JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A River City Science Academy teacher was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony counts alleging he solicited a romantic relationship with a student and unlawfully used a communication device, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
Jackson Jordan Hull, 25, was taken into custody on April 14 and booked into the Duval County jail, according to jail records. He faces a second-degree felony count of soliciting or engaging in a romantic relationship with a student and a third-degree felony count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Investigators said Hull, a now-former teacher at the Beach Boulevard campus, exchanged messages with a minor and arranged to meet the student at a local park in April. Detectives reviewed messages preserved on the online design platform Canva and said they found evidence that Hull and the student were alone together in March. The sheriff’s office described the behavior as “grooming.”
Canva is an online graphic design tool used to create social media post, presentations, posters, videos and logos. The application has a feature where individuals with permission can access certain projects and leave notes for the other individuals with access to see.
“A lot of games,” a parent of a RCSA student told News4JAX. “‘This is my friend.’ In this life you don’t have a friend. You never understand what’s going on.”
Authorities seized a DVD containing screenshots of messages.
No weapon, drugs or alcohol were reported as involved.
The River City Science Academy principal sent a statement after Hull’s arrest, saying the teacher is no longer associated with the school.
River City Science Academy Elementary School takes all matters involving student safety extremely seriously. After becoming aware of a concern involving a former staff member, immediate action was taken in accordance with school policy and legal requirements.
The individual is no longer associated with the school, and the matter has been referred to the appropriate authorities. The school will continue cooperating fully with any ongoing review.
Adhering to our obligations regarding student privacy and the integrity of the process, we cannot provide further comment at this time. We appreciate the community’s understanding as we continue to prioritize the safety and well‑being of our students.
Nicole Spanbauer, Principal
Another parent said Hull was her child’s teacher. She said she will be asking her kid more questions about the school day.
“Just having deeper conversations,” she said. “Just getting closer with my child so I can know if anything’s going on. I just always want him to feel comfortable talking to me about things at school.
JSO said at this point the investigation has been isolated to a single victim, but it remains active.
“Parents should always be diligent in monitoring their children’s computer and phone usage to ensure those they may be conversing with are appropriate and approved individuals,” JSO said in a statement.