Middle school coach free on bond

Houston Alan Mercier, the Nixon-Smiley Middle School coach accused of having an improper relationship between an educator and a student, is out on a $30,000 surety bond today after being released Wednesday afternoon from the Gonzales County Jail.

Mercier, 24, was arrested by Nixon police Tuesday night for an incident that allegedly occurred on the evening of April 6 involving a 14-year-old female student.

Nixon Police Chief Chris Almaguer said in a statement released Wednesday that when Mercier was brought in for questioning, he fully cooperated with the authorities, which led to the issuance of a warrant for Mercier’s arrest.

Almaguer said the case is still under investigation.

Nixon-Smiley CISD superintendent Dr. Cathy Booth said Mercier was new to the district, having taken the job last October, and had passed the necessary criminal background checks.

“This has been a really difficult situation for our whole school community – teachers, staff and students,” Booth later reflected. “There are so many great things going on every day, but this is like a dark shadow that clouds it all.”

NSCISD also released a letter to students’ parents on Wednesday acknowledging that many may be disturbed by the incident, but reassuring them that appropriate measures are being taken to resolve the matter and safeguard children.

“A teacher-coach at Nixon-Smiley Middle School has been placed on leave indefinitely based on allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student,” said the letter, which is also posted on the school district website. “The employee has been charged by law enforcement authorities. The school district is cooperating fully with the investigation, which is being conducted by the Nixon Police Department. In the coming weeks, after the pertinent information is confirmed, further action will be taken as appropriate.

“We realize that this type of situation is very disturbing to parents, students and educators alike. We are committed to making sure our campuses are safe and our teachers and staff are ethical and professional. Unfortunately, occasionally an incident arises where an individual is accused of acting in a way that is improper and not condoned by the school district. Rest assured that the school district takes these types of allegations very seriously, and we take prompt action to prevent any danger to our students. During the investigation, the employee has been banned from school and all school activities,” the letter said.

“At this time, we have no information indicating that any other student has been or is in any danger. Since the District was informed of the allegations just this week, and the investigation is not yet completed, it is premature at this time to provide any further information.

“We encourage parents and students who have concerns to contact their child’s school principal or counselor,” the letter said.