Misconduct report details allegations that led to Springtown coach’s resignation
Former Springtown High School coach Tye Adams was allegedly observed holding hands with a student, which led to the investigation that resulted in his resignation, according to records obtained from the Texas Education Agency.
A TEA Educator Misconduct Report filed on May 9 states that Adams was alone with a student and that other students later reported seeing them holding hands.
According to the report, there was video footage of Adams alone with the student, but evidence of inappropriate physical contact was inconclusive.
“Based on the video, there appeared to be conduct that may not align with the professional boundaries expected of an educator,” read the report, in regard to Adams and the student being alone together.
The report goes on to say that additional video footage from outside the school district showed “questionable interactions” between Adams and the student.
After viewing the video footage, Adams acknowledged that it might not look good, but he said nothing inappropriate happened, according to the TEA report.
Adams has denied any wrongdoing since the accusations first arose. In a phone conversation with the Star-Telegram, he characterized many of the assumptions being made about him as untrue but declined further comment.
The TEA report further states that “multiple reports were submitted to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services” related to the allegations against Adams.
Superintendent Shane Strickland placed Adams on paid administrative leave on May 8 after former Springtown High School Principal Andrew Hohman notified him on May 6 of an alleged incident involving Adams and a student.
Adams, who coached football and girls track and served as the girls athletics coordinator, was barred from campus and from participating in school-sanctioned activities while on administrative leave.
Records previously obtained from the district show Adams met with Strickland and Human Resources Director Mark Mathis on May 28 and was given the option of resigning or having his contract terminated. Adams submitted his letter of resignation on June 17.
Springtown police interviewed Adams but found no reason to pursue criminal charges, according to an email obtained from the district.
On June 9, the TEA sent Adams a letter informing him that the agency was investigating an allegation that he violated rule 247.2 of the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators under the Texas Administrative Code.
“The educator shall maintain appropriate professional educator-student relationships and boundaries based on a reasonably prudent educator standard,” the statute reads, as quoted in the letter. The TEA investigator told Adams the nature of the allegation “could potentially impact your Texas educator certificate(s)” before notifying him that a formal investigation had been launched.
The TEA was still reviewing the case as of Oct. 14, according to a note on Adams’ Texas Educator Certificate.