Staff Report
KYLE — The Kyle Police Department arrested a Lehman High School teacher after receiving a report Friday, April 24, of an inappropriate interaction between the educator and a high school student.
Following an investigation, the department arrested math teacher Juan Gomez, 40, of Buda, and charged him with improper relationship between an educator and student. Additionally, Hays CISD immediately removed Gomez from the campus, placed him on administrative leave, and barred him from returning to the school or communicating with students and coworkers.
“Protecting students is paramount. The district takes swift action anytime there is an accusation involving activity that would harm students,” said Hays CISD chief communication officer Tim Savoy. “Employees of the district are granted positions of tremendous trust and if they fail that, they will meet with a swift and substantial response. Inappropriate behavior with students is anathema to the thousands of district employees who work tirelessly to provide safe spaces for students to learn and grow.”
Gomez was hired by Hays CISD to work at LHS in July 2023. He will not return to the campus while the criminal investigation and any subsequent court processes are underway, the district stated in a news release.
According to the district, all Hays CISD employees undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks before they can be hired, as required by state law. Term-contracted teachers, such as Gomez, cannot be immediately terminated because they have employment-based due process rights that must be followed, the district continued.
However, the district stated that it will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the students in its charge.
KPD is also working closely with school officials to ensure student safety remains the top priority. No additional information is being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
The Hays Free Press will update this story as more information is made available.
