Normangee ISD employee fired amid allegations of inappropriate touching and Snapchat misconduct

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

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

Documents provided to KBTX by the Haglund law firm and Normangee ISD as part of a public records request show that an employee received a written reprimand on Oct. 11 for using Snapchat to have unauthorized one-on-one communication with a student, which violated both district policies. and Texas Education Code standards. The reprimand outlined corrective actions, including mandatory ethics training, a review of district policies and a written reflection.

“This letter serves as a formal reprimand regarding your recent individual communication with a student via social media, which is in direct violation of our district policy and state regulations regarding appropriate communication between teachers and students. As a classroom aide, you are expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times by adhering to the ethical standards set by both our school district and the Texas Education Code (TEC), as well as the State Board of Teacher Certification (SBEC). – read the reprimand.

However, Normangee ISD fired the employee on Oct. 18, citing alleged misconduct and further allegations of inappropriate contact with female students.

“Please accept this correspondence as notice of termination of employment with the Normangee Independent School District. Termination from your employment is based on your misconduct related to your employment with the school district, effective October 18, 2024,” the termination letter states.

“You violated the school district’s DH (Legal), DH (Local) and DH (Applications) policies by communicating with students) via Snapchat.” It was also alleged that you touched female students inappropriately, which is also a violation of state law and school district policy,” the letter states.

Termination of your employment with Normangee Independent School District is effective immediately.

CONTINUED SERVICE: Normangee ISD asks the public for more information about teacher’s ‘inappropriate behavior’

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

“Because the matter is currently under active investigation and may result in formal criminal prosecution, disclosure of information regarding this incident may jeopardize the parties’ ability to obtain a fair trial and unduly interfere with the investigation and prosecution of the alleged crime,” said the Leon County District Attorney. James “Caleb” Henson. “We are therefore asking Normangee ISD to refuse to provide the requested information and to seek an opinion from the Attorney General confirming that the information is not currently available under the Public Information Act.”

The event is the latest in a series of actions taken by Normangee ISD as it faces scrutiny from parents and community members who have expressed frustration over communication delays. Some parents previously expressed concern that they only learned of the allegations through public sources rather than through official school district channels, prompting criticism of the district’s transparency.

ALSO READ: Normangee ISD incident leaves parents upset over communication

Superintendent Justin Vercher confirmed in documents that the termination will be reported to the State Board of Teacher Certification, the Texas Education Agency, which could result in a permanent ban from teaching in Texas public schools. An employee also has the right to appeal his dismissal.

“You have the right to appeal the termination of the Board of Trustees by filing a formal grievance in accordance with the DGBA (LOCAL) and DGBA (LEGAL) board policies within the time limit permitted by those policies,” the letter states.

A report of your termination and misconduct will be sent to the State Board of Educator Certification and, following an investigation by the SBEC, you may be prohibited from practicing public education in the State of Texas.

School officials say the Normangee ISD board will not discuss the case publicly until the investigation is completed. In the meantime, county authorities are working with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies in the investigation.

KBTX will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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

• 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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