CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. (WSVN) - A former private school administrator has been arrested and charged with engaging in sexual conduct with a minor in a position of authority.
Coral Springs Police said a tenth grade student came to the administrator, Tracy Michelle Smith, for help with some schoolwork in October. According to a police report, the student and administrator began spending more time alone together and texting. Then things took a turn when she allegedly began touching him inappropriately.
Following her arrest on Monday, Smith, a mother of three, was fired from her position as Head of School at Xceed Preparatory Academy, located at 3301 N. University Drive in Coral Springs.
The school’s attorney, Brian Bieber, said, “It came as a complete shock to everyone at the school that the head of class was arrested and charged with a violation of inappropriate sexual contact with a student.”
Smith spent Monday night at the North Broward Jail and bonded out Tuesday, caught staring into our 7News cameras.
When she was approached for comment, she sat up and walked away without a word.
Smith’s now deleted online bio on the school’s website, which serves students from grades 6-12, once said she enjoys “connections with students, faculty and families.”
“I’ve met with her several times,” said parent Randy LaPenta. “She seemed to be a very nice, professional young lady, so I have my son. We spoke to him. Everything’s been OK.”
Asked whether he knew the student involved, LaPenta’s son said, “No.”
Smith has 20 years of experience as an educator and is also the president of the non-profit Smith Smiles, which delivers toys to children in the hospital.
“We don’t know any of the details of the allegations at this point in time,” said Bieber. “The employee has been terminated, and she will not be back on property.”
She posted $25,000 bond and was seen walking toward a waiting truck.
“They sent out an email this morning to the parents, which was very nice,” said LaPenta, “but it’s unfortunate,” said LaPenta. “I hope she gets the help that she needs. She seemed very nice.”
The school said as soon as they heard of her arrest, she was immediately fired and she cannot return to the school and cannot have any contact with the victim.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.