Sharyland High paraprofessional arrested for sexual assault, improper relationship

Mission police arrested former Sharyland High School paraprofessional Samantha Carranza Friday on charges of sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between an educator and a student.

Carranza was still being held in the Hidalgo County Jail Friday afternoon on bonds totalling $10,000, records show.

According to Sharyland ISD, the district responded to a report of inappropriate conduct at the school with an inquiry and by contacting authorities.

“Mrs. Carranza worked as a paraprofessional at the District until September 7, 2023,” the statement says. “It is the understanding of the District that the reported conduct serves as the basis of the arrest of former employee, Mrs. Samantha Carranza.”

The district directed questions about the incident to the Mission Police Department.

“At Sharyland Independent School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority,” the statement says. “The District follows all legal requirements of obtaining a satisfactory criminal background check of each new hire prior to beginning employment.   Furthermore, there are protocols in place for reporting misconduct.  Our unwavering commitment is to provide a secure and conducive environment for every member of the SISD community. The District has a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to inappropriate behavior between staff members and students.”