No Jail for Improper Relations with Student - Updated

(Midland, Texas) Former geography teacher and cheerleading coach Kenzi Friday was sentenced Wednesday to five years of probation and a $2,000 fine for convictions on two counts of engaging in an improper relationship with a student.

Midland Assistant District Attorney Laura Nodolf handled the case. “Ms. Friday was charged with improper student/teacher relationship,” she said, adding that the acts alleged were consensual. “The only thing criminal was the fact that it was with a student.”

“Unlike some of our other cases that we’ve had with improper student/teacher relationships where teachers have had some type of physical relationship (fondling, touching, intercourse) with students under age 17,” Nodolf said. “In those instances, they’re charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, or sexual assault of a child. In those cases, you would be looking at a harsher punishment."

Friday and her husband have divorced since the incidents with the student.

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Texas Teacher Accused of Improper Relations with Male Student
[Previous 4/29/09 post]
(Midland, Texas) A 23-year-old teacher at Midland High School, Kenzi Friday, was arrested earlier today for allegedly engaging in an improper sexual relationship with a 17-year-old male student. A fellow teacher alerted Midland ISD officials to the alleged improper relationship.

The alleged sexual relations reportedly occurred between the start of the school year and the beginning of April at a residence in Midland.

"These are very serious allegations and the entire situation is upsetting to us all." MISD Superintendent Sylvester Perez said. "We fully support the investigation and await more information from local law enforcement."

Friday turned in her resignation Friday morning. No information reported on jail or bail.