August 11, 2015 - Shelby County rocked once again by allegations of an improper relationship between a teacher and student as a Center ISD teacher has been arrested.
Jenny Cassell, 32, of Timpson was booked into the Shelby County Jail on charges of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student (felony 2) at 12:20pm Tuesday, August 11, 2015. She was placed into custody by Center ISD Chief Pete Low and he transported her to the jail where she was escorted inside by Low and Center Police Detective Nicole Faulkner.
According to a press release issued by Detective Faulkner, Cassell was recently employed by the Center Independent School District. A joint investigation was conducted by the Center ISD Police and Center Police Department. Cassell turned herself in and was booked into the Shelby County Jail. Justice of the Peace Maxie Eaves arraigned Cassell and set bond at $20,000.
In a related story Johanna Vickers, 35, of San Augustine and a teacher at Shelbyville ISD was arrested Thursday, May 14, 2015 on the same charges on two $25,000 bonds.
According to a press release issued by James Hockenberry, Center ISD Superintendent, on August 5, the Center ISD received a report that an educator employed by the District had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a student. Consistent with its practice, the District placed the educator on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation, which began immediately after receipt of the initial report.
The District notified law enforcement, Child Protective Services and the parents of the student. The District has also notified the Texas Education Agency so that it can conduct its own investigation.
The educator resigned employment with the District on August 6. The district continued with its investigation thereafter.
The District's highest priority is the safety of its students. The District has a zero tolerance policy for any inappropriate relationship between educators and students. The Center ISD will continue to respond swiftly and effectively to insure the safety of its students.
More information regarding Rhodes-Cassell will be updated as it is made available.
