Former ‘Teacher of the Year,’ assistant principal arrested on child sex charges

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) — A former Mississippi educator is in custody after police say she had sexual relations with a student.

Olivia Marie Smith has been charged with sexual battery and enticement of a child to meet for sexual purposes.

Smith previously worked as a teacher at Ocean Springs Middle School, where she won “Teacher of the Year” in 2022, and was most recently assistant principal at Oak Park Elementary.

Investigators with the Ocean Springs Police Department said they were first informed of the situation by Ocean Springs School District officials on June 20.

The district said it was “deeply saddened” to hear about the charges being filed against one of its former employees but said it was fully cooperating with the investigation.

“After being tipped off about potential inappropriate behavior taking place involving an employee, OSSD immediately notified OSPD and Mississippi Child Protective Services,” the district shared in a statement. “OSSD has been working closely with law enforcement throughout the investigation.”

Smith had her probable cause hearing at Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday.

After the hearing, Smith was arrested and charged. Circuit Court Judge Calvin Taylor set Smith’s bond at $50,000 for each charge.

School officials said they understood the seriousness of the situation while reassuring the community.

“We want to reassure parents, students, and staff that we are addressing this matter with seriousness and diligence,” officials continued in the statement. “OSSD will continue to work with investigators and assist them in any way possible. The safety of our students and staff members remains our highest priority.”

Those with more information on this case have been asked to contact Ocean Springs police at 228-875-2211.