Central High School staff
Palm Beach County, Florida – U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican representing the state of Florida, is calling for the immediate termination of five employees from Palm Beach Central High School. These individuals, which include the school principal, two assistant principals, a teacher, and a school behavioral therapist, allegedly failed to report a suspected sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. Scott expressed his deep concern in a letter addressed to Palm Beach County Superintendent Mike Burke, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the implications it may have on federal education laws.
Sen. Scott highlighted the severity of the allegations, stating that these defendants not only neglected their fundamental duty as educators and administrators but also let down a vulnerable victim by protecting the accused individuals from accountability. Furthermore, Scott raised the possibility that their actions could potentially violate federal education laws, such as Title IX. The defendants were arrested on July 24, following charges of failure to report sexual abuse.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, all five employees were made aware, in some capacity, of the alleged sexual assault that took place off-campus on April 2, 2021. However, none of them fulfilled their legal obligation to report the incident to law enforcement or the Florida Department of Children and Families, as required by state law. The sheriff’s office investigation determined that these individuals were considered mandatory reporters under state law, meaning they were obligated to report suspicions of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment, including cases of sexual abuse.
Sen. Scott expressed his shock that these defendants allowed the victim to suffer for nearly two years without intervening or reporting the alleged sexual assault. The traumatized girl, it was revealed, had engaged in known acts of self-harm during this time. Scott questioned why these individuals, who failed to fulfill their basic responsibilities as caretakers for children, are still employed and being paid with taxpayer money.
The Palm Beach County School District has reassigned the five employees to positions that do not involve direct student contact. Superintendent Burke acknowledged the importance of student safety and well-being as the highest priority. While he refrained from commenting on the ongoing criminal investigation, Burke assured the Palm Beach Central High School community that efforts are underway to ensure a secure academic year.
Sen. Scott’s letter urges Superintendent Burke to take appropriate action in this matter. He believes that, considering the defendants’ refusal to protect the victim and their negligent decisions not to report the claims, it is unjust for them to remain employed by the school district. The senator also called upon the American Federation of Teachers to support this stance. As of now, the School District of Palm Beach County has not responded to requests for comment on Sen. Scott’s letter.
In related news, Reggie Myers, a retired former principal of Park Vista Community High School, has been chosen to serve as interim principal of Palm Beach Central. At an upcoming meeting, the Palm Beach County School Board is expected to officially approve Myers’ appointment, just in time for the upcoming school year, set to commence on August 10. Superintendent Burke expressed confidence in Myers’ qualifications and praised his successful career as a school administrator, assuring the public of his commitment to ensuring the school’s readiness for the new academic term.
