HOUSTON, Texas – A Kipp High School teacher has been charged after several students came forward, accusing him of inappropriately touching them during school hours.
Preston Edmond Zimmerman, a 39-year-old Bio-Medical Science teacher, has since been charged with four counts of improper relationship with a student, two counts of indecency with a child and two counts of sexual performance by a child and improper relationship between an educator and student.
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Four students have come forward, alleging that Zimmerman made them feel uncomfortable by inappropriately touching them on multiple occasions between September and October.
On one occasion, a 16-year-old student said Zimmerman asked him to help with some papers and then began touching him inappropriately.
Other students also came forward with similar stories, alleging Zimmerman would ask them to sit on his couch located inside his classroom, and then would inappropriately touch them while acting like he was removing something from their laps.
Zimmerman has not yet been arrested, but has since been terminated from his position.
Kipp released this statement:
Earlier this semester, KIPP Houston High School was informed of allegations of misconduct involving a former employee and several students. Upon learning of these allegations, the school immediately notified the appropriate legal authorities and took swift action to ensure the safety of its students. The employee was immediately placed on administrative leave and then terminated, and he is not allowed on any KIPP Texas Public Schools property. The Houston Police Department (HPD) has since conducted a thorough investigation and shared that they intend to arrest the suspect.
Throughout the investigation, KIPP Houston High School fully cooperated with HPD and followed their strict directive to withhold public communication until it was safe to do so without jeopardizing the integrity of their work.
KIPP Texas Public Schools has zero tolerance for any staff member who brings harm to our students. We are deeply saddened and angered by the alleged actions of this former employee and extend our support to all those impacted. Our priority remains providing a safe and supportive learning environment for every student. We will continue to cooperate fully with HPD and the District Attorney’s Office and advocate for the strongest consequences possible through the criminal justice system.