Teacher charged with soliciting a student

Ooltewah High School teacher Chandler Morris, 24, was charged Tuesday with solicitation of a minor by the Chattanooga Police Department.

Law enforcement began investigating after an Ooltewah High School student reported Tuesday receiving inappropriate text messages from a teacher, according to a news release from Hamilton County Schools.

The Chattanooga Police Department was contacted by school administrators regarding the text exchange between the student and Morris, according to police spokewoman Elisa Myzal.

Morris resigned his position with the district Tuesday afternoon, according to the school’s press release. He also served as an assistant coach for the school’s football team.

Based on the type of charge, a class A misdemeanor, Morris was issued a citation in lieu of arrest, Myzal said. Morris has 30 days to

turn himself in to law enforcement.

Administrators have also reported the incident to the Department of Children’s Services and the Tennessee State Board of Education, per school board policy.

Superintendent Bryan Johnson informed school board members of the incident Tuesday afternoon.

“Hamilton County Schools holds the safety and wellbeing of its students as its top priority. Hamilton County Schools will not tolerate conduct that adversely affects our ability to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students,” reads a release issued by district spokesman Tim Hensley.

Contact Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@ timesfreepress.com or 4237576592.