Charlotte Parents Alarmed by Arrest of School Administrator
Charlotte, NC – Parents at the prestigious Charlotte Country Day School are experiencing a wave of concern following the arrest of an assistant head of school on serious criminal charges. Scott Waybright was arrested on Friday, December 2, 2024, facing a total of ten felony counts related to peeping.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations against Waybright originated when a student disclosed to a teacher that he had taken inappropriate photos of her in the school. According to a CMPD affidavit, the teacher promptly reported the incident to the school administration. However, initial investigators seized Waybright’s work phone and found no incriminating evidence, prompting concerns about the school’s response to the situation.
Investigation Reveals Disturbing Evidence
Grateful for the teacher’s intervention, Ashley Anderson, a concerned parent of a student at Charlotte Country Day School, expressed her trust in Waybright, whom she said had been part of the school for many years. “He has been there so long. So I feel like we did trust him with our kids,” she stated. However, the concern grew after a private investigator was hired last month to conduct a thorough examination of Waybright’s phone.
This investigation led to the discovery of hundreds of photographs of women’s legs and backsides. More alarmingly, between ten and twelve images of students were found on Waybright’s laptop. The report also revealed that videos were located, including footage of a woman in shorts while grocery shopping.
Previous Incidents and School Response
This is not the first scrutiny that Waybright has faced. The affidavit mentions a prior complaint made in 2017, where a husband reported that Waybright photographed his wife in the school library. Despite this, the administration found no wrongdoing during their investigation then. Interim Head of School David Mancos acknowledged in a letter to parents that he was unaware of any allegations from 2023 until he was informed shortly before Thanksgiving.
Concerns Over School Safety
This incident has heightened fears among parents, especially following another recent case where the school’s track coach, Matthew Elliott, was arrested for inappropriate conduct with students. “Every day we get more information regarding this case or the track coach, and it starts to feel overwhelming as a parent,” said Anderson, illustrating the emotional toll these events have taken on the community.
Future Steps for the School
In reaction to these distressing events, the school has announced its commitment to reviewing and enhancing its policies to ensure student safety. The interim head of school wrote in his letter, “We are reviewing and strengthening our approach to safeguarding our students.” Updates on policy changes are expected as the administration addresses the current crisis.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Waybright’s attorney represented him in court on December 4, with his next court appearance scheduled for New Year’s Eve. The legal implications of the charges, combined with the community’s growing fears, keep the spotlight on the school’s ability to protect its students and navigate this troubling situation.
Charlotte Country Day School, known for its high academic standards, now faces a daunting task of restoring trust among parents and ensuring that such allegations will not tarnish its reputation further.
