Teacher accused of sleeping with her 17-year-old student
Married 27-year-old conducted 'sexual' relationship with teenager, according to police
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Texas teacher has been arrested after she was accused of having a sexual relationship with her 17-year-old student.
Sarah Fowlkes was suspended from her role as science teacher at Lockhart High School after a school administrator blew the whistle on the alleged relationship.
The married 27-year-old later turned herself in to police and was taken to Caldwell County Jail. She has been charged with felony improper relationship between an educator and student. It was unclear whether she was still being held.
Police said they had spoken to a 17-year-old male student who had been in contact with Ms Fowlkes in person and by message. Their contact was said to be of a “sexual nature”, according to police.
On a page on the school website, Ms Fowlkes describes herself as having “very high expectations of myself as a teacher as well as of my students and I hope that this will be a formula for achievement.”
She added: “I want this to be an enjoyable year for all of my students but also a productive, challenging and encouraging year with success for everyone.”
Lockhart Independent School District (LISD) said Ms Fowlkes, who had taught at the school since October 2014, had been suspended and that notice of her conduct was being sent to the State Board for Educator Certification.
"Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly," LISD superintendent Susan Bohn said in a statement.
"Student safety is the district's most important priority. As soon as we learned of the report, we acted swiftly to involve law enforcement and CPS to conduct a thorough investigation. The district does not and will not tolerate any improper communication or contact between a teacher and child."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.