Waccamaw High School principal to be reassigned after investigation into May senior prank

The Georgetown County School District is reassigning a high school principal amid an investigation into a senior prank.

The pranks, which occurred on May 21, happened while the school’s alarm system was off. Senior students broke onto school grounds to spray silly string in the front office, spray-paint “Class of 2023” in multiple places on the roof, and pour cooking oil on the gym floor, the school district said.

An interim principal will take charge until a permanent replacement is found, according to a news release sent out by the School District. The full statement is below.

“In recent weeks, concern has grown as more has been learned about the full impact and disclosure of pertinent information surrounding the incident that occurred at Waccamaw High School on May 21, 2023. Additional details provided both publicly and anonymously expanded the focus of Georgetown County School District’s investigation.

As a result of the investigation, the District has determined that a change in leadership at WHS is needed. Adam George remains employed with Georgetown County School District, and he will be reassigned to another position for which he is certified and qualified. An interim principal will be appointed to serve at WHS until a permanent replacement can be determined. The District will communicate those details as we proceed with this process.On May 21, the Pawleys Island school alarm system was off, which is when senior students broke onto school grounds to spray silly string in the school’s front office, spray-paint “Class of 2023” in multiple places on the roof and pour cooking oil on the gym floor, according to an open-records request.”

Principal Adam George served at Waccamaw High School for five years, according to school district spokesperson Kristi Kibler. He was placed on administrative leave with pay on June 21.

According to a Freedom Of Information Act request, several students were also seen in tents in front of the school, although many could not be identified by camera.

The Coastal Observer reported that several students have received in-school suspension for the incident.

The local NAACP chapter publicly called for the school district to be held accountable for what it says is a double standard when disciplining Black and white students, after the incident came to light.

The school district is also facing two lawsuits from a current and former principal, alleging racial discrimination.

This story was originally published July 12, 2023 at 3:43 PM.