A Bastrop High School teacher was fired last week after an allegation surfaced in August accusing the educator of having an “inappropriate relationship with a student,” according to a Sept. 18 letter Superintendent Barry Edwards sent to parents.

The Bastrop school board on Sept. 17 unanimously approved a recommendation by Edwards to fire the teacher. The board discussed the matter in executive session and took a vote in open session without divulging the teacher’s identity or any details of the allegation.

The allegation against the teacher was made Aug. 20 and the educator was placed on leave that same day, Edwards said. School district staff began an investigation into the alleged inappropriate relationship with help from school police. The district also reported the matter, as required by law, to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Bastrop County sheriff’s office and to the State Board for Educator Certification, Edwards said.

“The criminal investigation and any impending charges rest with the (sheriff’s office) and the Bastrop County District Attorney’s office,” Edwards said. “Bastrop ISD will continue to cooperate fully with the (sheriff’s office).”

Edwards said the district takes seriously the health and safety of its students and will continue to place student safety and their well-being at the forefront of its mission.

“We appreciate the swift action of (Bastrop High School) administrators and our ISD police to investigate and to provide support to the student and the student’s family,” Edwards said.