News Summary
Jenna Michelle Woodworth, a 30-year-old East Central ISD employee, has been arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a high school student. Investigators found evidence of misconduct, including surveillance footage of the pair in restricted areas. The district has terminated her employment and reported the case to Child Protective Services. This incident has raised serious concerns about student safety and the integrity of educator-student relationships.
San Antonio, Texas – Jenna Michelle Woodworth, a 30-year-old employee of East Central Independent School District (ISD), has been arrested for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a high school student. Woodworth has been charged with Improper Relationship Between Educator/Student.
Authorities began their investigation after a high school senior reported to law enforcement that Woodworth picked him up on May 5 and took him to the Learning Academy Cafeteria at East Central High School. The investigation revealed that Woodworth led the victim through a backdoor of the cafeteria kitchen after completing her morning duties. The two allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse in a closet situated within the cafeteria kitchen. Surveillance footage has since confirmed that both Woodworth and the victim entered the areas designated for employees only.
The victim further disclosed that he and Woodworth had sexual intercourse again in the same closet the following day. Their communication reportedly began when the victim was a freshman, and he stated that Woodworth would express frustration if he did not acknowledge her presence. This pattern of behavior has raised concerns regarding grooming, where an adult may exploit a minor for personal satisfaction over an extended period.
In addition to the allegations, a picture of the student was found in Woodworth’s work-issued locker, as uncovered by the school district’s Human Resources department. Woodworth admitted to the authorities during the investigation that there had indeed been a sexual relationship between her and the victim.
In light of the allegations, East Central ISD has taken swift action by terminating Woodworth’s employment immediately. The school district has also reported the matter to Child Protective Services and has committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. East Central ISD reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding student integrity and addressing any inappropriate relationships between staff members and students.
The shocking nature of these allegations has prompted reactions from students within the district, with one student labeling Woodworth’s actions as “disgusting” and “scummy.” Such sentiments reflect a broader concern within the school community about trust and safety in the educational environment.
Woodworth had been with the East Central ISD since October 2021, where she worked in the Child Nutrition Department. Prior to these allegations, she had maintained a role that brought her into close contact with students, a fact that underscores the seriousness of the situation. Schools often establish personnel policies and training programs intended to prevent such misconduct, emphasizing the importance of boundaries between students and the staff meant to care for and educate them.
The investigation into Woodworth’s actions is ongoing, and authorities are expected to continue examining the nature and extent of her relationship with the victim. Such cases highlight critical issues regarding teacher-student relationships and the necessity for vigilance, restorative practices, and transparent policies to protect vulnerable populations in educational settings.
As this incident unfolds, East Central ISD’s commitment to student safety and integrity remains paramount. The district’s response to the allegations will likely influence future protocols and preventive measures, aiming to foster a secure learning environment for all its students.
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Additional Resources
- News4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KENS 5
- Google Scholar: Texas education scandal
- KSAT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas education scandal
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Search: Texas educator scandal
- NBC News
- Google News: Texas educator scandal
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
