HOUSTON – In separate incidents, two separate school districts in our area have come across the same disturbing problem, employees accused of having inappropriate relationships with students.
NEW CANEY ISD
Samantha Shea Cummings, 35, of Cleveland, is charged with the crime of having an inappropriate relationship between an educator and a student.
She was booked into the Montgomery County Jail late last week and was released on a $75,000 bond on Jan. 14. She has since resigned from her position at New Caney High School.
“Ms. Cummings was in her first year of employment with the district and taught culinary arts and coached volleyball and track. Student safety is a top priority for New Caney ISD, and the district will always take immediate and appropriate action to protect the safety of students and staff,” a representative for the district wrote via email.
WALLER ISD
Concurrently, but separately, a Waller County ISD employee, was “terminated,” according to the district.
That employee, not identified by name or title, is the subject of a Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigation for having an inappropriate relationship with a student.
That employee worked at Waller High School.
“The safety and well-being of the Waller ISD (WISD) family of students and staff is the district’s highest priority. On Jan. 5, 2023, WISD administrators received a tip via the district’s anonymous reporting application, CrisisGo, alleging an inappropriate relationship between a staff member and a student. An investigation involving the Harris County Sheriff’s Office began immediately. That same day, WISD placed the staff member on leave. District officials also notified Child Protective Services and continued to collaborate with law enforcement in the investigation. On Jan. 13, 2023, the individual’s employment was terminated,” a News Caney ISD press release stated.
