NORMANGEE, Texas (KBTX) – Normangee ISD has fired an employee initially placed on administrative leave due to allegations of inappropriate behavior with 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.

READ ALSO: Normangee ISD employee on leave following alleged misconduct involving a student

Documents provided to KBTX by law firm Haglund and Normangee ISD through a public records request show that on Oct. 11, the employee received a written reprimand for using Snapchat to engage in unauthorized one-on-one communication -one with a student, 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 serves as a formal reprimand regarding your recent one-on-one communication with a student via social media, which is in direct violation of our district’s policies and state regulations regarding appropriate communication between educators and students . As a classroom counselor, you must maintain professional boundaries at all times, adhering to the ethical standards set by both our school district and the Texas Education Code (TEC), as well as the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), ” read the reprimand.

However, on Oct. 18, Normangee ISD terminated the employee’s employment, citing alleged misconduct and other allegations of inappropriate contact with female students.

“Please accept this correspondence as notice of termination of employment with Normangee Independent School District. The termination of your employment is for cause because you have engaged in misconduct related to your work for the school district and is effective October 18, 2024,” the termination letter states.

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

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

CONTINUOUS COVERAGE: Normangee ISD is asking the public for more information about “inappropriate behavior” from a teacher

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

“As the case is currently under active investigation and may result in a formal prosecution, disclosure of information regarding this incident could jeopardize the parties’ ability to obtain a fair trial and would unduly interfere with the investigation and prosecution criminal offense 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 the opinion of an Attorney General confirming that the information is not available under the Public Information Act at this time.”

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

READ ALSO: Normangee ISD incident leaves parents upset about communication

Superintendent Justin Vercher confirmed in documents that the termination will be reported to the State Board for Educator Certification (Texas Education Agency), which could result in a permanent ban from employment in Texas public schools. The employee involved also has the right to challenge their termination.

“You have the right to appeal this termination by the Board of Directors by filing a formal complaint in accordance with board policies DGBA (LOCAL) and DGBA (LEGAL) within the time allowed by that policy, the letter states.

A report of your termination of employment and misconduct will be made to the State Board for Educator Certification and, after investigation by SBEC, may result in you being barred from working in public education in the state of Texas.

School officials say the Normangee ISD board will not discuss the case publicly until the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, district officials are cooperating with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues.

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

If you have additional information to share regarding this investigation, please 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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If there’s anything you’d like KBTX Investigative Reporter Donnie Tuggle to look into, email [email protected] or fill in this submission form.

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