SAN ANTONIO – The Judson Independent School District said it is examining its teacher screening process after recent arrests and alarming allegations.
In January, Judson ISD speech and debate teacher Matthew Turner, 34, resigned amid allegations of sex trafficking. He allegedly forced a 16-year-old student to have sex.
Last week, Jared Anderson, 28, resigned his post as a Judson ISD teacher following his arrest on sex charges. He’s accused of hosting sex parties for teenage boys at his home.
Both men, according to the district’s spokesman, Steve Linscomb, had been through the district’s rigorous screening process.
“I think it works to the degree that it can work.” Linscomb said. “I mean, otherwise you’re going to need a crystal ball.”
Linscomb said the screening process goes beyond hiring to include ongoing training.
“If a person clears all that, you still can’t predict what decisions they will or will not make from that point forward," he said. “And that’s the rub.”
“Could we do other things that would help remind individuals about their behavior on the job as well as after hours? Absolutely," he said.
Linscomb said that the district is currently planning to take another look at the teacher vetting process.
He said concerned parents and students are invited to attend a meeting at the high school cafeteria at 6 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the situation.