The Newton County Board of Education approved Tuesday a recommendation by Superintendent R. Steven Whatley to terminate paraprofessional Brandi McMichael, effective Dec. 2.

 McMichael, who worked at Cousins Middle School, was arrested Dec. 3 and charged with child molestation for having inappropriate contact, including an off-campus relationship, with a 13-year-old male student at the school.

 According to the incident report, on Dec. 2, McMichael was caught sending text messages to the student while she was at the school.

 McMichael would not comment on the relationship or the termination.

"I really wish I could talk, but I can’t say anything without my lawyer," McMichael said.

 McMichael faces one count of first degree child molestation, one count of transmitting illicit materials through a cell phone to a minor, one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes and one count of interfering with custody. She was released on a $7,000 bond for all offenses. A probable cause hearing will be set in case, usually within 45 days of the offense.