Document: Rick Wygant RGIS.

txt

Table of Contents

2. Corsicana Daily Sun article

6. Athens Review article
7. New Jersey Education Board
minutes
10. Navarro County, TX Superior
Court Case Information
13. Facebook comments
16. Other Opinion

Page 1
https://www.corsicanadailysun.com/news/local_news/update-chs-band-director-charged-with-online-solicitation-of-
a/article_eb1ab107-b928-5886-b88b-e99938a25210.html

UPDATE: CHS Band director charged with online solicitation of a

minor
From Staff Reports
Corsicana Daily Sun Oct 14, 2011

Rick Wygant, former CHS Band director, was arrested Thursday on charges of online solicitation of a minor.
Corsicana Daily Sun

Join the discussion on this story by using the Facebook app to the right.

Editor's note: Story updated at 5:30 p.m. Friday to include more comments from CISD and investigators.
CORSICANA - Rick Wygant, former director of the Corsicana High School Band, was arrested by
Corsicana Police Thursday on a charge of online solicitation of a minor.

Wygant, 44, was arraigned Thursday by Justice of the Peace Connie Hickman, who set bond at
$150,000 on the 3rd degree felony charge. Wygant remained jailed Friday morning.

In a press release issued Friday, Chief Randy Bratton outlined the investigation that resulted in
Wygant’s arrest.

“Corsicana Police Department Detective Ronni Phillips was assigned this week by Sgt. Mark Nanny to
investigate a report of a Corsicana resident, Richard Wygant of sending sexually explicit test
messages to a minor from a cell phone,” the release said.

“Det. Phillips determined during the spring and summer of 2011, Wygant allegedly sent numerous
sexually explicit text messages to a then 16 year, now 17 year old, female, Corsicana resident. On
Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, Det. Phillips obtained an arrest warrant for Wygant for On-Line Solicitation of
a Minor, which is a third degree felony. On the late afternoon of Oct. 13, 2011, Det. Phillips, assisted by
Det. Corporal Rex Givens, arrested Wygant at his Corsicana residence without incident. He was then
arraigned by Justice of the Peace Connie Hickman, who set bond at $150,000.

“Det. Phillips was also assisted by the staff at the Navarro County Child Advocacy Center, the Navarro
County District Attorney’s Office, and the Corsicana Independent School District during this
investigation,” the release concluded.

Bratton said there is no evidence of any physical contact between Wygant and the minor, and there is
no evidence that any other victims are involved.

CISD officials became aware of the situation regarding Wygant on Monday afternoon when students
brought concerns to administrators, who relayed them to CHS Principal Greg Bower, and he alerted
CISD Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost, who immediately went to the campus and met with Wygant.
Campus and city police were alerted of the information, and Wygant was placed on administrative
leave and escorted from the campus, Frost said in a Friday interview. He had no further contact with
students after Monday, she said.

On Tuesday, Wygant submitted his resignation to the district. He was arrested by Corsicana Police on
Thursday afternoon.
Frost said Friday she met with the CHS Band students to address Wygant’s departure from the
district, and the search for a new band director.

“My commitment to the students, and to our staff and to our parents is that we’re going to find the
very, very best person,” she said.

Frost told the students the (district) would support them “in any way we can” in upcoming
competitions lined up for the group.

“What I wanted them to be most impressed with was that this is the time where they make a
decision,” she said. “They can either let a situation like this define the band, define them, or they can
move past it and step up and they can be defined by their success. We’ve had so many successes
with our band the last year I felt it was really important for them to build on that and think about it that
way.”

In the interim, Frost said other band directors in the district will be providing assistance and
leadership, and that they will also see some additional help.

A letter sent by Frost to parents on Friday informing them of the arrest sought to assure parents of
their childrens’ safety.

“Based on our investigation and what we have learned, there is no reason to believe there is any
current threat of harm or danger to your children,” she wrote.

Kerri Anderson Donica, president of the CISD Board of Trustees, issued a statement supporting the
actions of Frost and law enforcement in the matter.

