A Florida elementary school principal who once earned teacher of the year honors was arrested Friday after a raucous house party where around 100 teens allegedly downed booze was held inside her home, according to authorities.
Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan and another teacher, Karly Anderson, who works at the same school, were both charged days after the wild bash on Jan. 19 was reported to Cocoa Beach police.
At least some of the young partiers were drinking alcohol they got from coolers inside the home, and one youngster even suffered a medical emergency tied to the drinking, WJXT reported.
When EMS first reached the scene to treat the sickened teen, Hill-Brodigan, 47, allegedly turned all the outside lights out and scurried into her home, police reportedly said.
First responders were forced to use auxiliary lighting on their vehicles to help the kids.
Meanwhile, another teen was arrested for driving under the influence near the home, according to police.
Anderson, who is a 45-year-old third-grade teacher, approached authorities intoxicated and told officers she was a teacher and was at the party, WJXT reported, citing police.
Both educators were placed on administrative leave for now, Brevard Public Schools told the station.
“We are extremely troubled by these accusations and are fully cooperating with the Cocoa Beach Police Department. Our commitment to student safety remains our top priority,” the district said.
Hill-Brodigan and Anderson were charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Florida Today reported. The principal was also charged with violating open house party liquor laws.
Both were released after posting bond, the newspaper reported.
Hill-Brodigan started as principal at Roosevelt Elementary School last May after working for the district for the last 23 years. She was previously a teacher, then had stints at a pair of elementary schools as an assistant principal, according to her bio.
She’s also been awarded Teacher of the Year during her career.
“Students, families, and staff are very close to my heart, I really enjoy what I do,” the school leader wrote last year in a message to students and parents.
