Brian Scriven stepped down from his role as superintendent of the Cheltenham School District this week, a move that comes just days after prosecutors announced criminal charges against a group of football coaches and players.
The controversy stems from two separate episodes of hazing that shocked the community. In one case, a 15‑year‑old student was restrained with a broomstick and assaulted during a fall 2025 incident that required emergency medical care. His mother only learned of the attack after he was treated at urgent care, and she later discovered that coaches had instructed the boy not to report what happened.
A second episode emerged when investigators uncovered a video of a separate assault that had been recorded and then deleted by students, suggesting a coordinated effort to conceal the misconduct. Both incidents prompted the district to cancel the upcoming 2025 and 2026 football seasons at Cheltenham High School, a decision that has reverberated across the district.
Community reaction and next steps
In the interim, Joshua Sweigard has been appointed acting superintendent while the school board searches for a permanent replacement. His appointment underscores the district’s attempt to provide continuity amid the upheaval.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele has been vocal about the legal ramifications, describing the assaults as criminal acts and noting that multiple witnesses testified before a grand jury. He has filed charges that include assault, unlawful restraint, perjury and tampering with evidence against ten individuals linked to the program.
The fallout extends beyond the school walls. Community members, parents and alumni have expressed outrage and concern over the culture that allowed such behavior to persist. As the district works to rebuild trust, the coming months will likely be marked by intense scrutiny and calls for systemic reform.