A song lyric from rapper Fetty Wap, attributed to the principal in a school yearbook published by Trout Creek Academy in St. Johns' County, Florida, has scandalized local parents and gotten the principal placed on administrative leave: "Everybody hating, we just call them fans though! -Mrs. O'Connell."
But Katie O'Connell says she did not write or approve of the quote from 2015 hit "Trap Queen," and insists it was inserted without her knowledge after she reviewed a proof copy.
"I approved the yearbook twice on April 9, and so did my assistant principal, Miss Saruk, and that quote in that area was not even in the book," O'Connell said. "It said Mrs. O'Connell, too. And all my students know I've never been Mrs. O'Connell. I'm Miss O."
She was placed on leave last Wednesday, accused by the district of "inappropriate conduct."
A letter sent to her two days later states, "Please understand that this action is being taken as we move towards a non-reappointment for the 2026-2027 school year." It goes on to state that O'Connell is not allowed on any property of the St. Johns County School District unless directed by the school administration or Human Resources.
If the words quoted are not especially troublesome, the musical context bears revisiting. St. Johns County School District, where this imbroglio now unfolds, has a lopsided socio-demographic profile and high standards to maintain. From O'Connell's statements, it appears that everyone is indeed hating.
"There were certain parents that went straight to the district, or straight to the news, or straight to Facebook. None of them even called me. I received zero phone calls, or emails, or any questions about the yearbook," O'Connell said. "All I needed was the time or the opportunity to have fixed an error that was made, and it wasn't made by me."
The district apparently told her they would suspend her immediately if she got a lawyer, she did, and here they are. Local commentary from possible actual humans may be found on Facebook.
It's been a banner week for yearbook hysteria in Florida.