“I believe our board is awed by the professional yet sensitive manner in which our CHS staff and our
superintendent, Dr. Frost, handled this tragic occurrence,” Anderson Donica’s release said. “Immediate
action was taken, which was critical in protecting our students and in eliciting an admission regarding
the inappropriate action. Our band students are amazing and will continue to be amazing and to
persevere under new leadership.”

Wygant joined the CISD in March 2010. He grew up in New Jersey and taught school there, in
Pennsylvania, and the Rio Grande Valley for 23 years prior to taking the Corsicana position.

Information on a lawyer for Wygant was not available late Friday.

On line solicitation of a minor is a Third Degree Felony, and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in
prison and a $10,000 fine.

—————

Bob Belcher may be reached by email at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Soundoff” on this

story? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com

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http://www.athensreview.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-welch-wygant/article_48f96a8b-bdb2-511c-83f5-
6dec5c01cbf6.html

Grand Jury indicts Welch, Wygant

From Staff Reports
Corsicana Daily Sun Mar 29, 2012

Former youth minister Gary Welch, 43, was indicted Wednesday by a Navarro County Grand Jury on
one charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child, and one
charge of indecency with a child. He is alleged to have started having sex with a 13-year-old girl in
the youth group at Northside Baptist Church three years ago.

An indictment is a finding that there is enough evidence to proceed to a trial, but does not declare
anyone guilty or innocent.

The accusations became public last week, and Welch was arrested and subsequently fired by the
church’s personnel committee.

Also indicted Wednesday was former Corsicana High School band director Rick Wygant, for charges
of attempted online solicitation of a minor. Shortly after his 2011 arrest, Wygant resigned from his
position with Corsicana ISD.

Grand jurors also handed down four indictments on Steven A. Dunn in connection with allegations of
injury to a child, unlawful restraint and endangering a child. Dunn worked as a maintenance
employee at Two Dimensions Preparatory Academy in Corsicana, and is accused of putting children
in a closet for discipline. He was indicted on two counts of injury to a child, and one count each of
endangering a child and unlawful restraint.

0 comments
 IN THE MATTER OF : NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

THE CERTIFICATE OF : STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS

RICHARD WYGANT : ORDER OF REVOCATION

_______________________ : DOCKET NO: 1213-145

At its meeting of January 25, 2013, the State Board of Examiners (Board) reviewed information

received from the staff of the Office of Certification and Induction regarding Richard Wygant. On May

8, 2012, Wygant had pled guilty to Attempted Online Solicitation of a Minor and Purchase Alcohol for a

Minor. Wygant had sent inappropriate sexual text messages to a student and, on one occasion, had placed

a bottle of alcohol in the student’s vehicle. On May 21, 2012, Wygant surrendered his teaching certificate

in Texas. Wygant agreed that the surrender was permanent and without opportunity for reapplication. In

New Jersey, Wygant currently holds a Teacher of Music certificate, issued in September 1988. Based

upon the above information, the Board voted to issue Wygant an Order to Show Cause at its meeting of

February 28, 2013.

The Board sent Wygant the Order to Show Cause by regular and certified mail on March 4, 2013.

The Order provided that Wygant must file an Answer within 30 days. Wygant responded on March 25,

2013. In his Answer, Wygant admitted his guilty plea and the surrender of his Texas certificate.

(Answer, p. 1). He also admitted to his conduct, explaining that he engaged in “phone text conversations

with one of my students that extended far beyond the boundaries of propriety.” (Answer, p. 1). Wygant

noted that he was “a smart man who made a very stupid choice.” (Answer, p. 2). He added that he

understood the gravity of his offense and hoped that he could teach again one day. (Answer, p. 2).

Wygant also noted that he would welcome the opportunity to appear before the Board. (Answer, p. 2).

