Substitute teacher Carissa Jane Smith ‘paid kids $100 for sex & bribed them with drugs after giving class her Snapchat’
Former substitute teacher Carissa Jane Smith, 30, has been arrested on charges of having sex with her students while she worked at Dixon School District from August 2023 to September 2024.
Dixon School District shared the following statement with NBC affiliate KYTV in response to Smith's arrest:
"I am writing to advise you of a serious matter involving a former employee of the Dixon R-1 School District, Ms. Carissa Smith," the statement said.
"We were unable to share this information with you sooner due to the need to allow law enforcement officials to fully investigate without interference.
"Earlier this school year, the District received a report of possible misconduct by Ms. Smith towards at least one District student.
"This report was shared with the authorities responsible for investigating concerns of this nature.
"We cooperated fully with both the Missouri Children’s Division and law enforcement throughout their investigations. We have also been in contact with the impacted families.
"This morning, I learned that Ms. Smith was arrested and taken into custody by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
"While the District has not received a copy of the charges, public records show that Ms. Smith was charged with nineteen offenses involving sexual misconduct with a minor.
"This is very disturbing and distressing information for everyone in our school community.
"I would like to share with you the steps our school district takes in serious matters such as this. Whenever we receive a report of alleged misconduct by an employee involving a student, the administration initiates an investigation into the matter.
"If the matter involves certain kinds of allegations, we contact the Missouri Children’s Division, and we cooperate with the involved authorities.
"Additionally, to protect all persons involved, the employee is typically placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
"Our Board of Education’s policies set forth our expectations for staff conduct. All employees also participate in annual training regarding appropriate conduct towards students, including appropriate boundaries between District employees and students.
"The District also conducts background checks on employees prior to hiring.
"At all times, our school district’s first and most important mission is to provide the best education possible for our students in a safe and secure environment. Therefore, parents and students should be assured that we are acting, and will continue to act, in accordance with our policies to address this matter and to maintain the safe educational environment that our community deserves and expects.
"We appreciate the patience of our school community as we move through this process."