Inappropriate student relationship: Leander ISD staff member on leave

Leander ISD staff member on leave

A Leander ISD staff member has been placed on administrative leave after the district was made aware of a possible inappropriate teacher/student relationship.

LEANDER, Texas - A Leander ISD staff member has been placed on administrative leave after the district was made aware of a possible inappropriate teacher/student relationship.

According to a letter to Rouse High School families, provided to FOX 7 Austin by a parent, the district was informed of the possible relationship on Friday, Feb. 16.

The staff member was then placed on administrative leave that same day pending an investigation by Leander police and the district.

Leander ISD confirmed to FOX 7 Austin on Tuesday, Feb. 27 that the staff member in question is 26-year-old football and soccer coach Brandon Hopp. According to Williamson County court records, Hopp has been charged with second-degree felony sexual assault of a child.

Leander police say they responded to Rouse High School on Feb. 16 to investigate an allegation of an inappropriate relationship between Hopp and a 16-year-old female student. Police were able to obtain an arrest warrant following a "thorough and complete investigation."

Brandon Hopp (Williamson County)

Hopp turned himself into the Williamson County Jail on Feb. 27.

LPD says no other victims were identified during the investigation and that as the case involves a minor, they will not be releasing any additional information.

The parent of a team member, who did not want to be identified, shares her reaction.

"[My son] always said that the coach seemed off. This is the coach that my son is, he's being coached by, he spends a lot of time with, they look up to their coaches, they're supposed to look up to their coaches," she said. "It's just sad. It's disheartening to know that there's teachers out there taking advantage of kids. It's disgusting."

She also says it's worrisome that inappropriate relationships happen at other schools.

"As a parent of a teenager, a teenage boy and also a seven-year-old daughter, it's very concerning that there's teachers, like it's not just one school, like, multiple, you know, having a kid that's going to be eventually going out there. It's very concerning that teachers out there that are doing this," she said.

The full Feb. 20 letter from Rouse HS Principal Vincent Hawkins is as follows:

Dear Rouse High School families,

The safety and security of all our students is our top priority at Rouse. With that in mind, I am writing to let you know of a situation that has affected our campus and is likely to draw media attention.

On Friday, February 16, 2024, Leander ISD was informed of a possible inappropriate teacher/student relationship. The staff person in question was placed on administrative leave that day pending an investigation by Leander PD and LISD.

Because this is a police investigation, I am unable to provide further details. In addition, I cannot comment on personnel matters.

We hold our staff to high standards of conduct and accountability. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me. Thank you for your continued support of Rouse High School.

Sincerely,

Vincent Hawkins
Principal, Rouse High School

Leander Crime and Public Safety Education