Former Houston ISD middle school teacher, Dale Vanwright, appeared in court on Monday for charges related to explicit video calls with a 14-year-old student. Vanwright, who was a design teacher at Tanglewood Middle School at the time of the alleged crimes, had bonded out of jail over the weekend. The judge was set to review his bond, but the case has been rescheduled for a later date.
The allegations against Vanwright are deeply disturbing and include improper relationship with a student, sexual performance by a child, and indecency with a child. According to court documents, the victim, a 14-year-old girl, was dating one of Vanwright’s relatives, who was also a student at Tanglewood Middle School.
It is important to note that this incident was not the reason for Vanwright losing his job. The former teacher had already been dismissed from his position for kissing another female student. However, the police stated that the victim eventually began engaging in video calls with Vanwright after school. During one of these calls, he allegedly asked the victim to expose herself. Prosecutors revealed that Vanwright even told the victim that if his relative couldn’t satisfy her, he could.
The situation escalated in May when Vanwright purportedly started fondling the victim in his truck in the parking lot of a Home Depot. As a result of these allegations, Vanwright lost his job and is no longer employed by Houston ISD. Court records indicate that he had been suspended in March after being accused of kissing and hugging another 14-year-old student.
In response to the incident, Houston ISD released a statement acknowledging Vanwright’s termination. They stated that he has not had any contact with students in any HISD facility since June 7, 2024. While they cannot comment on the ongoing investigation or the specific details of personnel matters, they have sent an update to the school community.
Cases like this shine a light on the importance of safeguarding students and maintaining strict boundaries between educators and students. The allegations against Vanwright are deeply concerning, and it is crucial for schools to have robust policies in place to prevent such incidents from occurring. Schools must prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, ensuring that all staff members undergo thorough background checks and receive appropriate training on appropriate conduct and boundaries.
Incidents of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students can have long-lasting effects on the victims, causing emotional trauma and impacting their educational experience. It is essential for schools and communities to provide support systems for victims and take swift action to address any allegations of misconduct.
This case also highlights the need for parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activities and maintaining open lines of communication. It is important for parents to educate their children about appropriate online behavior and the potential dangers of engaging with strangers or individuals who may not have their best interests at heart.
In conclusion, the charges against Dale Vanwright for engaging in explicit video calls with a 14-year-old student are deeply troubling. The incident underscores the importance of strict boundaries between educators and students, as well as the need for comprehensive policies to prevent such incidents. Schools must prioritize student safety and well-being by implementing thorough background checks and providing appropriate training on appropriate conduct. Communities must support victims of such incidents and take swift action to address allegations of misconduct. Parents should also remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activities and educating them about online safety.