Thereafter, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.7(e), on April 5, 2013, the Board sent Wygant a hearing

notice by regular and certified mail. The notice explained that it appeared that no material facts were in

dispute. Thus, Wygant was offered an opportunity to submit written arguments on the issue of whether

the conduct addressed in the Order to Show Cause constituted conduct unbecoming a certificate holder as

well as arguments with regard to the appropriate sanction in the event that the Board determined to take
 2

action against his certificate. It also explained that upon review of the charges against him and the legal

arguments tendered in his defense, the Board would determine if Wygant’s conduct warranted action

against his certificate. Thereupon, the Board would also determine the appropriate sanction, if any.

Wygant was also offered the opportunity to appear before the Board to provide testimony on the sanction

issue. Neither the certified mail copy nor the regular mail copy was returned. Wygant did not file a

response. On July 20, 2013, after receiving notice of the hearing date before the Board, Wygant

responded, declining the opportunity to appear before the Board. (Wygant Letter, July 20, 2013). He

noted that “I believe in our justice system, and believe that I was treated fairly for my offense.” (Wygant

Letter, July 20, 2013). Wygant also stated that he believed “in the power and possibility of rehabilitation”

and added that “[o]ne would get a much better measurement of who I am by looking at my personal and

professional records for the 44 years prior to my offense, and the 2 years since.” (Wygant Letter, July

20, 2013).

The threshold issue before the Board in this matter is whether the conduct underlying Wygant’s

guilty plea and the revocation of his Texas certificate constitute conduct unbecoming a certificate holder.

At its meeting of July 25, 2013, the Board considered the allegations in the Order to Show Cause,

Wygant’s Answer and his correspondence of July 20, 2013. The Board determined that no material facts

related to Wygant’s offense were in dispute since he admitted that he had engaged in the behavior, had

pled guilty to the offense charged and had his certificate revoked in Texas. Thus, the Board determined

that summary decision was appropriate in this matter. N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.7(h). It is therefore ORDERED

that the charges in the Order to Show Cause are deemed admitted for the purpose of this proceeding.

The Board must now determine whether Wygant’s conduct underlying his guilty plea and the

revocation of his Texas certificate, as set forth in the Order to Show Cause, provide just cause to act

against his New Jersey certificate pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.5. The Board finds that they do.

The Board may revoke or suspend the certification of any certificate holder on the basis of

demonstrated inefficiency, incapacity, conduct unbecoming a teacher or other just cause. N.J.A.C. 6A:9-

17.5. “Teachers… are professional employees to whom the people have entrusted the care and custody of
 3

… school children. This heavy duty requires a degree of self-restraint and controlled behavior rarely

requisite to other types of employment.” Tenure of Sammons, 1972 S.L.D. 302, 321. Wygant’s acts of

sending numerous inappropriate sexual texts to a student as well as placing alcohol in a student’s vehicle

are inexcusable for any individual, teacher or not.

Furthermore, the Commissioner has long held that teachers serve as role models for their

students. Clearly, Wygant’s conduct and guilty plea indicate that his actions here are not those of a role

model. The Texas State Board for Educator Certification thought so and the Board agrees. The Board

therefore believes that the only appropriate sanction in this case is the revocation of Wygant’s certificate.

Accordingly, on July 25, 2013, the Board voted to revoke Wygant’s Teacher of Music certificate.

On this 20th day of September 2013 the Board voted to adopt its formal written decision and it is

therefore ORDERED that the revocation of Richard Wygant’s certificate be effective immediately. It is

further ORDERED that Wygant return his certificate to the Secretary of the State Board of Examiners,

Office of Licensure, P.O. Box 500, Trenton, NJ 08625-0500 within 30 days of the mailing date of this

decision.

_______________________________
Robert R. Higgins, Secretary
State Board of Examiners

Date of Mailing:
Appeals may be made to the Commissioner of Education pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:6-
38.4.

