Saratoga school district reports provocative texting

PHOTOGRAPHER: Lee Coleman

Sexting has reared its head in the Saratoga Springs School District, where middle school students sent inappropriate text messages in the spring and early summer.

According to Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III, the issue was brought to the attention of the school district this week by a mother who learned her daughter’s provocative photograph was circulating among a group of students. The students involved were 12- and 13-year-olds.

In a news release short on details, the district said “some students” were questioned by the district and it was determined that none of the messages were sent during school activities. Their parents were notified and they could face disciplinary actions.

Murphy said in cases like this, the students involved usually received a slap on the wrist in Family Court. He was unaware of any jurisdiction the school might have to impose punishments.

Superintendent Janice White, district spokeswoman Maureen Dana and Maple Avenue Middle School Principal Stuart Byrne did not return multiple calls for comment Friday.