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The Syracuse City School District is moving to fire Jaime Perez-Garcia, a vice principal at H.W. Smith Elementary School, after he was accused of drinking alcohol with a 15-year-old girl. The incident occurred on October 10, when police found Perez-Garcia and the teenager in his pickup truck in the Corcoran High School parking lot. Officers discovered a bottle of alcohol and two shot glasses in the vehicle. Perez-Garcia has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful dealing with a child.
According to a criminal complaint, Perez-Garcia engaged in "inappropriate conversations" with the girl via text messages and arranged to meet her outside a Corcoran High School football game. The teenager, a former student, told officers they did not have a physical relationship. Perez-Garcia admitted to providing alcohol to the minor during an interview with law enforcement.
Following his arrest, Perez-Garcia was placed on paid administrative leave. The district has scheduled a Board of Education vote on December 10 to decide on his termination. If the board approves, his last day will be January 10. Perez-Garcia, who previously served as principal at Fowler High School, is set to appear in Syracuse City Court on January 8.
The charges against Perez-Garcia could result in up to a year in prison if he is convicted. The district's decision to pursue his termination reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment to maintaining student safety.