The O'Neal School Watchdog

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.

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WHO WE ARE

The O'Neal School Watchdog Website Logo

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.

Logo of The O'Neal School with central gazebo symbolizing the site of significance.

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

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.

Recent Updates

Oct

A Culture of Bullying and Secrecy

For years, The O’Neal School has promised a safe and nurturing environment, but beneath the surface, many families have discovered a culture that protects aggressors, silences victims, and shelters those with power and influence from consequences. One of the most widespread concerns is the administration’s failure to address bullying.

Sep

The Man Behind the Mask

When we published the article, “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” we chose not to disclose the name of the person responsible for the unethical conduct. This was done to give the Board of Trustees one more chance to address these matters internally and take appropriate action against the member at fault. However, they have consistently failed to do so.

Aug

Juvenile Delinquent Loose on The O’Neal School Campus

On August 13, 2024, while The O’Neal School held its orientation for middle school students, a hearing was scheduled for a petition of simple assault against the juvenile who attacked the Stefanik child. The district attorney’s office had prepared extensive evidence for the case, including medical records, incriminating documents…

Jun

Unethical Practices Continue Despite New Leadership

The resignation of John Elmore occurred under a veil of secrecy, with parents signing a petition to remove him as some Board Members continued to express their devotion to his leadership. It was only after a middle school student made aggressive threats of violence towards faculty that they finally took action.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

We’re calling for immediate community action in response to the alarming conduct by the school’s administration. Their actions have raised serious concerns about student safety and integrity. We urge parents and community members to be vigilant, especially those with children currently enrolled. Your participation is vital to challenge these injustices. Share our articles, post reviews, and directly engage with school leaders and their supporters. Together, we can hold responsible parties accountable and ensure a safer, more transparent educational environment at The O’Neal School.

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