Teacher won’t have to register as sex offender for inappropriate relationship with student

KILGORE, Texas. (KLTV/Gray News) - A teacher in Texas won’t have to register as a sex offender after having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Kayla Nicole O’Dell, 34, pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday morning.

O’Dell will not have to register as a sex offender due to the student being 17 years old or older and her clean criminal record before the offense.

She was also given 10 years of probation with the possibility of a two to 20-year prison sentence if she violates her parole

The 34-year-old was first employed by Kilgore ISD in August of 2023 and resigned in January of 2025. The district said an investigation had begun into possible educator misconduct involving O’dell and a student.

She was arrested in February of 2025.

Her teaching license has been revoked for life, and she must pay $1,000 in court fees.