RRH:MZ:th
 Skip to Main Content Logout My Account Search Menu New Criminal Search Refine Search  Back  Location : All Courts Help

REGISTER OF ACTIONS
CASE NO. D34261-CR

STATE OF TEXAS vs. RICHARD WYGANT § Case Type: Adult Felony

§ Date Filed: 03/28/2012
§ Location: District Court
§
§

RELATED CASE INFORMATION

Related Cases
00199F2012 (Case Manager Case)

PARTY INFORMATION

Lead Attorneys
Defendant WYGANT, RICHARD NEAL GREEN, Jr.
  Retained
903-874-9009(W)
 
State STATE OF TEXAS LOWELL THOMPSON

CHARGE INFORMATION

Charges: WYGANT, RICHARD Statute Level Date

1.  ONLINE SOLICIT MINOR TO AROUSE/GRATIFY (Attempted) 33.021 (b) State Jail Felony 06/01/2011

EVENTS & ORDERS OF THE COURT

     DISPOSITIONS
05/08/2012 Plea (Judicial Officer: LAGOMARSINO, JAMES)
   1. ONLINE SOLICIT MINOR TO AROUSE/GRATIFY (Attempted)
Guilty

05/08/2012 Disposition (Judicial Officer: LAGOMARSINO, JAMES)

   1. ONLINE SOLICIT MINOR TO AROUSE/GRATIFY (Attempted)
Deferred

05/08/2012 Sentenced - Probation (Judicial Officer: LAGOMARSINO, JAMES)

   1. ONLINE SOLICIT MINOR TO AROUSE/GRATIFY (Attempted)

    
     OTHER EVENTS AND HEARINGS
03/28/2012  FILED BY INDICTMENT
03/28/2012 COMPLAINT
  
AFFIDAVIT, WARRANT, MAGIS. BOND COND.
03/28/2012 BOND
  
CASH BOND-$1500.00
03/28/2012 APPEARANCE
  
NEAL GREEN
04/03/2012 PRECEPT TO SERVE
  
ISD
04/26/2012 PRECEPT TO SERVE
  
RETURNED UNSERVED, UNABLE TO LOCATE
05/08/2012  Plea  (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer LAGOMARSINO, JAMES)
05/08/2012 REMARKS
  
ADMONITIONS TO THE DEFT.
05/08/2012 JUDGMENT
  
4 YRS DEFERRED ADJUDICATION PROBATION, $750.00 FINE
05/24/2012 MOTION
  
MOTION FOR RELEASE OF BOND (BY N. GREEN) SENT TO JUDGE
05/29/2012 ORDER
  
order releasing bond
10/15/2013 MOTION
  
FOR EARLY TERMINATION OF DEFERRED ADJUDICATION
10/16/2013 ORDER
  
FOR A SETTING
10/29/2013 Motion for Early Release  (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer LAGOMARSINO, JAMES)
  
Set by Green
10/29/2013 REQUEST
  
FOR SUBPOENA
10/29/2013 SUBPOENA
  
ISD CHRIS ALDAMA, OR THE DUTY OFFICER OF THE DAY - DEFT. (GAVE TO NANCY)
10/30/2013 SUBPOENA
  
RETURNED SERVED
11/06/2013 RULING
  
MOTION FOR EARLY TERMINATION, DENIED
03/12/2015 MOTION
  
FOR EARLY TERMINATION OF DEFERRED ADJUDICATION
03/16/2015 ORDER
  
FOR A SETTING
04/07/2015 SUBPOENA
  
ISD CHRIS ALDAMA / NAVARRO CO. ADULT PROBATION DEPT. - DEFT.
04/09/2015 Motion for Early Release  (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officers LAGOMARSINO, JAMES, LAGOMARSINO, JAMES)
  
Green
04/09/2015 SUBPOENA
  
RE-ISSUE CHRIS ALDAMA OR DUTY OFFICER OF THE DAY - DEFT. (ATTORNEY HAD WRONG DATE ON SUBPOENA)
04/09/2015 SUBPOENA
  
RETURNED UNSERVED, SUB. HAD WRONG DATE FROM ATTORNEY
04/09/2015 SUBPOENA
  
RETURNED SERVED
04/09/2015  DEPUTY REPORTER'S STATEMENT
04/13/2015 RULING
  
BY JUDGE LAGOMARSINO REGARDING EARLY TERM OF DEF ADJ
05/11/2016 ORDER
  
DEFERRED ADJUDICATION ORDER OF DISCHARGE

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

          
          
