A former Kansas teacher honoured as 'teacher of the month' is set to stand trial, accused of cultivating an inappropriate relationship with a student that allegedly culminated in repeated sexual encounters in her car.
From Classroom to Courtroom: The Allegations Unfold
Nicole Hernandez, 30, who also goes by Nikki Baird, was arrested in May on four felony counts of unlawful relations with a 17-year-old boy. The alleged misconduct is said to have begun while the victim was a sophomore at Wichita North High School, according to local reports from KSNW News.
This week, a judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial on all counts, formally advancing the legal process. An arrest affidavit alleges Baird methodically groomed and manipulated the student, gradually isolating him from his friends and family before the relationship turned sexual in early 2024.
A Pattern of Grooming and Escalating Contact
Court documents paint a detailed picture of the alleged grooming process. The student, now an adult, told detectives that Baird had been his art teacher in middle school before teaching him again in high school. The arrest report details accusations spanning his sophomore, junior, and senior years.
It began with private interactions in her classroom before and after school. By his junior year, this allegedly escalated to physical contact, with Baird reportedly touching his back or shoulders and insisting on hugs. During his senior year, the relationship allegedly moved off school grounds.
Baird reportedly gave the 17-year-old her phone number, leading to text messages that shifted from schoolwork to personal matters. She allegedly confided about marital troubles. Communication evolved into handwritten notes expressing romantic interest, with one reading, "I know that I love you."
Crossing the Line: From Hand-Holding to Sexual Encounters
The affidavit states that during a trip to an arts centre, for which the student had his mother's permission, Baird held his hand for the first time. Physical contact allegedly intensified at school, with kisses on the neck during hugs and attempts to arrange meetings off-campus.
The most serious allegations concern events around graduation. The victim told investigators that in his final week, Baird invited him into her office three times and instructed him to touch her. On graduation night itself, she allegedly arranged to meet him in a quiet neighbourhood and asked if he wanted to have sex in the back seat of her Jeep.
The student said he felt nervous and pressured but agreed. Baird allegedly told him they "won’t get in trouble because he graduated." Following this encounter, she allegedly offered him alcohol, which he refused.
After graduation, meetings allegedly continued three to four times a week for further sexual activity in her car. The victim also stated he began receiving nude photographs from Baird, some of which he saved as potential evidence.
Delayed Investigation and Upcoming Arraignment
Suspicions were first raised during the 2023-2024 school year when another teacher alerted Principal Kristina Murray that Baird was spending excessive time with a student. An administrator handled the concerns internally, but the matter stalled for over a year.
The formal investigation only began on 19 May, after an officer from the Exploited and Missing Child Unit received a tip about an Instagram post hinting at a relationship between the teacher and a former student.
When Principal Murray learned of the active probe, she told police Baird had admitted to getting "too close" to the student. Baird initially claimed it was only an emotional relationship that started after graduation but later clarified it began while he was still a senior. Court records confirm all alleged conduct occurred before he graduated.
The former student eventually confided in his family, providing them with the alleged nude photos and handwritten notes, which were passed to investigators. He cut off all contact after realising the relationship was inappropriate and that he had been manipulated. The affidavit claims Baird later visited his workplace and left candy on his car.
Nicole Hernandez (Baird) was arrested on 22 May, made an initial court appearance, and was released after posting a $50,000 bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for 19 December.
