East Texas band director on leave following drug arrest

ATHENS — The Athens ISD band director was arrested Wednesday night after the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office found suspected methamphetamine inside his apartment. According to the sheriff’s office and our news partner KETK, around 10:20 p.m., investigators searched the Wood Street apartment of Nicholas Bartlett Durham, where they found him in possession of suspected methamphetamine. Durham was booked into the Henderson County Jail for possession of a controlled substance.

Athens ISD said that Durham had just begun his second year as a band director at Athens High School. The school released a statement regarding his arrest on Thursday morning:

“Like many of you, we are deeply upset by this news and had no indication that would lead us to suspect this alleged behavior. While this incident did not occur on school property and did not involve students, we understand how troubling it is to our families and community. Athens ISD holds all employees to high professional standards, both in and out of the classroom. Effective immediately, Durham has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation and due process.”

Athens ISD

The district explained that the band program will continue as scheduled and their goal is to “ensure a smooth and supportive transition for our students, who deserve no less.”