      Defendant WYGANT, RICHARD
      Total Financial Assessment  999.00
      Total Payments and Credits  994.00
      Balance Due as of 11/10/2018  5.00
            
05/08/2012    Transaction Assessment      244.00
05/09/2012    Transaction Assessment      755.00
06/06/2012    Payment  Receipt # DC-126614  WYGANT, RICHARD  (100.00)
07/20/2012    Payment  Receipt # DC-127269  WYGANT, RICHARD  (100.00)
08/21/2012    Payment  Receipt # DC-127763  WYGANT, RICHARD  (794.00)
            
 Skip to Main Content Logout My Account Search Menu New Civil Search Refine Search  Back  Location : All Courts Help

REGISTER OF ACTIONS
CASE NO. 11-20679-CV

STATE OF TEXAS vs WYGANT, RICHARD § Civil Cases Relating to Criminal

Case Type:
§ Matters
§ Date Filed: 10/17/2011
§ Location: District Court
§

PARTY INFORMATION

Lead Attorneys
Petitioner STATE OF TEXAS
 
Respondent WYGANT, RICHARD NEAL GREEN, Jr.
  Retained
903-874-9009(W)

EVENTS & ORDERS OF THE COURT

     OTHER EVENTS AND HEARINGS

10/17/2011 Original Petition (Civil and Family)
  
APP FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS SEEKING BAIL REDUCTION
10/20/2011 ORDER
  
SETTING HEARING
10/26/2011  Motion Hearing  (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer LAGOMARSINO, JAMES)
10/26/2011 Hearing
  
DOCKET SHEET ENTRY
10/26/2011 REMARKS
  
JUDGE'S COPY (NOT SCANNED)- SEALED IN ENVELOPE
10/28/2011 Hearing
  
ALL DOCKET SHEET ENTRIES AS OF THIS DATE
10/31/2011 RULING
  
BY SR JUDGE JOHN JACKSON-REDUCING BOND TO $15,000. SURETY OR $1500. CASH
04/17/2013 REMARKS
  
DOCKET SHEET
 5 1
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October 14, 2011 ·
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CHS Band director charged with online 33,030 people follow this
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Info and Ads Rick Wygant, former director of the Corsicana High About See All
School Band, was arrested Thursday on charges of
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online solicitation of a minor.
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Gabriel Azua Sad 2
7y · Like
Navarro County Sheriff's …
Like
Joy Sipes Jackson Very sad indeed!!! My prayers are with the Government Organization
students.....
3
7y · Like Newspapers in Corsicana, Texas

Rob Southard Ha, creep. 2

7y · Like Pages Liked by This Page

John Paul Plemons wow- who will direct the band in the interim? It
is homecoming...
Retreat Fire Explorers Like
2
7y · Like

Jessica Kindon Most likely the assistant band directos will direct the
band
Blooming Grove Volunte… Like
7y · Like

Beth Lord My daughter just transferred out of there.

Office of the Governo…
7y · Like Like

Susan Dockery Sick creep!!! Glad they caught him and proud of the
girl for coming forward!!! God bless her!!!
4
7y · Like Retreat Volunteer Fire D… Like

Laura Stephens Fira So sick...im glad he is off the streets.

