Ex-teacher gets probation for inappropriate relationship with student

HOUSTON On Monday, Deanna Higgins pleaded guilty to attempted improper relationship with a student. The more serious charge of sexual abuse of a child was dismissed.

Prosecutors said the 27-year-old former Spring High School science teacher had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.

Court documents say the teacher's ex-husband noticed some text messages on a phone given to the couple's eight-year-old son by Higgins. Investigators linked the texts to a 16-year-old student's phone. The probable cause document goes on to say that Higgins and the student had two encounters at the teacher's home in March and April of 2009.

The district says Higgins has worked for them since 2002, but only became a teacher in 2008.

Besides probation, Higgins also has to pay a $500 fine.