CHILTON, TX — Homecoming for any school gives cause for celebration, as it did for students in the Falls County community of Chilton Friday. But the arrest of a well-known, well-respected teacher cast a shadow on the events.
Math teacher Annik Wilson was arrested on an arrest warrant from the Waco Police Department for theft of service. She was booked into the Falls County Jail with a $5,000 bond. Officials say the theft of service was greater than $2,500 but less than $30,000.
Former student Trevor Burns calls the news a shock.
"She was always my teacher. She was influential as a person," said Burns.
"Does this damage her reputation in your eyes?" asked 25 News reporter Dennis Turner.
"Very much," Burns responded.
Burns said an enforcer of rules shouldn't get caught breaking them.
But Chilton ISD Superintendent Brandon Hubbard said the charge resulted from a dispute with a business, and for now, he'll support his teacher.
"Sometimes in today's society, we're quick to jump to extreme conclusions, and I think it was a situation that could have been resolved differently," he said.
He hopes it still can.
A lot of the concern in Pirate Nation surrounds the future of Wilson and whether she'll be able to continue her job.
To that, Superintendent Hubbard said Wilson poses no threat, so he'll take no action.
"She's a teacher in good standing, and I'm sure she has a bright future," stressed Hubbard.
in a statement on the situation, Superintendent Hubbard pointed out 90% of Wilson's Algebra I students score at "approaches" levels, 60% score at "meets" level, and 30% score at "masters" level in testing.
He believes Wilson's so-called "billing dispute" will get resolved soon so she can return to the classroom where she changes lives, like that of Trevor Burns.
"Can she earn my respect back? It's possible," said Burns.
Full statement from Superintendent Hubbard:
