She was the head of a Broward private school. She’s now accused of touching a student
An administrator at a Broward private school is being accused of touching a student.
Tracy Smith, 43, was charged with soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct by an authority figure after her Monday arrest by Coral Springs police. The second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years behind bars.
Smith was the head of Xceed Preparatory Academy, a private college prep school in Coral Springs that offers middle and high school classes. The school, which can cost up to $22,500 a year, has two other locations in South Florida: One is in Weston and the other in Kendall.
A Google search revealed a link to Smith’s profile on the school’s website, which listed Smith as an administrator, academic coach, instructor and program manager of almost 20 years in both public and private schools. The link was taken down as of Tuesday.
The news broke the same day that another teacher at Country Club Middle School in Miami-Dade was accused of touching, messaging and giving gifts to a 13-year-old student. The Broward School Board also announced Tuesday that the state will be investigating two board members who were accused of inappropriate touching.
The relationship between Smith and the student allegedly began in October when the student started studying in Smith’s office, according to Miami Herald news partner CBS Miami. The student told police that he and Smith grew close as they shared details about their personal lives — to the point that he even viewed her as a mother figure.
According to CBS Miami, the student told investigators he found Smith’s touch comforting at first. But it then made him feel uncomfortable as they touched each other during the study sessions.
The student said he felt Smith was no longer there to guide him and felt guilty because their relationship was negatively impacting his academic performance and the school as a whole, CBS Miami reported.
Attorney Brian Bieber, who is representing the school, confirmed Tuesday that Smith was fired.
“The allegations resulting in Ms. Smith’s arrest yesterday came as a complete shock to everyone at the school,” Bieber told CBS Miami. “The school and its staff will cooperate with law enforcement in every way possible.”
