Bowie teacher resigns

Steven Ray Hernandez resigned his position as a Bowie Junior High history teacher Tuesday morning following his arrest Oct. 21 in connection to an indecent exposure arrest June 25.

The 36-year-old was hired in early August to serve as a seventh grade history teacher. A police affidavit indicated he allegedly unzipped his pants and exposed himself to a woman in a store. The Oct. 21 arrest was for tampering with a witness in connection with that alleged incident.

"He came in and tendered his resignation," Secondary HR Director Adelita Carrasco said.

Hernandez had been on administrative leave since last Wednesday when the district learned of the second arrest from law enforcement. The resignation letter states that Hernandez enjoyed working for the district and was resigning for "personal reasons" effective the end of the day Tuesday.

Communications Director Mike Adkins said contracts do not include a morals clause in case a person gets arrested.

"There’s nothing that says if you get arrested, you are automatically fired," Adkins said.

The state dictates teacher contract format.