EPISD To Recommend Jailed Teacher’s Termination
Accused child molester and Irvin High School dance teacher Marco Alferez may soon be terminated from his job.
In a statement, EPISD officials tell ABC-7 Alferez’s proposed termination will be on the agenda at the next school board meeting.
“Based on available information, EPISD’s administration would prefer to be able to terminate Marco Alferez immediately or suspend him without pay. However, teachers under contract have substantial legal rights under the Texas Education Code, which is the law governing Texas school districts and their employees. EPISD’s policies are written to adhere to Texas Education Law,” read the statement.
About 70 minors were allegedly videotaped and exploited by 34-year-old Marco Alferez. In court, federal investigators testified Alferez told them he was “glad to finally have been caught.” They said he had more than 100 video tapes at his home.
EPISD administrators say during the hearing, witnesses were cross-examined by Alferez’s attorney, which allowed appropriate due process.
“For the first time, from this court proceeding on Wednesday, EPISD’s administration had admissible evidence upon which to recommend termination,” the statement read.
The EPISD statement explained the Texas Education Code requires districts to keep paying teachers under contract during due process.
Alferez was placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest September 22nd after a month-long investigation ICE officials called “Operation Predator.”
A week later, a federal judge denied Alferez’s bond during his arraignment.
He remains at the El Paso County jail.