7y · Like
English (US) · Español · Português (Brasil) ·
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Dustin Trull Sad creep guy .... I hope he never Gets a job again !!!
Being a teacher !!
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7y · Like Privacy · Terms · Advertising · Ad Choices ·
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Jennifer Lewis Worsham While he may be charged he has not been Facebook © 2018
out of line with my children and a lynch mob without trial is some
bull! I will say I dont appreciate having to read it in the newspapers
instead of CISD informing us or our children!
5
7y · Like

Dawn Robinson So many sick people in this world.,so sad

7y · Like

Linda Campbell OMG all of yall are so quick to judge - you don't
know the whole story behind this, I mean it could just be some girl
pissed off cause she didn't get first chair, or he may have done it IDK
- but all of you need to get the facts before you start
talkin… See More
9
7y · Like

Linda Campbell sorry I couldn't just sit back and let everyone dis this
man when they know nothing
4
7y · Like

Lacey Miller agree Linda... ppl forget that these situations are not
always reality. Sometimes they are just some little brat who didn't
get her way and thinks "Well I'll make you sorry..."
2
7y · Like

Linda Campbell I just hope if he didn't do it he can afford to get a

good lawyer and don't take a court appointed or else he will be guilty
regardless
2
7y · Like

Lacey Miller especially in "Hang 'em High" Corsicana.

7y · Like

Linda Campbell exactly - we are in our situation just because of all

of these reasons
7y · Like

Jennifer Smith They should have made the announcement

yesterday or told everyone he was "ill" until Monday. What a horrible
homecoming memory for our kids! I was getting texts from CHS
telling me band members were crying and distraught and they have
to play and be happy and have fun tonight. THINK OF THE KIDS FOR
ONCE!!
3
7y · Like

Jennifer Lewis Worsham I have faught with myself not to go get my

children...who are band members! What the crap was CISD thinking?
Kids finding out in the halls is rediculous and was cruel to do to our
children!
2
7y · Like

Amy Price Crocker As a band mom, and surrogate band mom, my

kids are very distraught. There have never been any problems or
concerns with him.
7y · Like

Hope Dodson DeChaume I am neither judge, nor jury, but I know how
he treated my child and I am THRILLED to see him gone!
1
7y · Like

Grace Hibdon This kind of incident seems to be on the rise.

7y · Like

Ronnie Odom Just posted my outrage. Being in charge of young

kids requires more responsibility. Justice by all means. But he
should meet a higher standard.
1
7y · Like

Jennifer Lewis Worsham Linda, sorry your family is enduring your

situation. Chat (4)
 1
7y · Like

Jennifer Lewis Worsham Here is some reality, every incident like this
does not just touch two people! It is a major problem in our society
that destroys families everyday! Be careful with your words of hate,
because people have kids, parents, siblings and spouses who have
feelings.
2
7y · Like

Raul Jimenez Well it is not about been Black white brown yellow or
purple, the bibe say we are not to judge others, Mthew 7 Judge not
that you be not judged."for with what judgment you judge, you will be
judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to
you..Only God will judge us all.
4
7y · Like

Raul Jimenez I met Mr. Wygant when Monica and I had Our
restaurant, he did not even knew we were Band parents, he walk into
our bussines one evening I remember because we did not had alot
of customers back the as the matter of fact he was there by him self
waiting … See More
1
7y · Like

Raul Jimenez God Bless every One! 1

7y · Like

Teri Ruiz Smith My daughter is a senior in the CHS band and has
been a band student for the past 4 years. This is deeply disturbing to
hear as a parent and something I wish were not true at all. While I do
believe that justice should prevail and he should be held
accountable for his crimes if he is found guilty, it is not up to us to
assume his guilt. Let the courts handle this and go through due
process.
3
7y · Like

John Paul Plemons Well, if they have the text messages...

7y · Like

Jason Thomas York We as society trust the school district and it's
faculty to teach are children and to insure their safety while they are
at school. I believe that teachers should be held to a higher
standard. I am a police officer, and we are held to a higher
standa… See More

7y · Like

Jennifer Lewis Worsham "On-line charges" easliy come with proof.

No, we are not fools or idiots for choosing not to bash someone on-
line. There is a difference in defending and non-bashing! I happen to
be a teen band mother, and they needed time to absorb the whole
thing before hateful comments were posted everywhere.

