Green Charter Schools responds after principal, teacher arrested
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WOLO)– On Wednesday the Irmo Police Department announced the arrest of a charter school principal and a teacher.
Following the arrest of Principal Tina Shaw and After-School Director/Substitute Teacher Sulaymaan Benoit, Green Charter Schools have released a statement on the arrests.
According to charter school officials, Principal Shaw met with a family through an interpreter to hear their complaint of inappropriate touching by Sulaymaan Benoit.
The statement also goes on to say that Shaw did report the information to the police department.
Read the full statement below:
Statement from GREEN Charter Schools:
At GREEN Charter Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest
priority. We are dedicated to maintaining a culture of care that allows our students to thrive in
their learning environment. We are grateful for our wonderful GREEN students, staff, and
families who enhance our community on a daily basis.
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Principal Shaw met with a family (through an interpreter) to
hear their complaint of inappropriate touching by Sulaymaan Benoit. Principal Shaw
suspended Benoit that day and subsequently terminated him. She confirmed with the family
on January 31 that they had reported their concerns to the Irmo Police Department. On
Monday, February 3, Principal Shaw asked the School Resource Officer to review the available
video evidence in order to provide it to the Irmo Police. When the Irmo Police contacted the
school on February 6, 2025, GREEN provided full access to the available information including
video footage. Principal Shaw has been charged with misdemeanor failure to report, when the
Irmo Police and the School Resource Officer were notified within two school days. Principal
Shaw will remain on administrative leave through the resolution of this matter.
GREEN Charter Schools takes this situation extremely seriously and is fully cooperating with
law enforcement. The GREEN Board of Directors will be commissioning a third-party
investigation to review all aspects of the matter, and to provide any recommended
improvements. We have met with staff at the school to address their concerns and our
counseling staff and school psychologist are providing additional support to students and staff.
We are confident that GREEN Midlands and all of our campuses are safe and nurturing learning
environments.
We will provide an update as soon as we have additional information and once the results of
the independent investigation are complete.
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