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Parents and residents press Horry County Schools on due process, suspensions and charter governance at public forum
Summary
Speakers at the public forum raised concerns about denial of due process in expulsion hearings, high suspension rates at Forest Brook Middle School (particularly among students with disabilities), and alleged governance problems at a local charter school; the board did not respond directly but directed staff to follow up.
During the public comment portion of the meeting several community members presented concerns to the board.
Leah Hornberger, a parent from the Myrtle Beach High School attendance area, addressed evidentiary‑hearing procedures and alleged her family did not receive investigative materials in time for an evidentiary hearing. Hornberger cited the Fourteenth Amendment and referenced "SC code section 59 63 2 40" (as provided in her packet), saying district practice did not meet the amended statutory requirement for three days' prior access to the investigative file. "Horry County Schools breached its own rules and procedures and violated my child's fourteenth amendment right to due process," she stated and asked the board to revise expulsion procedures and ensure administrators follow the law.
Dr. Edward Bridal, a resident and retired principal, urged the board to revisit the appeal process for out‑of‑school suspensions and to investigate suspension rates at Forest Brook Middle School. Bridal said many suspended students have IEPs or 504 accommodations and argued exclusionary discipline harms learning and leads to negative long‑term outcomes. "The key to reducing suspension and expulsion is implementing a proactive, school‑wide, multi‑tiered system of support," he told the board and recommended stakeholder involvement in any appeal‑process revisions.
Rick Rivers, representing the Palm Concerned Parent Group, alleged irregularities and possible governance problems at Palm Charter, including improperly held board elections and conflicts of interest; he urged the board to consider hiring a third party to investigate. The chairman reminded speakers to "stick to the facts" as speakers named individuals and attorneys in their remarks.
Board policy noted the public forum is for the board to listen and for staff to follow up within two weeks; no immediate board action or reply occurred during the meeting. The board subsequently went into executive session to discuss a student appeal and personnel matters.
