AUSTIN (KXAN) — A teacher with the Austin Independent School District was arrested on multiple charges and accused of allegedly having an improper relationship with a student, the school district said in a letter sent out to parents and guardians. The teacher taught at LBJ Early College High School.
The teacher, identified as Rodney Childers, was arrested Wednesday in Williamson County and was booked on three counts of improper relationship between an educator and student, two counts of indecency with a child by exposure and child grooming, according to Williamson County Jail records. Those records did not list his age.
Childers does not have an attorney listed at the time. KXAN will reach out for a statement when that information becomes available.
According to the district, a parent reported the allegation on July 25, and the district “immediately” placed Childers on administrative leave. The AISD Police Department also conducted an investigation, the AISD letter states.
The district said it is limited on what it can say in connection with the allegations, as well as Childers’ arrest. However, the district is asking anyone who may have any information related to this case to contact AISD Police at 512-414-1703.
The letter from AISD Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Dr. Angel Wilson is provided below.
“We know this is a troubling situation and want you to know we are here to support,” the district said in the letter.
KXAN spoke with family members of the alleged victim, who tell us they wanted to share the story to spread the word.
“There could be other students out there that this has affected and they are just scared to come out, so we want this to be blown up as much as possible because this should not be happening,” said a family member.
The family also hopes that the vetting process for all schools will take a hard look at any new hires in the future.
“Whoever is hiring, doing the vetting process, you have to be on top of everything, you have to be a detective, you have to dig and dig,” said a family member.
The family says the student will receive counseling, but for now they are showing support during a difficult time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.