Gregory-Portland High School teacher arrested amidst wave of support

[useapen <yourdime@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

PORTLAND ? A Gregory-Portland High School teacher whose resignation
prompted a student walkout last week was arrested over the weekend.

Jonathan Turner, 31, was arrested by the Portland Police Department on
Friday for assault causing bodily injury. According to San Patricio County
Sheriff's Office records, Turner was booked Friday and bonded out of
custody just after 8:45 a.m. Saturday.

Turner, who led the Gregory-Portland High School robotics program for
years, left the school earlier this month after a student disruption in
his class. Last week, hundreds of students walked out of G-P High School
to stand outside of the school for one class period in support of Turner,
joined by family and community members. On Monday evening, supporters also
brought their concerns to the Gregory-Portland ISD Board of Trustees.

At the student protest last Wednesday, the Caller-Times spoke with dozens
of students who say Turner was asked to leave the school the same day that
a student in his class reportedly choked another student. Speakers during
the public comment portion of the school board meeting Monday also shared
this story.

"The students are devastated that G-P High School forced Mr. Turner's hand
? and Mr. Turner decided to resign his position or be fired ? without
further investigating the child being choked out in class," parent Kristie
Gordon said to the board Monday, adding her concerns about bullying and
serious student misbehavior in the classroom.

In the aftermath of the choking incident, Turner's supporters believe that
an accusation was made that Turner allegedly harmed a student during a
disruption in class and this is why the teacher was asked to resign, as
well as the cause of his arrest.

Last week, Gregory-Portland ISD shared a brief statement with the Caller-
Times in response to an inquiry about Turner's departure, stating that the
situation was "confidential" and school district personnel matters are
protected by law.

Many speakers Monday mentioned they still have questions about what
occurred.

The speakers expressed their concerns about student behavior and
transparency, as well as their belief in Turner's value as an educator and
student mentor.

These sentiments were shared in-person with district leaders during a
Gregory-Portland Board of Trustees meeting Monday evening.

A student and a former student spoke, as did two parents, a local robotics
referee and a teacher who mentored Turner.

Students at the Wednesday walkout, before the arrest, shared their
appreciation for Turner's contributions in the classroom and said they
believe he was unfairly facing false accusations of wrongdoing in his
handling of behavioral issues.

More than a dozen current and former students and their family members
also shared letters of support for Turner last week.

https://www.caller.com/story/news/local/2024/02/27/gregory-portland-isd-
teacher-arrested-after-wave-of-support/72750818007/