Explorer K-8 teacher arrested again!

This is not the first time a teacher from Explorer K-8, located in Spring Hill, FL, has been arrested. In fact, Catherine Ferraro, a 5th-grade teacher, charged she stole prescription medications from coworkers. This is similar to another teacher 58-year-old Jill Katherine Leverich was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Leverich’s son, Nicholas Jacob Leverich was arrested on April 18th on similar drug charges. He is also the suspect who reportedly “molested” a yard statue, while fully nude, on Fairlawn Street prior to his arrest.

Jonathan Rowe, 45, arrested for showing photos of genitalia to student

Photo courtesy of HERNANDO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

A 45-year-old Spring Hill resident, Jonathan Rowe, was arrested at his home on Sunday and now faces two felony charges following an investigation.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, Rowe is accused of distributing obscene material to a minor and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device, both of which are classified as felony offenses under Florida law.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the nature of the communication or the timeline of events, citing an ongoing investigation.

Rowe was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center. No bond information has been made public at this time.

The case remains under investigation.

Catherine Mae Ferraro, a fifth-grade teacher at Explorer K-8 School in Spring Hill, Florida, was arrested on October 20, 2015, following allegations of theft involving prescription medications belonging to her colleagues.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, two teachers reported missing items, including medications, from their handbags, which had been secured in their classrooms. One teacher noted the disappearance of 10 alprazolam pills (commonly known as Xanax), while another reported ongoing thefts since the beginning of the school year. Tampa Bay Times+3Bay News 9+3FOX 13 Tampa Bay+3hernandosheriff.org+2Tampa Bay Times+2Bay News 9+2

Investigators identified Ferraro as the suspect based on witness accounts. Upon questioning, she admitted to stealing the medications and led deputies to her vehicle in the school parking lot, where some of the stolen pills were recovered. Tampa Bay Times+2Bay News 9+2hernandosheriff.org+2

Ferraro was charged with two counts of grand theft and one count of possession of a controlled substance. She was booked into the Hernando County Detention Center and later released on a $6,000 bond. WTSP+3Tampa Bay Times+3Bay News 9+3Bay News 9+1Tampa Bay Times+1

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and trust within educational environments. Parents and community members seeking updates on school safety and related matters can visit springhillspeaks.com for more information.NY1+1Tampa Bay Times+1

How Can We Keep Our Children Safe?

Protecting our children starts with awareness and open communication. While schools are meant to be safe spaces, it's vital that parents, educators, and communities work together to create environments where trust, transparency, and accountability are the norm.

Here are a few ways to stay proactive:

• Talk to your children regularly about their day, feelings, and interactions with adults at school.

• Teach them to recognize inappropriate behavior and assure them it's okay to speak up.

• Stay involved by attending school board meetings, volunteering, and building relationships with staff.

• Encourage schools to provide training for recognizing and reporting misconduct.

• Advocate for stricter background checks and mental health support for educators.

Final Thoughts

The recent incidents at Explorer K-8 have shaken the trust many families place in local schools. But they also remind us of the power of vigilance, community, and the importance of standing up for our children. By staying informed and involved, we can all play a role in building safer, more supportive environments for our students.

Let’s continue to raise awareness, ask the hard questions, and protect what matters most—our children.

"Stay Informed. Stay Involved. Spring Hill Speaks."