- Advertisement -

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — In a move that has left parents and community members reeling, Karly Anderson, a former third-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, has been reassigned to Saturn Elementary School while still out on bond and facing serious charges related to a notorious teenage house party. Anderson, who has been on paid administrative leave since her arrest in January 2025, was charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor after attending a “white lie” party at the home of Roosevelt Elementary Principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan. The event, which involved over 100 juveniles, copious amounts of alcohol, marijuana use, and even a firearm, has been a lightning rod of controversy in Cocoa Beach. Yet, Brevard Public Schools’ decision to reassign Anderson to another elementary school has sparked outrage among parents, especially in light of dismissive comments from School Board Chair Gene Trent, a known friend of both Anderson and Hill-Brodigan.

- Advertisement -

The party on January 19, 2025, at Hill-Brodigan’s residence was described by Cocoa Beach police as chaotic, with students as young as high school age consuming alcohol from coolers, using marijuana, and engaging in fights. One student was found vomiting on the front lawn, requiring medical attention, while another was arrested for driving under the influence as she attempted to leave. A third juvenile was cited for marijuana possession. Students later told police that such parties were a regular occurrence, happening “once or twice a month,” and that Hill-Brodigan was fully aware of the activities, even asking students to help prepare for the event. Anderson, who approached officers at the scene while visibly intoxicated, identified herself as a teacher and admitted to being at the party, though her attorney later claimed she was merely there to support Hill-Brodigan after the two returned from dinner.

Despite the gravity of the charges, Brevard Public Schools has allowed Anderson to remain on paid administrative leave. On April 11, 2025, the district quietly reassigned her to Saturn Elementary School, a move that has blindsided parents and staff at the new school. Anderson’s reassignment is effective as of April 14, 2025 and all of her security and electronic access reinstated.

- Advertisement -

In a stark contrast, the school district effectively terminated an 11-year highly effective high school teacher Mrs. Melissa Calhoun for violating the school’s nickname policy when she admitted to using a student’s preferred name over their birth name without authorization from the parent. The student, now 17, had been using the preferred name since the 8th grade. That decision came after just two weeks of internal review.

Parents at Saturn Elementary are furious. “This is absolutely unacceptable,” said Maria, a mother of two children at the school. “How can they put someone facing child neglect charges in a school with young kids? What kind of message does this send?” Another parentechoed the sentiment: “My daughter is in third grade. Knowing that someone who was part of a party where kids were drinking and doing drugs is now at her school makes me sick. The district is playing with our children’s safety.”

- Advertisement -

The State Attorney’s Office formally charged Anderson on April 1st with disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication endangering safety. State Attorney Will Scheiner issued a statement saying: “Florida’s laws dealing with open house parties and underage drinking are meant to keep our young people and communities safe.  These laws are in place to deter the conduct that exposes our youth to harm and gives rise to these criminal charges. When laws are violated, the State Attorney’s Office stands with law enforcement, the school board and the community we serve to hold the offenders accountable and ensure the safety of our youth.”

Adding fuel to the fire are comments from School Board Chair Gene Trent, who has downplayed the incident since it came to light. In an interview with FOX 35 on January 28, 2025, Trent, who has a longstanding personal relationship with both Anderson and Hill-Brodigan, dismissed the scandal, saying, “This isn’t anything new. When we have thousands of employees, things happen.” He further suggested that the event was just a “teenage party,” implying that such occurrences are commonplace and not a significant concern. Trent’s remarks have stunned parents, especially given his position as a leader responsible for student safety. “Gene Trent is supposed to protect our kids, not make excuses for people who endanger them,” said Gonzalez. “It’s clear he’s more interested in protecting his friends than doing his job.”

Trent’s cavalier attitude stands in stark contrast to the Cocoa Beach Police Department’s assessment. In a statement following the arrests, Detective Sgt. Taylor Payne called the educators’ actions “absolutely inappropriate,” emphasizing their standing in the community as a reason for heightened concern. The police also noted that Hill-Brodigan turned off her outside lights while medics treated a student on her lawn, forcing them to use auxiliary lighting—an act that suggested a lack of accountability.

Anderson’s attorney, Kenneth Weaver, has maintained her innocence, claiming she had no involvement in organizing the party and was simply supporting Hill-Brodigan after they returned from dinner. Weaver told WESH 2 on January 30, 2025, that Anderson “had nothing to do with the party” and was unfairly “maligned and slandered.” However, court documents reveal that Anderson was intoxicated at the scene, yelled at medics treating a student, and admitted to being at the party, contradicting her claim of non-involvement. Despite Weaver’s defense, Brevard Public Schools previously pressured Anderson to retire “or else,” according to Weaver, though she remains employed by the district.

The decision to reassign Anderson raises serious questions about the district’s priorities and oversight. Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell had previously condemned the educators’ actions, stating on January 24, 2025, “We hold our leaders to the highest of standards, and if these allegations are true, it’s a complete failure in leadership and violation of our trust.” Yet, the district’s actions suggest otherwise. Saturn Elementary parents are now demanding answers, with many calling for Anderson’s immediate removal and a full investigation into the district’s handling of the case.

As Anderson’s legal proceedings continue—she is scheduled for a court appearance later this month—the community is left grappling with the fallout of a scandal that has exposed deep flaws in the district’s accountability measures. For now, parents at Saturn Elementary are left to wonder how someone still facing charges for child neglect could be allowed anywhere near their children, while Gene Trent’s dismissive stance only deepens their distrust. “If this isn’t a big deal to the school board,” said Carter, “then what is?”

- Advertisement -