NEISD culinary arts instructor resigns as district reports misconduct allegations to state and local authorities

Resignation follows allegations involving student interactions and classroom conduct

A culinary arts instructor at North East Independent School District’s LEE High School resigned in mid-February as the district began reviewing allegations of misconduct tied to interactions with students and conduct in the classroom.

The educator, identified by the district as David “Dave” Terrazas, served in the Career and Technical Education program. District officials confirmed he is no longer employed and said required reports were submitted to outside agencies, including the Texas Education Agency and State Board for Educator Certification, the San Antonio Police Department, and Child Protective Services.

What the district has confirmed, and what remains unclear

District officials characterized the allegations as involving a comment made to a female student and the educator’s demeanor when upset with students. The district did not publicly detail the precise nature of the alleged comment, how many students were involved, or whether the reported conduct occurred on school property or during instructional activities.

Separately, a parent raised public concerns on social media and claimed her daughter experienced incidents on Friday, Feb. 13, including sexual comments directed toward female students and volatile classroom behavior. The district has not publicly confirmed those specific claims, but acknowledged that an investigation had begun.

School leadership message to families and continuity plans

In a letter to families dated Wednesday of that week, the LEE High School principal confirmed the educator’s immediate resignation and described steps intended to limit disruption to students. The school indicated it was coordinating with the Career and Technical Education department to maintain classroom instruction and lab supervision while seeking a replacement.

Certification status and potential state review process

State records show Terrazas was first certified in September 2024 in trade and industrial education for grades 6–12 and held approvals connected to career and technology instruction. As of Thursday, Feb. 19, no investigation entry appeared in publicly accessible state listings tied to his name; however, state cases can take time to appear in public-facing systems depending on reporting, intake review, and whether an investigation is formally opened.

Texas has established reporting and investigation pathways for allegations involving educator misconduct and suspected abuse, including required notifications to child protection authorities and law enforcement in certain circumstances. In parallel, the state’s educator oversight system can initiate administrative reviews that may affect certification, depending on the findings and applicable legal standards.

Community involvement noted in nonprofit materials

Public nonprofit documentation and organizational materials identify Terrazas as a board member of Gardopia Gardens, a San Antonio-based nonprofit focused on garden-based learning and related programming. The nonprofit’s listings describe him as a chef and NEISD employee at the time the materials were posted.

• District confirmed resignation and that reports were made to state and local authorities.
• Allegations described publicly include an inappropriate comment involving a student and classroom demeanor when upset.
• School leaders said instruction and lab supervision would continue while a replacement is sought.

Families seeking additional information are typically directed to district administrative channels, while criminal or child welfare elements—if any—are handled through the relevant investigative agencies.