News Summary
A parent was arrested at Randolph Middle School following a violent altercation that left the principal and an assistant superintendent injured. The incident, which began after a student reported a fight, escalated when the parent, Mariah Hector, assaulted officials on school grounds. The altercation prompted a lockdown, and Hector faces multiple charges, including assault and trespassing. Following the incident, the principal was suspended with pay, raising concerns among parents about communication and safety in the school district.
Charlotte, N.C. – A serious incident at Randolph Middle School on May 5 resulted in the arrest of a parent who allegedly assaulted the principal and another school official, prompting a lockdown and subsequent disruptions at the school. Mariah Hector, age 33, faces multiple charges including two counts of assault on a school employee and one count of second-degree trespassing.
The altercation began after Hector’s daughter, a student at the school, contacted her regarding a fight. Upon arriving, Hector displayed aggressive behavior towards the school staff. An employee identified as Michael Smalls requested Hector to leave the premises, leading to further escalation when she reportedly pushed past him and physically assaulted Principal Jennifer Schroeder by forcing her into a wall.
In addition to assaulting the principal, Hector also allegedly attempted to choke area assistant superintendent Jennifer Dean, grabbing her around the neck. Although Dean did not lose consciousness during the incident, she experienced difficulty breathing and sustained visible injuries. The dangerous nature of the encounter led to a lockdown of the school, preventing students and staff from leaving or entering until the situation was contained.
Trinity Nixon, a 20-year-old who accompanied Hector, was also charged with second-degree trespassing after being told she could not enter the school. Following the incident, Hector was arrested and later released on bond. As part of her release conditions, she is prohibited from contacting school staff and has been banned from Randolph Middle School.
Hector is scheduled for her next court appearance on July 21. In the aftermath of the assault, Principal Jennifer Schroeder was suspended with pay on May 20, though the reasons for her suspension remain unclear and are not confirmed to be directly related to the May 5 incident. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have refrained from disclosing further details, citing personnel issues, which has led to frustration among parents and community members who seek clarity on the situation.
Schroeder has been the principal at Randolph Middle since July 2024 and has been part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) system since 2004. Notably, she is the second CMS principal to face suspension within the month of May; Jamie Brooks, the principal of Ardrey Kell High School, was suspended earlier and subsequently announced her retirement.
The incidents have heightened concerns among parents regarding communication from CMS about leadership changes and safety measures in place within the schools. In response to Principal Schroeder’s absence, the school district has appointed Janice Davidson to offer administrative support during this disruptive period.
As the community continues to process the implications of these events, the school administration is urged to address concerns regarding communication and safety protocols to regain the trust of parents and staff alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Parent Arrested Following Assault at Randolph Middle School
Mother Advocates Against Gun Violence in Charlotte
Teen Fatally Shot in North Charlotte Shooting Incident
Principal of Ardrey Kell High School Suspended
Principal of Ardrey Kell High School Suspended
Ardrey Kell High School Principal Suspended Amid Controversy
Principal Suspended at Ardrey Kell High School
Ardrey Kell High School Principal Suspended Amid Controversies
Principal of Ardrey Kell High School Suspended Amid Violence Concerns
Principal of Ardrey Kell High School Suspended
Additional Resources
- WBTV: Parent Grabs Superintendent by Neck
- Wikipedia: Assault
- QC News: Charlotte Mother Accused of Assault
- Google Search: Randolph Middle School incident
- WCNC: Parent Charged with Assaulting Principal
- Google Scholar: School Safety Incidents
- Charlotte Observer: Incident Report at Randolph
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Institutions
