Texan teacher Deanna Higgins accused of sex with student

Today’s report of inappropriate teacher/student relations comes out of Spring, Texas.

Science teacher Deanna Higgins remains on administrative leave since January of 2009, due to allegations of inappropriate sexual relations with a student. Higgins was hired by the Spring School District in January 2008, and taught at Spring Independent High School.

Principal Donna Ullrich sent parents a letter explaining the suspensions, indicating that the school is pursuing two charges against Higgins. Higgins was charged Monday on one count of sexual assault of a child and one count of having an improper relationship between an educator and a student. Both are felonies.

Another teacher is also on administrative leave and under investigation for a separate incident. . Full text of the letter, below:

As part of our continuing effort to keep you informed and involved in your child’s education at Spring High School, I’m writing to share information about an alleged improper relationship between Spring High School science teacher Deanna Higgins and a Spring High School student.

The Spring ISD Police Department has completed a thorough investigation of the allegation and submitted the results of that investigation to the Harris County District Attorney’s office. The DA’s office accepted two charges on Monday, Oct 12: one for an improper relationship between an educator and a student, and one for sexual assault of a child. Both charges are second-degree felonies.

The Spring High School administration and Spring ISD Police Department immediately began investigating the allegation after receiving a report from a third party. The teacher was placed on administrative leave, which is a routine procedure when an allegation of this nature is made. Higgins has been a science teacher at Spring High School since January 2008.

I want to assure you that the safety of our students is of the highest importance at Spring High School. The criminal history and references of job applicants are routinely checked before they are hired. The administration at Spring High School takes every allegation seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation and expose inappropriate behavior when necessary. Inappropriate behavior with our students will never be tolerated or overlooked.

You may have heard rumors that another Spring High School teacher has been placed on administrative leave. It is true that a second teacher is on administrative leave while an investigation into a separate issue is in progress. I am not able to share details about this investigation until it has been completed.

Please speak to your children and remind them to always report to you or other proper officials any time they feel threatened or compromised by anyone. We have numerous systems in place for reporting inappropriate activity. Students may contact any Spring High School administrator or counselor, Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.Crime-Stoppers.org and the Spring ISD Police Department at 281-893-7473. In addition we are in the process of implementing the anonymous, online communication system for students called “Talk About It.”

If you have any concerns or questions please contact me at (redacted.)