Updated information: Woodville Middle School Teacher and Coach arrested on multiple charges
Credit Livingston Police Department
Story: Sal Baldovinos
Zachary Alan Truelove, a teacher and coach at Woodville Middle School, was arrested on October 4, 2024, by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. According to arrest reports, Truelove faces several charges:
* San Jacinto County Warrant for Online Solicitation of a Minor
* Tampering/Fabricating Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair
* Prohibited Substance/Item in Correctional Facility
* Possession of Marijuana < 2oz
* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Truelove was released on October 5, 2024, after posting bonds totaling $82,000.
The Texas Education Agency's database indicates that Truelove's teaching license expired on August 9, 2024, approximately two months before his arrest. [source: https://tealprod.tea.state.tx.us/ECOS-External/EcosOnline/VirtCert ]
When contacted, Woodville Middle School officials directed inquiries to Lisa Meysembourg. The school confirmed that Woodville Independent School District had been notified of the situation. As a result, Truelove has been placed on Administrative Leave and is not permitted on any campus or at school events.
When interviewed, Captain Borel of the Woodville Police Department clarified that his department was not involved in the arrest.
Superintendent Meysembourg has not yet provided a statement on the matter.
This developing story raises questions about the oversight of teaching credentials and the vetting process for school employees. As more details emerge, the impact on students and the community will remain to be seen.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
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Updated information:
Woodville Teacher Arrest: From Initial Shock to District Response
By: Sal Baldovinos
In a series of events that have shaken the small town of Woodville, Texas, a local teacher's arrest has sparked community concern and prompted an official response from the school district.
Zachary Alan Truelove, formerly a teacher and coach at Woodville Middle School, was arrested on October 4, 2024, by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. According to arrest reports, Truelove faces several serious charges:
1. San Jacinto County Warrant for Online Solicitation of a Minor
2. Tampering/Fabricating Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair
3. Prohibited Substance/Item in Correctional Facility
4. Possession of Marijuana < 2oz
5. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Truelove was released on October 5, 2024, after posting bonds totaling $82,000.
Details were scarce initially, with Woodville Police Department Captain Borel directing inquiries to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. The arrest raised immediate questions about the vetting process for school employees, especially given that the Texas Education Agency's database indicated Truelove's teaching license had expired on August 9, 2024, approximately two months before his arrest.
In a follow-up interview, Superintendent Lisa Meysembourg of Woodville Independent School District (WISD) clarified the situation. She confirmed that the district was notified of Truelove's arrest and took swift action.
"We immediately removed the individual from all school-related responsibilities, and he is no longer employed by the school district," Meysembourg stated.
Addressing concerns about Truelove's employment despite an expired teaching license, Meysembourg explained that as a "District of Innovation," WISD can hire teachers with bachelor's degrees who don't have teaching certifications. She assured us that background checks were in place, noting, "We do the best job we can when we hire." The superintendent confirmed that the district was aware of Truelove's drug possession charge dating back to 2018 before his arrest.
Importantly, Meysembourg emphasized, "There are no current allegations of any WISD students involved with Truelove." She also clarified that Truelove resides in Livingston, not the Woodville school district.
The district released an official statement, part of which read:
"While I cannot provide detailed information, it is the District's understanding that the investigation does not relate to school-based conduct or students of WISD. Nevertheless, District leadership remains committed to working transparently with parents and the community, while also navigating the complexities of cooperating with law enforcement and complying with confidentiality laws."
The statement acknowledged the delicate balance required in such situations: "It is a tight rope we walk to keep our stakeholders informed when handling multifaceted personnel issues."
As this remains an active, ongoing investigation, we are limited. The district continues cooperating with law enforcement while striving to maintain a safe, educational environment for its students.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that serious issues can arise even in small communities like Woodville, challenging school districts to balance transparency with legal obligations and the protection of ongoing investigations.
