Burnet Middle School principal leaving job

By Brenda Young and Seth Green • Daily Tribune Staff

BURNET - The Burnet Middle School principal, whose former wife became a lightning rod for controversy after she was accused of having an improper relationship with a student, has announced he is stepping down, officials confirmed Thursday.

Rich Elsasser announced to students and staff at the school Wednesday afternoon he was leaving for another job in Austin. According to Jeff Hanks, superintendent of the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District, Elsasser submitted his letter of resignation last week, having served the district since 1998.

Elsasser could not be reached for comment Thursday. His ex-wife’s trial is set for Nov. 27, according to documents.

“In his letter of resignation, he said he wanted to avail himself to a position with the Region VIII (Education) Service Center in Austin,” said Hanks. “We appreciate all he has done for BCISD and for the kids of this district.”

According to Hanks, Elsasser remains popular and will still play a role in the school district.

“I understand that although he will be working in Austin, he will still live in our community and will hopefully continue to attend and lend his support to various BCISD activities,” Hanks said. “He has been a good leader and a great asset and will be greatly missed.”

Students also said Elsasser’s absence will be felt.

“I thought he handled the kids really well and had a good attitude towards them,” said eighth grader Mary Nedbalek. “I’m really going to miss him.”

Elsasser served as a teacher and coach at the middle school during his first two years with the district. He then transferred to Burnet High School in the same capacity until he accepted the position of assistant principal at the middle school three years later. He was promoted to principal of the middle school in 2003 and held that position until his resignation.

The school board has called a special meeting Monday to discuss and possibly appoint a replacement.

“We may be able to go ahead and hire a replacement at next Monday’s meeting,” Hanks said.

The meeting is set for 12:30 p.m. in the Bertram Elementary School library, 315 Main St. Bertram.

Elsasser’s ex-wife, Dayna Jean Elsasser, a former cross country coach and English teacher, was indicted in March on a second-degree felony charge of an improper relationship between an educator and a student.

According to court records, a divorce was granted to the couple March 30.

Elsasser pursued an inappropriate physical relationship with an 18-year-old student, according to an arrest warrant.

Though the student was an adult at the time under Texas statutes, a relatively new law makes it illegal for a teacher or educator to have sexual relationships or romantic involvement with a student even if the student is legally an adult.

She has since resigned from the school district.

Her trial has been re-scheduled several times and a proceeding is now slated for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 27 in state district court, according to court records.

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Burnet Middle School principal
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