Horry County Schools Offers $125,000 to Settle Title IX Lawsuit

MYRTLE BEACH — Horry County Schools has offered to pay $125,000 to settle a lawsuit filed last year by parents who accused a Socastee High School special education teacher of sexually assaulting their son.

The student’s parents alleged that Rachel Gray, a former college volleyball coach and teacher, groomed, sexually assaulted and harassed their son, identified as “John Doe,” according to court records.

According to court documents, the son was between 15 and 16 years old and a student in Gray’s class at the time. The parents, identified as “Mother and Father Doe,” filed the lawsuit alleging gross negligence, negligent supervision and restraint, and violations of Title IX.

The parents recently filed a new motion with the court, asking a judge to approve a $125,000 settlement they reached with the school district.

“The parents naturally chose to settle the case now rather than subject their child and family to the hassle of a trial,” said Joshua Slavin, the family’s attorney. “Fortunately, we received a reasonable and fair offer from the school’s insurance company that we could accept.”

Former Horry County special education teacher allegedly abused students years before arrest, new lawsuit alleges

Lisa Thomas, the school district’s attorney, could not be reached for comment.

“The defendant denies any liability of any nature or kind and the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability,” the motion states.

Gray was identified in the original lawsuit, but she was not named as a defendant and was not charged with any crime. Gray’s attorney, Gene Connell, has denied all allegations against her. District officials confirmed that Gray resigned effective April 18, 2023, after working for Horry County Schools since 2016.

The settlement agreement states that Horry County Schools will pay $125,000 through its insurer, while parents will accept the amount and release the school district from any current or future litigation regarding the alleged events described in the lawsuit.

The complaint alleged that Gray gave John Doe preferential treatment by doing his homework, inflating his grades, letting him sleep in class and sending him personal messages via Snapchat, a social media app where personal messages disappear permanently unless saved by the sender or reader.