Teacher resigns amid allegations of impropriety
By JIMMY GALVAN

A Newton High School teacher and football coach has resigned amid allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a high school student.

James May, 34, tendered his resignation during the district's November meeting after being placed on administrative leave by the Newton Independent School District.

May taught special education classes for the district for the past five years.

According to Newton ISD Superintendent Gene Isabell, a fellow teacher brought the allegations of May's misconduct with the student to the surface.

Isabell said the principal of the high school then reported the allegations to the district office.

Isabell refused to release the age of the victim only to say "she is a high school student."

"It was reported that May was always around this female student in the hallways," Isabell said.

The assistant principal at Newton High School contacted the student's parents as it was determined the two had more than normal contact.

"It was discovered that there was too much interaction between the two of them through her cell phone," Isabell said.

He confirmed the majority were text messages and phone calls placed to the female student's cell phone.

Isabell also added that no allegations of sexual misconduct have been levied against May regarding the investigation.

May was placed on administrative leave Nov.

6 and submitted his letter of resignation Nov. 17. The board accepted it three days later.

May's resignation was forwarded to the State Board of Educator Certification to be placed in his file.

Newton County Sheriff Joe Walker said he believes no criminal charges will be pending against May because the it appears the contact was only over the phone.

"This whole situation makes us feel terrible," Isabell said. "This is a black mark against the district and the community that this could be happening.

The district stands firm on its policies and proper conduct with students and teachers," Isabell said. "We have a lot of teachers that do a good job here but we just had one step over the line."