Jasper ISD Teacher Arrested, Charged with Felony Injury to Child

Mykia Platt fired after investigation into inappropriate movie and alleged student assault

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's handprint on a chalkboard, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the alleged assault on a student by a teacher.A stark visual representation of the alleged assault on a student by a Jasper ISD teacher, exposing the serious consequences of educator misconduct.Beaumont Today

Mykia Platt, a 37-year-old teacher at Parnell Elementary School in Jasper ISD, was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony for injury to a child. The charges stem from an investigation that began when Platt allegedly showed students an inappropriate movie containing profanity and racial slurs, leading to her termination. During the investigation, students also reported that Platt had slapped a student in the face, which was later corroborated by the student.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences teachers can face for alleged misconduct involving students, including criminal charges. It also underscores the importance of school districts thoroughly investigating any claims of inappropriate behavior by teachers and taking swift disciplinary action when warranted.

The details

According to the affidavit, Jasper ISD Police Chief Joshua Hadnot was contacted in February about a student who had been assaulted by a staff member. The principal was already investigating an allegation that Platt had shown students an inappropriate movie with profanity and racial slurs, which led to her termination after she refused to be interviewed. As the principal looked into the movie incident, students then reported that Platt had slapped a student in the face. The student's parent was contacted, and the student was later interviewed at the Garth House, where they described the incident. The next day, the student told two teachers what had happened and demonstrated how Platt had struck them.

  • In February, the Jasper ISD Police Chief was contacted about a student who had been assaulted by a staff member.
  • Platt was terminated in February after refusing to be interviewed about the inappropriate movie allegation.

The players

Mykia Platt

A 37-year-old teacher at Parnell Elementary School in Jasper ISD who was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony for injury to a child.

Joshua Hadnot

The Jasper ISD Police Chief who was contacted in February about a student who had been assaulted by a staff member.

Parnell Elementary School

The school where Mykia Platt taught and where the alleged incidents occurred.

Jasper ISD

The school district that employed Mykia Platt and conducted the investigation that led to her termination and criminal charges.

Garth House

The organization where the student who was allegedly assaulted by Platt was interviewed.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and well-being of all students in our schools.”

— Joshua Hadnot, Jasper ISD Police Chief

What’s next

Platt is scheduled to appear in court next week, where a judge will determine if she will be allowed to post bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of school districts thoroughly investigating any allegations of teacher misconduct and taking swift disciplinary action when warranted, including notifying law enforcement when criminal behavior is suspected. It also highlights the serious consequences teachers can face, including potential prison time, for alleged actions that put students at risk.