Alarming Incidents Unfold at Spartanburg Schools

Community members expressing concern outside Spartanburg school

News Summary

Spartanburg schools are under scrutiny following serious allegations involving former teachers and a music instructor facing criminal charges for misconduct towards students. Mary Simmons Dobbing and Elizabeth Mae Wypych have been arrested for assaults against vulnerable students, while music instructor John R. Foster Jr. faces allegations of sexual conduct with a minor. The troubling revelations have sparked concern among parents and community members regarding the safety and treatment of students in educational environments.

Shocking Incidents Rock Spartanburg Schools

Spartanburg has recently been shaken by serious allegations involving former teachers and a music instructor who face criminal charges for their misconduct involving students. The community is in disbelief as they learn about the troubling actions of these educators that have come to light over the past few weeks.

Two Former Teachers Arrested for Assaulting Vulnerable Students

First up, we have Mary Simmons Dobbing, a 44-year-old former teacher from Woodruff, who has been charged with cruel behavior towards students. Dobbing was teaching at the McCarthy-Teszler School when, on February 17, she reportedly hit a 17-year-old special needs student twice in the head. That’s right—twice! She didn’t even seem to stop there, as staff members witnessed this shocking incident, and one of them even recorded it! After the video was reported to a school resource officer, Dobbing found herself behind bars on March 15. She was released a day later on a $785 surety bond, but with strict conditions—she’s not allowed to contact the victim or their family.

In a separate but equally disturbing case, Elizabeth Mae Wypych, a 23-year-old from Spartanburg, has also been arrested for her actions against a very young student. Wypych confessed to dragging a four-year-old child with autism down a hallway by their wrist at EP Todd Elementary. What’s absolutely heartbreaking is that the incident occurred on March 7, and the staff members quickly reported her actions. Just two days later, she was arrested on March 17. Wypych was released shortly after her arrest on a $787 bond. It’s worth noting that the Spartanburg County School District Seven has confirmed that neither Dobbing nor Wypych is currently employed at their respective schools.

Music Instructor in Trouble for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor

Adding to the growing list of troubling news, 75-year-old John R. Foster Jr., a music instructor who rented space at Roper Music on East Main Street, was arrested on July 17. Foster faces serious allegations of criminal sexual conduct with a minor involving a 13-year-old girl who had been taking guitar lessons from him for the past few years. The investigation began after the girl’s father reported concerning actions to the police, leading to further scrutiny of Foster’s activities. Authorities found that Foster had a lease to utilize an instructional room at Roper Music and took immediate action upon learning about the allegations—his lease was terminated promptly.

The Spartanburg Police Department is stepping up its efforts in this case, urging anyone else who may have been victimized by Foster to come forward. Although the investigation is ongoing, currently, there are no other known incidents being examined regarding him.

Community Reacts with Shock and Concern

The revelations of these incidents have sent ripples of shock throughout the Spartanburg community. Parents are expressing concerns over the safety and treatment of their children in educational settings, especially those with special needs. The emotional and psychological impact of such acts on vulnerable students is immense, and it raises pressing questions about how teachers and staff are selected and monitored.

As the investigations continue, many in Spartanburg are left hoping for justice and accountability. The actions of educators, who are expected to nurture and guide, have instead caused harm, leading to the unease permeating the community.