Junior high teacher to be fired over arrest

RIO HONDO — A junior high school teacher will lose his job following his arrest by Harlingen police last month.

Stephen Lucas who worked for the district for almost 20 years was arrested Aug. 17 by Harlingen police.

He is charged with three counts of deadly conduct, two counts of making terroristic threats, one count of unlawfully carrying of a weapon and one count of evading arrest with a motor vehicle, according to previous reports.

School board members Monday authorized the superintendent and school district’s attorney to begin the procedure of terminating Lucas, who teaches science to seventh and eighth grade students.

“The board has authorized action that will ensure that our school children will have no further contact with Mr. Lucas,” Superintendent Anneliese McMinn said in a statement during the school board meeting. “The terms of his resignation and departure from the district are being negotiated by counsel.”

McMinn and school board trustees declined to elaborate on their unanimous vote. Lucas had been suspended with pay following his arrest, McMinn said before the meeting.

Lucas was not present at the meeting, but was represented by his attorney John “Roca” Shergold.

“Mr. Lucas has taught in the Rio Hondo ISD for nearly 20 years with distinction,” said Shergold, Lucas’ attorney, in a prepared statement. “Mr. Lucas is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Air Force and believes, like most Americans, in the presumption of innocence.

“Mr. Lucas appreciates the friends and positive relationships he made over the years at Rio Hondo ISD and has always had the best interest of his students as his number one priority.”