Newark Teacher Reprimanded But Not Fired After Sending Threatening Tweets About Students

Newark Unified School District interim Superintendent Timothy Erwin said today that the district has taken “appropriate disciplinary steps” against a teacher who reportedly made threatening comments about her students on her Twitter feed.

Media reports identified the teacher as Krista Hodges. The reports said Hodges has received a written reprimand but continues to teach at Newark Memorial High School.

Erwin said in a statement, “We are aware of the comments posted online and attributed to a teacher.” He said, “A thorough investigation was conducted but because this situation involves a personnel matter the district can only provide limited information.” But he said, “The district did, in fact, take action” against the teacher.

Erwin said the school district consulted California education law, district board policies and the teacher’s union’s contract in its investigation and determining what steps to take. School board president Nancy Thomas and vice president Charlie Mensinger declined to comment on the matter, referring inquiries to Erwin.

Mensinger said in an email, “It is not appropriate for board members to comment on personnel issues.”

—By Bay City News

Screenshot of KPIX website.