An unnamed educator is “no longer employed” by the Whitney Independent School District following allegations of inappropriate communications with a student.
Superintendent Todd Southard sent a statement on Friday to Whitney ISD parents and community members regarding the incident.
“Yesterday evening, the district became aware of concerns regarding communications between an employee and a student,” wrote Southard. “After reviewing the situation this morning, we determined that the employee’s actions did not align with the professional expectations of our district. As a result, the individual is no longer employed by Whitney ISD.”
“At this time, we have not found evidence of inappropriate physical or sexual conduct; however, the conduct in question did not meet the standards we uphold for those working with our students,” stated Southard.
He said the district is also taking the “appropriate steps” to notify the relevant state agencies, as required by law.
“Please know that the safety and well-being of our students guide every decision we make,” added Southard. “When concerns arise, we will address them promptly and with great care.”
Legislation enacted in 2025, known as Senate Bill 571, placed increased requirements on school administrators to promptly report allegations of educator misconduct—including physical or sexual abuse, romantic or sexual relationships, and inappropriate communication or boundary violations.
“Inappropriate communication” could constitute the crime of improper relationship between educator and student, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison that includes both sexual contact and sexually explicit communications, regardless of the student’s age.
Such communications may also violate the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics, standards of conduct for all certified school teachers and administrators that are enforceable by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
The Code prohibits “inappropriate communication with a student or minor, including, but not limited to, electronic communication such as cell phone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication.”
Sanctions for violations can include restriction, reprimand, suspension, or revocation of a certificate, or a surrender in lieu of disciplinary action.
Over the past few years, a growing number of Texas school employees have been accused of sex crimes involving students and other children, and thousands have been reported to the Texas Education Agency for sexual misconduct.
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