WOODSBORO, Texas — The Woodsboro Independent School District Superintendent has released a statement on the Woodsboro ISD employee who was arrested after being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the student.
Maria Coots, 28, was arrested at her home Sunday night. According to Refugio County Sheriff Raul "Pinky" Gonzales, Coots was having a 4-month long relationship with an 18-year old student.
KRIS 6 News contacted Woodsboro ISD administration for more details. The WISD Superintendent Janice Sykora released the following statement:
"Woodsboro ISD is aware of the allegations involving a former substitute paraprofessional who was temporarily assigned to Woodsboro Elementary School during the spring of 2019. Upon receiving a report of allegations of a romantic relationship between the substitute and a WISD high school student, the District immediately removed the individual from duty and notified law enforcement. District administrators notified the parents of students who had direct contact with the individual as well as the parents of the alleged victim. Based on our independent investigation, we believe the incident was isolated and have no reason to believe that any student at Woodsboro Elementary School was involved. The individual no longer works for Woodsboro ISD in any capacity and the District has fully cooperated with law enforcement during the course of its investigation. Woodsboro ISD’s highest priority is the safety of our students."
Coots is facing at least one charge of improper relationship with a student. As of Wednesday afternoon, Coots was still in the Refugio County Jail. Her bail has been set at $50,000.
