The Mercer County School District board is set to place Superintendent Tim Farquer on paid administrative leave following his arrest this week. Farquer and two district IT employees face felony and misdemeanor charges related to the unauthorized access of student medical records, according to the Aledo Police Department.
The school board has scheduled a special meeting for Friday, September 26, 2025, to formalize the leave, appoint an interim superintendent, and address the district's IT staffing. The arrests stem from an investigation into a complaint that school employees illegally accessed and shared confidential student information.
Key Takeaways
- Superintendent Tim Farquer and two IT staff members, Amberly Norton and Andrea Long, were arrested on Wednesday.
- All three face a Class 3 felony charge of official misconduct and two Class A misdemeanor charges for computer tampering and unauthorized access to medical records.
- Farquer is accused of creating and sharing a database of student vaccine information with unauthorized individuals.
- The Mercer County School Board will hold a special meeting to place Farquer on paid leave and appoint an interim leader.
School Board Takes Immediate Action
In response to the arrests, the Mercer County School District board updated its agenda for a special meeting this Friday. The primary items for discussion are the formal approval of placing Superintendent Tim Farquer on paid administrative leave and the appointment of an acting superintendent to manage district operations.
The board will also discuss the district's information technology personnel needs, a direct consequence of the arrests of IT workers Amberly Norton and Andrea Long. Farquer's current annual salary is listed as $171,223.
What is Paid Administrative Leave?
Paid administrative leave is a temporary removal of an employee from their duties while retaining their salary and benefits. It is a standard procedure in public and private sectors, often used during internal or external investigations to ensure impartiality and prevent disruption to operations.
Details of the Criminal Investigation
The arrests followed an investigation conducted by the Aledo Police Department. The inquiry was launched after the department received a complaint alleging that Mercer County School District employees were improperly accessing private student medical files.
The investigation resulted in serious charges against the three district employees. Each faces one count of official misconduct, which is a Class 3 felony. They are also charged with two Class A misdemeanors: unauthorized access to medical records and computer tampering.
According to court records, the allegations specify distinct timelines and actions for the accused parties, indicating a potentially prolonged period of unauthorized activity within the district's IT systems.
Allegations Against the Superintendent
Court documents specifically allege that on September 1, Superintendent Farquer compiled a database containing student vaccine information. He is then accused of sharing this sensitive data with individuals who were not authorized to receive it. This action forms the basis for the charges brought against him.
Timeline for IT Staff Charges
During their initial court appearance, it was revealed that the alleged offenses committed by IT employees Amberly Norton and Andrea Long may have occurred over a much longer period. Court records state their alleged illegal activities began as early as July 19, 2019, nearly six years before the arrests were made.
Understanding the Charges
- Official Misconduct (Class 3 Felony): This charge applies to public officials who knowingly perform an act forbidden by law in their official capacity. A conviction can carry significant penalties, including prison time.
- Computer Tampering (Class A Misdemeanor): This involves knowingly and without authorization accessing or altering computer data or programs.
- Unauthorized Access to Medical Records (Class A Misdemeanor): This charge specifically addresses the illegal viewing or acquisition of confidential health information.
Next Steps for the School District
The immediate priority for the school board is to ensure leadership stability and secure its data systems. The appointment of an interim superintendent during Friday's meeting will be the first step in maintaining district operations while Farquer's legal case proceeds.
The discussion regarding IT personnel staffing suggests the board is also moving to assess and address potential vulnerabilities in its technology department. The long-term timeline of the alleged offenses by the IT staff raises questions about data security protocols and oversight within the district over the past several years.
The outcome of the legal proceedings will have a significant impact on the future leadership and policies of the Mercer County School District. The board's actions in the coming days and weeks will be closely watched by parents, staff, and the community as they navigate this challenging situation.
