A former middle school principal has found himself behind bars for allegedly assaulting a 12-year-old student. According to Fairfax County Police, Terrence Yarborough, 53, ordered a young girl to pick something off the floor in the cafeteria. After she said “no” twice, he allegedly responded by smack the girl on her backside. He has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery for this incident that occurred on April 4, 2017.
Terrence Yarborough had been the principal of Carl Sandburg middle school up until the alleged”spanking incident.” He was placed on administrative leave resigned in early May (effective June 30). He provided no explanation for his resignation.
“I have been fortunate to have spent 20 years in public education, including the last seven years as your principal at Sandburg Middle School, and each day has been a truly rewarding experience,” Yarborough wrote in a letter in May. “I plan to relocate to North Carolina to be closer to my family and I am looking forward to taking some time off before exploring new career options.”
Fairfax County Public Schools did not make any comments regarding the “spanking” incident at the time of Yarborough’s resignation. But today, spokesman John Torre finally released a statement regarding the allegations against this former middle school principal:
“FCPS takes all allegations of staff misconduct very seriously. After these allegations were first referred to FCPS investigators, Mr. Yarborough was immediately placed on administrative leave on April 4, 2017. FCPS cooperated with police and child protective services during the course of the investigation. Mr. Yarborough did not return to the school and subsequently resigned from his position, effective June 30, 2017. Following due process, FCPS will pursue the revocation of his teaching and administrator licenses as appropriate, once the criminal case against him is adjudicated. FCPS is committed to ensuring that all students attend school in an environment that is respectful, safe, and where they feel a high degree of trust with the staff who serve them.”