Beaufort County Schools terminates employment of high school basketball coach, middle school teacher
Published 4:55 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2024
- Washington Daily News File Photo
Southside High School varsity boys basketball coach and P.S. Jones Middle School seventh grade English teacher, Trenton Flemming, was terminated from his positions at both schools on May 22.
The same day, Assistant Superintendent of Beaufort County Schools, Mark Doane, called Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office “wanting to report an alcohol offense,” according to documents from Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. The nature of the offense is listed as contributing to the delinquency of a minor; this is a legal term that refers to an adult’s behavior that encourages or enables a minor to engage in criminal activity. This can include but is not limited to underage drinking.
Two alleged student victims, a 17-year-old male and a 15-year-old male, are involved, the sheriff’s office shared in an email to the Daily News.
Flemming has not been arrested. This case is an ongoing investigation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Beaufort County Schools confirmed on Wednesday, May 29 that Flemming’s employment was terminated for violating Board of Education Policy 7305 Code of Ethics for Educators. A portion of the policy reads,
“As permitted by law, this policy applies whenever the employee’s conduct might reflect poorly on a particular school, the school system, or the employee’s ability to be a role model for students. Employees shall perform their jobs in a competent and ethical manner without violating the public trust or applicable policies, regulations or laws. It is not practical or possible to enumerate all of the situations that might fall under the guidelines of this policy. The absence of a specific policy, regulation or law covering a particular situation does not relieve an employee from the responsibility to exercise the highest ethical standards at all times. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.”
Trenton, 27, of Washington, was employed with Beaufort County Schools from Aug. 17, 2023 to May 22, 2024.