7y · Like

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Chat (4)
Metze Backporch Stones
A "STONE" is a family word for a personal story or thought, not quite an essay or short story. Lake living
w/5 wirehair dachshunds & my wife by retired H.S. band director - better description to follow... and
lots of just nonsense thoughts unrelated to each other

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Corsicana H.S.
Sometimes people get their heads screwed on wrong and bad things happen to good people.  One
can bring it upon himself by doing "stupid things."   It might be that old "can't see the forest for all the
trees" concept.   But bad things have happened to good people - and some (not all) are self -
inflicted. 

To muddy these waters a bit:  I have had good things happen to me when I was good.  I've had bad
things happen when I was bad.  Conversely,  good things have happened to me when I was bad, and
bad things happened when I was rfeally good.   There does not seem to be a rule concerning this
particular issue.   I have looked:  it is not in the Constitution.

The Corsicana band director last Monday (week ago) was accused of sending sexually explicit text
messages to one of his students.   By Tuesday he had resigned.  It took until Friday for the Dallas
stations to pick up on it.  The press does love this type of story. 

I do not know what happened.  I have never met the guy  (Rick Wygant).   He doesn't know me.  I do
not know anything about the student (at this point, I assume it is a female student - even though I
never heard that).   And more importantly,  I don't want to know anything.  Leave me out of this
problem.   They tell me that Rick is a terrific trumpet player.  We trumpeters do have an arrogance
problem at times.  I have seen his Corsicana band.  They are not in the top competitively; but are far
from being terrible.

My issue is that somewhere down the line someone turned off the brain function that eliminates
problems like this.  We all know that teenagers lack a mature brain.   They look at the world through
different lenses than we - [ I might add (politically) like these squirts who are doing all of this
"occupy" protests. They have not the slightest idea that protest should be aimed at the goverenment
- not the businesses that make America great. ]  He should have known better.  Students do not
always see the consequences of certain actions.

Rick made a mistake of putting something in writing - a text message on the phone to a girl - she
won't deleted it - and, when troubled, she will share with her best friend or troup of friends.   Now,
teenage girls do this type of thing all the time.  They write notes to each other with some of the
wildest stuff.  Then, she is are destroyed when the note shows up in a public place.  I own several of
these notes in a box in the garage.  Never write something that should be said - in person - it will
come back to bite you.

Side bar:  Three of my favorites:  1.)  my mom gave me a note written by a 3rd grade girl.  The
girl stated that when she got home, she took off all her clothes, climbed up on the dresser, looked in
the mirror and said, "you're tuff."   2.)  a 6 page note written in hot pink ink - single spaced - both
sides of paper -  in which a girl is suggesting certain sexual activities to her boyfriend in order to
keep him happy.   He answered back in blue on the same paper.  It was quite detailed.   What's funny
is his cool response:  "I guess we could do that if you want..."    3.)   a girl writes a note attacking
several other girls - last sentence "don't lose this note."  It was not lost.  It was left in plain sight on a
music stand.   But, I regress.

Now Wygant faces 10 years or so in prison - if nothing else, certainly he faces a career change - if he
is not making license plates, he won't be  back in teaching for quite a while.  Went to school with a
guy (Dalvin Boone) who was a fantastic trumpet player and person.  He was on the right track being
chosen as band director for Amarillo H.S.  This was in the early 60s.  He went out with the guys to
celebrate - leaving the bar, he wet the pavement - beer - what goes in, must come out.  Arrested for
public displan, he lost that job before it began.  He was such a good guy.  

What did he do?  Dalvin pulled up stakes and moved to work on his Master or PhD at some major
midwest University like Michigan or Ohio State - some big school.  I know nothing after that.  Good
guy in college.  Bad situation afterwards.  It is a shame.

A thought:   Universities need to have a class in ethics - or whatever it is to be called.  All of these
type of situations should be discussed with young, weak minds as they prepare to enter teaching.  
They should learn the pitfalls as they learn how to give CPR or to teach the minor scale.

