HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — A dance teacher at Hilton Head Island High School has been arrested following allegations of a sexual relationship with a student, authorities confirmed.
Victoria Katherine Montgomery, 32, of Bluffton, was charged on Friday with one felony count of sexual battery with a student aged 18 or older, according to Beaufort County jail records. She was released on a personal recognizance bond the following morning.
Montgomery was placed on paid administrative leave after school officials received a report of the alleged relationship. Principal Steve Schidrich was notified on Wednesday, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office was informed shortly afterward.
The student’s identity has not been released, and it remains unclear how long the alleged relationship lasted. Montgomery was charged under a statute that applies when a teacher has “direct supervisory authority” over a student, even if no “aggravated force” was used.
Montgomery joined the Hilton Head Island High School faculty in the 2021-2022 school year after relocating from Flint, Michigan. She was appointed to lead the arts department and helped launch the school’s dance program.
In a letter sent to parents and guardians, Principal Schidrich emphasized that the school is treating the situation with seriousness and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
