North Hopkins ISD Employee Charged

FROM NORTH HOPKINS ISD SUPERINTENDENT, DR. DARIN JOLLY

PRESS RELEASE

Late in the afternoon of Friday, November 2, 2018, the District received a report that a North Hopkins ISD employee had been observed communicating with a student through electronic media in violation of NHISD policies and regulations. North Hopkins ISD immediately instituted an investigation into the allegations that very evening. Due to the nature of some information that was brought to their attention, the NHISD administrators reported the alleged behavior to both Child Protective Services and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. The NHISD administration then met with the accused employee on Sunday, November 4, 2018, notified her of the investigation and the allegations and concerns that had been brought forth, and also notified her that she was being placed on suspension without pay. The employee submitted her resignation, instead. The District has now been notified that the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation, and, based on that investigation, has arrested the now-former employee, Ms. Janie Perez. It is NHISD’s understanding that Ms. Perez has been charged with Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student.

NHISD is deeply troubled by this situation. The safety and well-being of NHISD students is, and always will be, our primary concern. We commend the observant individual who made the initial report to NHISD administrators. We also commend the NHISD administrators for investigating the matter without delay and for notifying the appropriate authorities of the allegations that had been made. And, of course, we are grateful for the diligence and professionalism of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and its commitment to the protection of NHISD students. Rest assured that NHISD will continue to work closely with the Sheriff’s Office and all other agencies involved in this investigation.