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 ADMINISTRATION

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

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

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. Despite being 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

Apr

More Resignations Without Transparency

Over a month ago we outlined essential steps in ‘Restoring Balance and Justice,’ aimed at correcting past wrongs and rebuilding community trust. Regrettably, The O’Neal School has chosen not to address many of the critical issues we highlighted while continuing to avoid any admission of wrongdoing.

Mar

Charting a Path to Move Forward

In a recent development at The O’Neal School, a security issue involving a student making threats has been promptly addressed. The interim Head of School, Brenda Jackson, informed the community that this student would no longer attend O’Neal. While ensuring…

Mar

The O’Neal School at a Crossroads

Over the weekend The O’Neal School community was alerted to a security concern: a student had made threats, was subsequently identified, placed under police investigation, and barred from campus. Notably, this communication came directly from the Board of Trustees and not from the…

Mar

Board Backs John Elmore’s Decision to Keep Miryah Walters

During consultation with the Executive Committee of the Board, John Elmore successfully advocated for the continuation of Miryah Walters as the Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle School, thereby reversing the earlier announcement of her departure.

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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