Sarah Madden Fowlkes in a mugshot released by Lockhart Police.
A 27-year-old Texas high school science teacher has been accused of being “engaged in sexual contact” with a 17-year-old student.
Sarah Madden Fowlkes has been suspended from her job at Lockhart High School after she was arrested Monday, the school district announced.
“Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly. Student safety is the district’s most important priority,” Superintendent Susan Bohn said in a statement. “As soon as we learned of the report, we acted swiftly to involve law enforcement and (Child Protective Services) to conduct a thorough investigation. The district does not and will not tolerate any improper communication or contact between a teacher and child.”
The school district said it learned about the “improper relationship” Fowlkes was having with a student on March 10.
Fowlkes is charged with engaging in an improper relationship between an educator and student, a second-degree felony.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Fowlkes Is Accused of Engaging in ‘Sexual Content With the Intent to Arouse or Gratify the Sexual Desire of the Student’
(Facebook)
Sarah Fowlkes engaged in “sexual content with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of the student,” during encounters with the student, Lockhart Police told the Hays Free Press.
According to police, detectives determined Fowlkes and the 17-year-old male student were in contact in person and “by message” with the teacher.
“On behalf of the district and Board of Trustees, I want to assure parents we do not tolerate this kind of behavior and are fully cooperating with law enforcement and CPS. We will always take swift action to make sure concerns are properly investigated and actions taken to ensure student safety,” Superintendent Susan Bohn said in a statement. “I also want to thank the LPD for their steady and unwavering support of our school district and commitment to the safety of our students and staff.”
The school district sent a letter to parents on Monday to notify them of the “upsetting news” about Fowlkes arrest. You can read the letter below or by clicking here:
Bohn said, “Every day, you trust your children to our care, and it is a responsibility we do not take lightly. As a parent of a Lockhart ISD student, I join you in feeling anger and disappointment in what happened.As an administrator, I will always take swift action against anyone who would violate the sacred trust between students and educators.”
She said, “The campus will have counselors available to meet with any student who needs or wants support.”
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2. She Taught Anatomy, Physiology & Environmental Systems at Lockhart High School After Previously Teaching at an Elementary School
(Facebook)
Fowlkes taught anatomy, physiology and environmental systems at Lockhart High School, a job she started in September, according to a now-deleted page on the school district’s website.
“This is my third year as a teacher, my previous two years were spent at Plum Creek Elementary where I was a third and fifth grade science and social studies teacher,” she wrote on the school website. “I have 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. 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.”
School district Superintendent Susan Bohn said in a letter to parents, “Fowlkes will not return to the school district.”
The district also said it would also be “sending notice of the conduct to the State Board for Educator Certification.”
The school district said Fowlkes, who has been suspended, was hired in October 2014.
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3. She Grew Up in Texas & Graduated From Saint Edwards University
(Facebook)
Fowlkes grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, about an hour away from Lockhart, and about 30 minutes away from Austin.
She graduated from Saint Edwards University in Austin with a degree in biology, according to the school district’s website.
(Facebook)
“I started my teaching certification at the University of Texas at Austin under the UTeach program and completed my certification with A+ Texas Teachers Alternative Certification,” she wrote on the school district website. “I am certified to teach Early Childhood through 6th grade Generalist and 7th through 12th grade Sciences.”
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4. She Has Been Married to Her Husband Since 2013
Sarah Fowlkes has been married since 2013. (Facebook)
Fowlkes has been married since October 2013, according to her Facebook page.
She and her husband live in New Braunfels, Texas, about 40 minutes outside of Lockhart. Her husband is also a native of Dripping Springs.
Fowlkes maiden name is Madden, according to online records.
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5. She Was Booked Into the Caldwell County Jail & Later Released
Sarah Madden Fowlkes in a booking photo released by Lockhart Police.
Sarah Fowlkes turned herself in at the Lockhart Police Department early Monday morning and was booked into the Caldwell County Jail, authorities said.
Online records show she has been released from custody.
It is not clear when she is scheduled to appear in court. It is also not known if she has hired an attorney.
School superintendent Susan Bohn asked parents to talk to their children about the arrest.
“If any student or parent has information about this situation, please contact the Lockhart Police Department at 512-398-4401,” Bohn said.
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Tom Cleary is a reporter and editor for Heavy.com. Tom was a breaking news reporter at the Connecticut Post and an editor at the Register Citizen and New Haven Register. He can be reached by email at Tom.Cleary@Heavy.com. Follow him on Twitter @tomwcleary.March 20, 2017 10:11 pm
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