News Summary
David Beaty, the former security coordinator for Horry County Schools, has filed a lawsuit against the school district and board member Howard Barnard following a serious security breach at Myrtle Beach Middle School. The incident involved a student bringing a firearm onto school grounds while Beaty was on vacation. After a board vote of ‘no confidence’ in the security division, Beaty faced pressure to resign and allegations of defamation. As HCS invests $3 million in new security measures, the community watches closely to see how this legal battle will unfold.
Myrtle Beach: Controversy Unfolds as Former School Security Chief Files Lawsuit
Myrtle Beach is buzzing with news that David Beaty, the former security coordinator for Horry County Schools (HCS), has taken legal action against the school district and board member Howard Barnard. This lawsuit has stirred up a storm of discussion among parents, students, and educators alike.
What Happened?
The drama began in February 2024 when a student reportedly managed to bring a gun, along with ammunition, onto the grounds of Myrtle Beach Middle School. According to Beaty’s lawsuit, the incident occurred while he was enjoying a well-deserved vacation. The student’s firearm, stashed in a clear bag, was flagged as a serious security breach due to the school’s metal detector missing it entirely.
In the wake of this alarming event, the HCS board held a vote and decided with a 7-3 majority to express “no confidence” in the district’s security division. This vote was spearheaded by Howard Barnard, who allegedly made sure local media caught wind of the situation beforehand, likely to create a buzz. This tactic raised eyebrows about the board’s transparency as Beaty claims that the vote wasn’t even put on the agenda properly and didn’t follow standard board policy protocol.
The Fallout
Following the board’s decisive vote, things only got worse for Beaty. The former superintendent, Rick Maxey, supposedly pressed Beaty to resign, despite reportedly believing he did nothing wrong. After months of being placed on paid administrative leave, Beaty was effectively removed from his post when his contract expired in June 2024.
In an unexpected turn, the school district went on to create a new role, an executive director of safety and security, and brought Mike Frederick on board, all while Beaty was still seen as the most qualified candidate for the job. Speculation suggests that the district may have acted swiftly not only to revamp its security measures but also to distance itself from Beaty.
Big Changes and Big Money
In light of the gun scare, HCS has reportedly funneled a whopping $3 million into installing a new weapons detection system. The expensive move is seen as a desperate attempt to reassure parents and children that they are safe at school.
Beaty’s lawsuit paints a bleak picture—he claims to have undergone severe reputational damage. The emotional fallout has left him experiencing humiliation and mental distress over the implications of the incident. Additionally, he has lodged allegations of defamation against Barnard for implying that he bore responsibility for the school’s security lapses. The legal action is pushing for both compensatory and punitive damages in front of a jury.
A Long Journey
It’s worth noting that Beaty has been a part of HCS since June 2012, assuming the coordinator of safety and security role and holding it until March 2024. His tenure spanned over a decade, making his abrupt exit all the more concerning for those who are close to the school’s community.
As the court case unfolds, the Myrtle Beach community watches closely, anxious to see how this suit will impact the future of school safety and security in the district. Will Beaty regain his reputation, or will HCS’s actions cast a long shadow over his career? Only time will tell as this story continues to develop.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Horry County Schools Lawsuit
- My Horry News: Former Horry County Schools Security Coordinator Lawsuit
- Myrtle Beach Online: Former Security Chief’s Lawsuit
- Google Search: Horry County Schools Security Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Security
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
