MEDIA RELEASE
Brooksville - Yesterday, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office made an arrest of teacher, George Beall for 2 felonies involving improper online contact with a student. Prior to the arrest, HCSO notified the school district of an investigation into allegations made against Beall. It was at that time, district officials immediately removed Beall from student contact and subsequently placed him on administrative leave.
Following the arrest, the school district sent notification to parents of students currently enrolled at Powell Middle and those who matriculated to high school this year, including those attending Nature Coast where Beall was scheduled to teach for 2023-24.
"The charges against Mr. Beall are disturbing and intolerable. That's why we moved quickly to prevent his access to any of our schools," said Superintendent John Stratton. "We will follow the law and exercise due diligence in our investigation but there will be no impunity for those who harm children."
HCSD's parent notification:
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office has notified the school district of the arrest of an HCSD teacher, George Beall. Beall has been charged with 2 felonies involving improper online contact with a student.
Following the initial notification of an investigation by law enforcement, the Hernando School District pulled Beall from student contact and subsequently placed him on administrative leave. While the Hernando School District completes the requirement to conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with school board policy, Beall will not have access to any school campus or district property.
Following the school district’s investigation, Hernando Schools will make a determination regarding the employment status of Beall. Hernando Schools does not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes the well-being of any student and will take swift and immediate action pending the outcome of that investigation.
The teacher was assigned to teach at NCT for 2023-24 but had been previously employed at Powell Middle.
Further information can be found on the HCSO website.