News Summary
Following a disturbing incident at Savannah Grove Elementary School, parents Yasmeen Hyman-Smith and Henry Eldridge are suing Florence One Schools. Allegations include an assault by a substitute teacher that left their children injured and traumatized. The lawsuit points to negligent hiring practices and seeks accountability and damages from the school district and various defendants. The community is rallying for change, emphasizing the need for safer educational environments. As the case unfolds, parents are calling for justice and support for their children’s recovery.
Parents Take Stand After Disturbing Incident in Florence School
In the bustling city of Florence, parents are raising their voices in a dramatic legal battle following a troubling incident that took place at Savannah Grove Elementary School. Yasmeen Hyman-Smith and Henry Eldridge have decided to sue the Florence One Schools, the largest school district in the area, after a substitute teacher allegedly assaulted their children in a horrifying episode on May 20, 2024.
Incident Shakes the Community
The substitute teacher involved, 66-year-old Cheryl Filyaw, was not only a temporary educator at the school but also a pivotal figure in this unsettling story. In October 2024, she was convicted of two counts of third-degree assault stemming from the incident that shocked parents and students alike. As a result of her conviction, Filyaw was ordered to pay a fine of $1,123, which many in the community feel is insufficient given the severity of her actions.
A Lawsuit Unfolds
Fast forward to January 14, 2025, when Yasmeen and Henry took their frustrations to court, filing a lawsuit in the Florence County Common Pleas Court. Their legal complaint doesn’t just target the substitute teacher; it extends to several defendants, including Superintendent Richard O’Malley, Florence One Schools, and even the South Carolina Department of Education. This extensive list highlights the seriousness with which the parents are approaching this situation and their demand for accountability from all parties involved.
Claims of Negligence
The lawsuit involves serious allegations, accusing the school district and a substitute teacher placement firm, ESS, of _negligent hiring and retention practices_. The parents claim that the school failed to ensure a safe environment for its students, leading to a traumatic experience that no child should have to endure. During Filyaw’s tenure at Savannah Grove, she reportedly engaged in a shocking act of violence, where she “violently pushed one child out of her chair,” leading to facial injuries, and then forcefully placed the child back into the chair.
School’s Response
The chaos didn’t go unnoticed—school staff and security intervened swiftly, escorting Filyaw off the premises after witnessing the unsettling incident. However, the repercussions have been profound for the children involved, who have since struggled with physical injuries and have even been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms arising directly from that harrowing day.
Seeking Justice and Support
As the lawsuit continues to unfold, the parents are seeking unspecified financial damages, which could help their children on their road to recovery. It has been reported that the young victims still require counseling sessions and frequently express feelings of insecurity at school. This is an alarming reality, as school should be a safe haven for students.
Community Voices Demand Change
Within the community, groups like the Racial Justice Network are actively voicing their support for the conviction and are championing the need for enhanced safety measures across educational environments. There is a growing consensus that greater accountability is essential, especially regarding how Florence One Schools manages incidents of staff misconduct.
What Happens Next?
As of the latest reports, the school district has remained tight-lipped regarding the ongoing litigation and has yet to release a public statement addressing these serious allegations. The community, however, continues to watch closely, waiting for a resolution that emphasizes safety, responsibility, and healing for all affected.
This situation serves as a stark reminder that schools must prioritize the safety of their students above all else, working collaboratively with parents and community members to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Timmonsville Man Arrested Following Vehicle Repossession Incident
Florence Community Shocked by School Lawsuit over Assault
Parent Files Lawsuit Against Florence School District Following Alleged Rape of Special Needs Daughter
Concerns Rise in Florence County Over Allegations of Sexual Assault at West Florence High School
Federal Lawsuit Accuses Florence 1 Schools of Concealing Alleged Sexual Assault at West Florence High School
Lawsuit Claims School Resource Officer Broke Student’s Arm after Bathroom Fight in Florence
Supreme Court’s Overturn of Chevron Doctrine Puts 8 Key Federal Regulations in Jeopardy
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
