Normangee ISD employee fired over allegations of inappropriate touching, abuse on Snapchat

NORMANGEE, Texas (KBTX) – Normangee ISD has terminated an employee who was initially placed on administrative leave due to allegations of inappropriate behavior with a student, according to new documents released Friday. To preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, KBTX has decided not to disclose the identity of the employee involved until formal charges are filed.

ALSO READ: Normangee ISD employee on leave due to alleged inappropriate behavior involving student

Documents provided to KBTX by the Haglund Law Firm and Normangee ISD through a public records request show that the employee received a written reprimand on Oct. 11 for using Snapchat to communicate one-on-one with a student without permission, violating both district policies. and Texas Education Code standards. The reprimand outlined corrective measures, including mandatory ethics training, a review of district policies and a written reflection.

“This letter is a formal reprimand that you have recently communicated one-on-one with a student via social media; This is a direct violation of our district’s policies and state regulations regarding appropriate communication between educators and students. As a classroom aide, you will be expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times by adhering to ethical standards established by both our school district and the Texas Education Code (TEC) and the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC). ” read the condemnation.

But on Oct. 18, Normangee ISD terminated the employee, citing allegations of misconduct and accusations that he had inappropriate contact with female students.

“Please consider this correspondence as Notice of Termination of Employment with Normangee Independent School District. “Your termination is for cause for misconduct in connection with your employment with the school district and is effective October 18, 2024,” the termination letter said.

By communicating with a student via “Snapchat,” you have violated school district policy DH (Legal), DH (Local), and DH (Exhibition). “The letter also alleges that you touched the female student(s) inappropriately, which also violates state law and school district policy.”

Your termination of employment with Normangee Independent School District is effective immediately.

ONGOING COVERAGE: Normangee ISD requests more information from public about teacher’s ‘inappropriate behavior’

The Leon County District Attorney’s Office, which is investigating the case, requested that the district withhold certain documents to preserve the integrity of the investigation. In a letter dated Oct. 22, District Attorney James “Caleb” Henson advised the district to refrain from releasing any information that could interfere with possible criminal prosecution and jeopardize the parties’ ability to receive a fair trial for the alleged crime.

“As the case is currently under active investigation and may result in formal criminal prosecution, the release of information regarding this incident could jeopardize the parties’ ability to receive a fair trial and unduly interfere with the investigation and prosecution of the alleged crime.” said Leon County District Attorney James “Caleb” Henson. “Therefore, we request that Normangee ISD decline to provide the requested information and seek an attorney general’s opinion confirming that this information is not currently available under the Public Information Act.”

This development marks the latest in a series of actions in which Normangee ISD has faced scrutiny from parents and community members who have expressed frustration over communication delays. Some parents had previously expressed concern that they learned of the allegations only through community sources rather than through the school district’s official channels, prompting criticism of the district’s transparency.

ALSO READ: Incident at Normangee ISD leaves parents upset about communication

Superintendent Justin Vercher confirmed in documents that the termination would be reported to the State Board of Educator Certification (Texas Education Agency), potentially resulting in a permanent ban from employment in Texas public schools. The employee concerned also has the right to object to the termination.

“In accordance with DGBA (LOCAL) and DGBA (LEGAL) board policies, you have the right to appeal the Board of Trustees’ termination by filing a formal complaint within the time period permitted by that policy,” the letter said.

Termination of your employment and a report of your misconduct will be submitted to the State Board of Educator Certification and may result in your disqualification from working in public education in the state of Texas upon investigation by the SBEC.

The Normangee ISD board will not discuss the matter publicly until the investigation is concluded, school officials said. Meanwhile, county officials are cooperating with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement as the investigation progresses.

KBTX will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

If you have additional information to share regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact one of the following:

Leon County Sheriff’s Office (903) 536-2749
Normangee ISD Police Department (936) 396-3111, ext. 2281
Normangee ISD Superintendent’s Office (936) 396-3111, ext. 2204

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