On Feb. 26 the Salado Police Department received information regarding 29 year old DIxie McColough, Salado High School Teacher’s Assistant allegedly engaging in Sexual Intercourse with Salado High School male students.

Salado Police Department provided their information to the Bell County Sheriff’s Department Special Crimes Unit for further investigation.
At this time, there are two (2) minor male alleged victims, ages 15 and 16.
This investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Special Crimes Unit at 254-933-6769.
The Special Crimes Unit contacted the Texas Education Agency (TEA). They too are conducting an investigation on McCollough.

An allegation of an inappropriate relationship between a Salado high school staff member and a high school student was reported to Salado ISD Superintendent Michael Novotny in the afternoon of Feb. 26. Dr. Novotny reported that the employment of the staff member, whose name has not been released due to an ongoing investigation by the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, was terminated on Feb. 27.

“We immediately began an investigation in cooperation with the Salado Police Department, Child Protective Services, the Bell County Sheriff Department and the Texas Education Agency,” Dr. Novotny stated. “I terminated the employment of the staff member allegedly involved so she is no longer an employee of the Salado Independent School District.”

“These allegations are of grave concern to us all. Texas laws, Board of Education policies and the Educator’s Code of Ethics are all crystal clear on this matter,” he stated. “Yet, despite this clarity, individuals sometimes use extremely poor judgment in carrying out their responsibilities to students, families and the community.”

“I have no tolerance for staff members who commit these alleged transgressions,” he stated. “Due to privacy rights, and to avoid interfering in an ongoing investigation, we are limited in the communication I can provide to families or staff members.”

He asks that anyone with information regarding this investigation contact him at 254-947-6500 or the Bell County Sheriff’s Office at 254-933-6700.

“In all cases, the safety and protection of our students is the highest priority,” he stated.

We have a talented, smart and dedicated faculty working here in the Salado Independent School District. The commitment of our employees to the students and families in Salado is strong,” he stated. “We are committed to taking swift and decisive action when it is warranted and work toward preventing any future transgressions.”

This is the third time in the past six years in which allegations were made of an inappropriate relationship between a school staff member and a student have been made.

In 2013,  former Salado ISD teacher Lisa Wagnon was placed on 10 years probation for Sexual Assault of a Child.

In 2014, former teacher and coach Marcos Rene Garcia received eight years deferred adjudication probation for having an improper relationship with a student.