Art Teacher Accused Of Grooming Student For Sex Since Middle School

Nicole Hernandez, also known as Nikki Baird, a former art teacher at Wichita North High School in Kansas, will stand trial for allegedly having an unlawful sexual relationship with a student. The 30-year-old is charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations. The charges stem from accusations that Baird groomed a student she first met in middle school before both moved to Wichita North High School.

The relationship reportedly began when the student was 17 and turned sexual in early 2024. The student, now an adult, told investigators that Baird initially befriended him and isolated him from others. According to an affidavit, Baird would touch or rub the student's back and shoulders, eventually escalating to more intimate contact. The affidavit also states that Baird sent the student love letters and text messages, including nude photos, and met with him multiple times to engage in sexual activities in her Jeep.

The student eventually ended the relationship and reported Baird to authorities, providing evidence of the inappropriate relationship. Baird was arrested in May and charged in June. Her arraignment is scheduled for December 19.