MARLIN, TX — Former Waco ISD superintendent Dr. Marcus Nelson, who resigned after he was arrested in Robertson County for marijuana possession, has been hired by the City of Marlin to be a consultant in the charter school application process.
"I am just honored that the city of Marlin has given me the opportunity to prove myself and really continue the road to redemption. The kids are the most important thing in this city and I will be focused on making sure they get a quality education," said Nelson.
According to the Robertson County Sheriff's Office, then 46-year-old Marcus Nelson was arrested just before 11 p.m. on March 6, 2019, by a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper.
According to DPS, Nelson was pulled over because he was "camping" in the left lane when there were no other cars present, meaning he was in a passing lane with no cars to pass.
When he was pulled over, the trooper noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the car. After a vehicle search, marijuana was found.
Nelson was charged with possession of marijuana less than two ounces.
Two weeks after the arrest, Dr. Nelson resigned from his position .
On January 7, Dr. Nelson was hired by the Marlin City Council to help the City explore the application process for Marlin ISD to become a charter school. He was interviewed in a closed session. The city council motioned to approve his hiring during the January 7 meeting, and the motion was approved.
According to the city council, Dr. Nelson will only be working with the City.
The city council will decide if they will apply to become a charter school after the state education commissioner re-evaluates the district in March.
This story has been corrected to reflect that Dr. Nelson has been hired by the City of Marlin as a consultant in the charter school process. A previous version stated that Dr. Nelson was hired to be a consultant for Marlin ISD.
