Another week means another school scandal that sounds less like an education story and more like a rejected Netflix drama. This time the headlines belong to Amber Elizabeth Walker, a 39-year-old high school counselor and girls’ basketball coach at Asheboro High School in Asheboro, who has been arrested after investigators accused her of having relations with a student on campus.
According to reports, authorities got tipped off about the alleged relationship after claims surfaced that Walker had sex with a student at the school the previous Wednesday. And apparently investigators wasted absolutely no time. The arrest warrant stated officials “quickly developed evidence confirming the allegation,” which is investigator language for, “Yes… this escalated fast.”
Now imagine being the person who gave the tip. You probably expected a long investigation with dramatic detective music in the background. Instead, police allegedly showed up like they were speed-running an episode of “Law & Order: Homeroom Unit.”
She is charged with two felony counts of sex act with a student. It was not immediately clear how old the student was, or what evidence had been obtained.
Just two months ago, Asheboro City Schools urged college-aspiring students to contact Walker for scholarship opportunities.
She was fired after her arrest, school officials confirmed.
“Asheboro City Schools is aware that a former employee of the district has been taken into custody in connection with alleged inappropriate activity,” a spokesperson for the district said.
“This matter is currently being handled through the criminal justice system. Due to state and federal privacy laws, we are unable to provide further details at this time.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Asheboro City Schools maintains high standards for professional conduct and inappropriate actions are strictly prohibited,” the statement concluded.
At this point, school districts everywhere are probably one scandal away from making employees sign contracts that simply say: “Do not date students.”
Instead of drawing up basketball plays, she’s now drawing court dates, which is definitely not the kind of “March Madness” anybody had in mind.
