Brunswick County Schools puts teacher on administrative leave after arrest

5 hours ago

WWAY News,

BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County Schools has released a statement regarding the arrest of a teacher who works for the district.

The school district says the incidents did not occur on campus and do not involve students in the school district.

The district’s full statement is below:

Brunswick County Schools is aware of an arrest involving a district teacher. Based on information from law enforcement at this time, the alleged incidents did not occur on school property and does not involve Brunswick County Schools students.

Student safety is our highest priority and we remain focused on a safe, supportive learning environment in every school. The employee has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with district policy while the investigation is ongoing.

Brunswick County Schools is cooperating with law enforcement. Because this is both an active investigation and a personnel matter, the district is limited in what it can share.

Families with questions about school operations may contact the Communications Office. Media inquiries will be addressed as appropriate as verified information becomes available.

UPDATE (10:40 p.m.): The Shallotte Police Department arrested Michael Mize, 40, of Shallotte on felony charges of child abuse causing serious injury.

Michael Mize (Photo: BCSO)

An arrest warrant claims one incident happened in November of last year, where Mize allegedly forcibly held a child down by his waist and wrists while his arms were slammed on the ground and his face was spit on.

That arrest warrant was for Kelly Thatcher, 36, of Shallotte, which claims she did not report the incident to authorities. She is facing a misdemeanor charge of child abuse for the alleged failure to report.

While Brunswick County Schools has not confirmed the identity of the teacher, Thatcher is listed as a teacher on the website for Town Creek Middle School.