Theatre teacher charged with improper relationship with student
Dekaney High School theatre
A Texas theatre teacher has been charged with a felony for having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to county records. Valerie Lauren Mata faces charges after an investigation by Spring ISD investigators uncovered her alleged relationship with an 18-year-old student.
According to court records, the student told investigators he and Mata had an inappropriate relationship that involved sexual acts on the Dekaney High School campus just north of Houston. Some of their history included sending each other nude pictures.
The student, now a senior, told officers their first interaction happened during his sophomore year when he would walk past Mata's classroom, and she would greet him with "hello." Over time, Mata would greet him with "baby" or "sweetheart."
Entering his junior year, the student alleged that he received a text from Mata claiming she was 'tipsy' and inquired if he was interested in sex.
The pair reportedly exchanged explicit photos and videos during the student's senior year. Mata supposedly instructed the student to erase the conversations and disguise her contact information. "Does it make a difference it [sic] he is 18?" Mata reportedly said that when faced with the allegations.
The incident between Mata and the student came to light when the parents of a student's friend became aware and notified the school.
She resigned on March 18 amid the emerging scandal. She appeared in court on Monday and was bonded out for $20,000.
The incident between Mata and the student came to light when the parents of a student's friend became aware and notified the school.
Spring ISD publicly addressed the controversy:
“Over the Spring Break holiday, we were made aware of a report of inappropriate conduct between a Dekaney High School staff member and a student. Immediately upon returning on Monday, March 18, a conference was held with the staff member, and she subsequently resigned effective that same day.
An investigation into the allegations was promptly launched by both the Spring ISD Police Department and our Human Resources Department. Yesterday afternoon, the former staff member was arrested on a felony warrant issued by the Harris County DA’s Office.
The district takes every allegation of educator misconduct seriously and will take all measures necessary to ensure that students are educated in safe and nurturing environments. This includes full cooperation with all law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is fully served.”
This is a developing story and will be updated when new information is available.