Riverview HS Phone Policy Challenged Following Former Principal's Assault and Paying Students for Nudes, and Coach's Harassment Allegations
August 6, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 6, 2026
Riverview High School in ST. LOUIS, Mo., faces backlash over its “No Cell Phone” policy and a series of troubling allegations raising concerns among parents and the community.
a strict “No Cell Phone” policy following Missouri’s Senate Bill No. 1481.
The law was passed on May 13, 2026, bans cell phones in K-12 schools across the state, aiming to reduce distractions, improve safety, reduce cyberbullying, and address mental health concerns linked to extreme phone use.
The Riverview Gardens School District (RGSD) announced that students must store their phones in pouches during the school day, with consequences for violations outlined in the updated RGSD Student Handbook and Discipline Guide.
They further added, The policy is in effect during class, mealtimes, and between periods, with exceptions for emergencies or specific health and educational needs.
However, this Policy Has Sparked A Lot of Debate Due to Serious Allegations in the Riverview Community
Many parents and students believe the school should focus on more pressing issues instead of implementing a phone ban.
A Facebook post by parent Ming Spencer expressed the frustration of some people, clearly stating:
Her post, filled with strong anger, shows her serious doubt in the school’s priorities after a series of troubling incidents.
Riverview High School Shocking Allegations
On May 14, 2026, , the former principal of Westview Middle School in the Riverview Gardens School District.
With nine felony counts, including sexual trafficking of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, attempted statutory sodomy, sexual misconduct with a child under 15, sexual contact with a student, first-degree harassment, and two counts of second-degree statutory sodomy.
For which Gerald, 48, who was serving as principal at the time since 2026, was allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with four students, including paying them for explicit videos and engaging in sexual acts at the school.
Court documents reveal that Gerald admitted to some of these actions during a police interview.
He is currently held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
According to police, Gerald’s misconduct happened between January 2026 and May 14, 2026, including incidents in his office and other areas of the school.
One student reported that Gerald paid for a video of them pleasuring, while another described him exposing himself.
While the two others reported inappropriate contact in a school bathroom and sexual assaults.
Authorities believed there may be more victims, not only at Westview but also at McCluer High School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, where Gerald was principal until March 2026, and even earlier in his career at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina and Washington County Schools in Plymouth, North Carolina.
The Riverview Gardens School District responded quickly by placing Gerald on administrative leave upon learning of the allegations and cooperating fully with law enforcement, and Gerald has since resigned.
Making the situation worse, Ming Spencer’s post referenced a volleyball coach at Riverview who was reportedly let go due to sexual harassment allegations.
People are upset about the school focusing on banning cell phones instead of addressing more serious issues.
The school has also been underground about why the coach was let go, leading to more doubts about how they handle misconduct.
The Riverview HS Allegations Have Loomed Large Over the District
The community is on edge as Gerald’s charges remain unresolved, and with two law firms, Simon Law and O’Brien Law, representing six victims who believe his alleged abuse may extend to North Carolina.
They request that anyone with information come forward to help bring justice. At the same time, the enforcement of a cell phone ban has raised concerns among parents.
They argue that in a school environment where trust has eroded, students need their phones for safety.
Many feel the district’s focus on the policy, while legally required, overlooks the urgent need for accountability and healing.
As Riverview High School begins the 2026-26 school year, the administration is facing challenges in balancing state mandates with community trust.
Achieving safety and accountability is crucial, especially in light of the troubling allegations against those in power.
The situation highlights the urgent demand for safer schools and a commitment to protecting every student.
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