Principal Suspended Over Yearbook Quote Controversy
A principal in Florida has been suspended after a quote from a Fetty Wap song appeared in her school’s yearbook, despite her claims that she did not write it.
Katie O’Connell, who leads Trout Creek Academy in St. Johns County, was placed on paid administrative leave on May 20 as the district looks into allegations of “inappropriate conduct” linked to the quote featured prominently in the 2025-26 yearbook.
The quote, which read, “We all hate them, but we just call them fans! — Mrs. O’Connell,” has drawn scrutiny.
This line is taken from Fetty Wap’s 2015 song “Trap Queen,” known for its references to drug dealing and strip clubs.
The investigation started after concerned parents complain to Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen, describing the principal’s choice of words as “inappropriate and unprofessional” for someone in charge of a K-8 school. They argued that it’s not a good practice to label parents as “haters” in school publications.
However, communications included in the district’s investigation suggest O’Connell might not have known that the quote was included in the yearbook.
The yearbook teacher stated that O’Connell reviewed the yearbook before publication and that the quote did not feature in the final proof she received.
“Ms. O’Connell had no idea that the quote would appear in the 2025-2026 school yearbook,” the teacher noted, adding that O’Connell was unaware of the quote until she received her copy of the yearbook.
During the investigation, the teacher said that when she reviewed the proofs with O’Connell, she told students that the quote was not to be included, indicating it must have been inserted later.
Vice Principal Samantha Saulke also supported O’Connell, asserting that the administrators reviewed the yearbook prior to submission, and the quote was absent at that time, specifically during a proofreading session on April 9.
It’s worth noting that typically, principals sign off as “Mrs. O,” while the quote referred to her full name, “Mrs. O’Connell.”
O’Connell has denied that she approved or selected the lyrics, explaining, “I approved the yearbook twice on April 9, and the vice principal also approved it, but those citations weren’t even in the book.” She expressed that she never received direct feedback from parents until the complaints escalated to district officials, social media, and news outlets.
“All I needed was an opportunity to correct a mistake, and it wasn’t my fault,” she added.
Following her suspension, O’Connell has been informed she is not allowed on school district property. Documents indicate that the district is considering not reappointing her for the 2026-27 school year.
In the meantime, Trout Creek Academy’s Parent-Teacher Organization has appointed former educator Dr. Patrick Carmichael as interim principal while the investigation continues.
