On December 22, 2015 we were notified through the Kern County District Attorney’s Office that the teacher at our junior high school, who was previously arrested due to allegations of engaging in inappropriate contact with three former male students, has now been formally charged. As such, this teacher has now been placed on involuntary unpaid leave. The District has started the process of finding a qualified replacement.

Since this a personnel matter, I am still unable to share any additional details with you at this time. However, I want to ensure our students and parents that the safety of our students is of the utmost importance. As such, we are continuing to fully cooperate with law enforcement as they move forward with this issue.

Vanessa Jean Hooker was arrested last week after she has sexual contact at Beardsley Junior High School in Oildale.

Hooker appeared in court on Wednesday where she pleaded not guilty to all charges.