Published: July 31, 2009 09:51 pm      

Former Bridge City teacher sentenced to 5 years probation

Megan Michelle Sparks, 26, a former Bridge City High School teacher, was sentenced to five years probation and a $1,000 fine Friday to charges of an improper relationship between an educator and student.

Sparks accepted a plea bargain agreement of probation before Judge Pat Clark of the 128th District Court. However, the punishment range for the second degree felony is up to 20 years in prison.

Clark asked Sparks if she knew she could lose her job because of her actions, to which she replied, “I just thought it would be a slap on the wrist.”

The judge then asked, “What has happened to the morals of society?”

Sparks informed Clark since she no longer works as a teacher she worked at a local church but has since lost her job. She is currently searching for another job.

Clark concluded by warning her to not violate the terms of her probation. If she does violate the terms she could receive time in prison instead.

“I am waiting for you if you violate the terms of your probation,” Clark said.

She initially pleaded guilty July 9 and waived her rights to a grand jury indictment or a jury trial. Her confession was also submitted into evidence. Also during that time, Clark ordered a pre-sentence investigation report and to return Friday for sentencing.

“In Ms. Sparks case both parties involved were consenting adults. Her charge was a crime that was between an educator and a student,” said Corey Kneeland, Orange County assistant district attorney. “Her case is quite different from others in that her case did not involve a child victim and that she accepted responsibility for her actions.”

The charge of improper relationship between an educator and a student is not an offense which requires her to be registered as a sex offender. However, she will have to surrender her Texas teaching certificate. But, she can seek a teaching job in another state if she acquires a teaching certificate there.

The first year high school math teacher turned in her letter of resignation to BCISD officials following being placed on administrative leave April 24 when school officials received information of the relationship with an 18-year-old male student.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2603 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.