NFSD teacher facing charges

Sept 27, 2022

A North Franklin School District teacher is facing charges after accusations of inappropriately contacting a student.

According to Franklin County court documents, Edgar Edmidio Mendez (age 35) has been charged with Assault in the 4th Degree with Sexual Motivation, and Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes. Both Gross Misdemeanors.

Mendez, an Olds Junior High Teacher and Assistant Connell High School Football Coach, was placed on paid administrative leave in August.

We asked Superintendent Jim Jacobs about the matter to which he responded, “The North Franklin School District’s top priority is to ensure a safe learning environment, and we take allegations of any inappropriate behavior by an employee seriously. As there are state and federal laws that protect information regarding our students and staff, the district will not elaborate on specific personnel situations. The current allegations regarding an NFSD employee are part of an open investigation. When the allegation was brought to our attention in August 2022, NFSD placed the employee under paid administrative leave. The employee has remained under paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the active

investigations. This action is taken to protect both the student and the employee until the situation is fully resolved. It should not be construed as an assumption or statement of guilt. Our district will continue to work with both our local city and county, as well as with the Office of Professional Practices through OSPI. ”