27-01-2025
A cocoa beach elementary school gets a new acting principle after unruly house party
Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan is on administrative leave after a recent house party at her Cocoa Beach home.
Cocoa Beach police arrested her and teacher Karly Anderson on Friday. Investigators say more than one hundred minors showed up for the 'white lie party' that allegedly involved underage drinking.
Police were told similar parties happened once or twice a month. And students also told investigators there was marijuana use at the most recent party.
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Both Hill-Brodigan and Anderson were charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
They've been placed on administrative leave from Brevard Public Schools.
Brevard Public Schools has appointed Dr. Jennifer Clarke, Director of School Leadership, as acting principal at Roosevelt while the district seeks Hill-Brodigan's replacement.
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Just outside campus today, grandparent Kimberly Bounds said, 'I'm really not sure what to say to my kids or my grandson. He's asking why she got arrested. It's just sad.'
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In a letter to families, Brevard County Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell said, 'I am very troubled by the information that CBPD has shared with the district. We hold our leaders to the highest standards, and if these allegations are true, it's a complete failure in leadership and a violation of our trust. The district is cooperating fully with police as they investigate this matter and will strive to provide families with full transparency.'
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