Perhaps, just maybe,   a school system should have this as a fall training topic when they have those
unrelenting boring sessions prior to school.  Those meetings are such a drain of one's brain.  I don't
suppose they will ever quit.  Everyone has a new plan to improve teaching / discipline / etc. - a hot
new plan is offered each year - doesn't matter.  The good teachers teach; the bad ones "occupy"
space.

The rambling is over.   I feel sorry for the student - I feel sorry for Rick - I feel sorry for the Corsicana
Band program - I feel sorry for the family of the above - I feel sorry for the other band directors in the
local system - I feel for the administrators who must be scrambling to correct a bad situation.

Here is an issue that probably won't get much notice.  One of the remaining 3 directors has been
chosen as interim director.  I believe she plans to apply for the head job eventually.  If she is not
selected, I am sure she will be in a compromised position with the new director.  She should find a
way to apply but not be embarrassed if ignored for the job.  It is a tough world out there.  

I am retired ....  might I add:  sitting on my backporch watching the lake dry up.

Later guys, call me if you need me to solve your problems.

mtz  

Mike Metze at 3:04 PM

 Share

4 comments:

Anonymous March 21, 2012 at 10:52 AM

Do you have an email I could email you at?
Reply

Anonymous August 8, 2013 at 5:13 PM

Feel sorry for the predator? Is that how you feel Rick Wygant in not some newbie to the world he is in his
late forties, the girl a minor. He sent her sexually explicit texts, there is no excuse. He deserves at least 10
years then hopefully he would no longer attempt to be sexual with a minor. Now what he and his wife did
was leave the state and make up a lie in which they told everyone in Camp Verde, Arizona. Since these
people don't know about why he has moved to that area I feel sorry for any future unsuspecting victims.
Reply

Anonymous October 9, 2013 at 7:32 PM

I knew Ricky Wygant in High School, where he was an outstanding trumpet player (AllState, McDonald's
Marching Band) and the envy of all area band directors. He was also one of the most arrogant people I'd
ever met. I was surprised when I came across this story, mugshot and all, but frankly thought it par for
the course of how I imagined he'd end up. He always thought he was better than everyone else. And now
he's learning that Karma's a bitch.
Reply

Anonymous January 23, 2016 at 10:43 AM

As an alumni of the CHS band I can guarantee you that the band grew from this and they are doing
spectacular. The band director that you had mentioned did apply for the head position and the band has
grown and progressed ever since. I couldn't have been more proud of her and the band for stepping up
regardless of the circumstances. But that is something that the band has always dealt with
unfortunately... There's been a saying that band directors don't stay long and CHS has definitely suffered
from this. Since being in the band program from 6th grade to a Senior I've had 11 different band directors.
We were deprived of doing amazing things because of this situation but Bre (now currently director) had
been there for 3 years and stepped up to the plate. She definitely did not disappoint. Her kids love it now
and CHS as a whole respect the band again. For several years there hardly was any funding for the band.
Fowl uniforms falling apart and never fit right. Beat up instruments that were constantly in repairs. Not
even doors and locks to lock up the instruments! And theft was a huge issue... I've seen the door to the
instrument room picked so many times. CISD never gave us any slack(mainly because this is Texas and
football is more important). But Bre put a stop to this. Her personality is very tough and she fought for
this band. Now the band has amazing uniforms(which I'm super jealous of), no theft, and new
instruments. I guess it was a good thing that this had happen to us. We have learned quickly that what
 doesn't kill you makes you stronger and it definitely shows. If you happen to be in Corsicana on a Friday
football game please come show your support!
Reply

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About Me
Mike Metze
Retired Texas H.S. band director, spend my time here on the lake with my wife & 5 wirehair
dachshunds. As an added bit, a "STONE" is a story. It is more of a short bit. Will add more later when
I figure this all out. CORSICANA SWING ORCHESTRA MEMBER Contact Jerry Ballew 903-390-1058 to get info
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