VICTIM EXPELLED FOLLOWING JUVENILE ASSAULT
In a distressing incident at The O’Neal School, an 11-year-old child was brutally assaulted by another student near the gazebo on Konni’s Courtyard leading to severe injuries. The aftermath saw the Head of School threaten the victim’s family, warning them to maintain silence after a police investigation. The school’s response included disciplinary targeting of the victim and the eventual expulsion of the family for not agreeing to a gag order. The attacker continues to be a student attending classes at O’Neal.
WHO WE ARE
Our organization was founded as a direct response to a growing concern over the O’Neal School administration’s misconduct. Motivated by a commitment to transparency and accountability, we emerged to shed light on what many perceive as an atmosphere of corruption and secrecy within the school’s leadership. Our core mission is to diligently monitor, document, and expose unethical or unjust actions by the administration.
The O’Neal School is an independent private school in Southern Pines, North Carolina, serving Pinehurst, Whispering Pines, Vass, West End, Aberdeen, and the surrounding areas of Moore County. It accommodates over 550 students and 60 teachers across Pre-K 3 to 12th grade. The school has been a part of the community for nearly 50 years. This website is not endorsed by nor affiliated with The O’Neal School.
THE WALL OF SHAME
STAN BRADSHAW
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER
While Stan Bradshaw’s substantial financial contributions have led to the construction of key buildings and bolstered his reputation as a respected philanthropist, his actions behind the scenes tell a different story. As an “Honorary” Board Member, he violated the confidentiality and harassment provisions of the Code of Conduct, exploited school records to defame a student, supported a headmaster who committed unethical acts, and attempted to justify the actions of a juvenile attacker while demeaning a victim of assault.
JEN SCHMITZ
DIRECTOR OF AQUATICS
Jen Schmitz has demonstrated a troubling willingness to turn a blind eye to administrative misconduct. Despite knowing the details of an assault on a child, she barred the student from competing on a visiting swim team after previously approving their attendance. This act, part of a retaliatory campaign against the family for speaking up, highlights her complicity in the unethical practices carried out by the school’s administration. Additionally, it underscores her failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association.
BRENDA JACKSON
FORMER INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL
Brenda Jackson’s longstanding history at The O’Neal School and her commitment to education in Moore County initially inspired hope that she would usher in meaningful change and positively impact the school’s toxic culture. However, Mrs. Jackson has proven to be merely a pawn of the Board of Trustees. She has continued the unethical practices established by her predecessor, including the unjust exclusion of student athletes, while the community waits for the arrival of a new Head of School.
JOHN ELMORE
FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL
John Elmore presents a stark contrast between his public image and his actions. While acclaimed for fostering a positive learning environment, his administrative practices suggest a priority on the school’s reputation over student welfare. Allegations against Elmore include denying basic accommodations to an assault victim and engaging in intimidation tactics, culminating in the victim’s expulsion after the family refused to sign a gag order about what happened. This behavior raises serious concerns about Elmore’s commitment to the school’s ethical values and student safety.
MIRYAH WALTERS
FORMER ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL
Miryah Walters’ actions call into question her suitability for a role of authority over children. Her decisions, notably in the case of a severe assault, lacked empathy and competent administrative judgment. She minimized the victim’s trauma after sending them back to class with the assailant, denied basic care, and imposed a gag order, leading to further isolation and punitive measures. Her behavior, including the creation of unjustified disciplinary punishments, resulted in the victim’s suspension and expulsion, demonstrating a troubling abuse of power and disregard for student welfare.
LYNDA ACKER
FORMER BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR
Lynda Acker’s role as Chair of the Board of Trustees at The O’Neal School is marked by questionable decisions regarding school security and transparency. Even though she was aware of lacking security measures, such as no cameras in critical areas, she didn’t adequately address these shortcomings before the school year began. Her handling of a formal written complaint to the Board, by limiting its distribution and remaining passive when confronted with factual allegations against the school’s administration, suggests a failure in leadership and ethical oversight.
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