PEARLAND, Texas – A Shadow Creek High School teacher has resigned after being accused of having an improper relationship with a student, according to Alvin Independent School District.
Jail records show that JoAnn Karel was arrested Wednesday by the Alvin ISD Police Department and booked into the Brazoria County Jail.
She has been charged with improper relationship between educator and student, and her bond was set at $20,000. Karel was also the chair of the social studies department at Shadow Creek High School, according to the school’s website.
“I’m shocked. I mean, things like this happen at a lot of schools it seems like lately,” said Vince Lensey, who has a daughter enrolled in Shadow Creek High School. “Who’s watching the teachers? Whose patrolling the teachers? I mean, we just have to be careful with our kind when we send them to school [and] just hope for the best.”
On Thursday, the district released a statement, which read:
“In Alvin ISD we are deeply committed to keeping you informed of matters relating to the safety and security of our students.
“For this reason, it is important we share that today, Alvin ISD received an anonymous tip through our “Let’s Chat” platform. The tip alleged that a teacher from Shadow Creek High School was involved in inappropriate conduct with a student. Alvin ISD Police Department immediately launched a full and comprehensive investigation and has been in contact with the Brazoria County District Attorney’s office. The teacher has resigned and Alvin ISD will continue to assist law enforcement in prosecuting to the fullest extent under the law.
“The parents of the student involved have been personally contacted and made aware of the allegations and the ongoing investigation. Alvin ISD will continue to work with the appropriate agencies, including the State Board of Educator Certification and local law enforcement, to ensure that all information is provided.
“We take all reports related to the security of our students seriously and if anyone has any information, please contact the Alvin ISD Police department at 281-331-2320.”