A plea deal is still in the works for a former Bainbridge High teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with one of her students.

Jessica Marie Fuchs, 27, a first-year biology teacher at BHS, was charged earlier this year with two felonies — first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and tampering with a witness — and the gross misdemeanor of communication with a minor for immoral purposes. Authorities allege that Fuchs had a sexual relationship with one of her students, then tried to cover up the relationship after authorities learned about it in February.

Fuchs appeared in Kitsap County Superior Court on Nov. 16 for a hearing on a plea deal that would see her change her plea to guilty, and allow her to gain a “special sex offender sentencing alternative,” which would include treatment and a suspended sentence instead of a possible prison term between 22 to 29 months.

The hearing only lasted minutes, however, as attorneys acknowledged a pre-sentence investigation had not been completed and wouldn’t be finished until mid December. Fuchs’ legal counsel has asked that the change of plea occur at the same time as sentencing.

The hearing on the change of plea was postponed until Dec. 28, and the trial date has also been set back to Jan. 4.

The Bainbridge Island School District suspended Fuchs after the allegations came to light and later notified her that her teaching contract would not be renewed. She no longer lives on Bainbridge Island.

COBI