Posted 6/29/2005 05:15:00 PM by Douglas

The most messed up extra credit assignment in the history of public school.

Two Aldine Senior High School students were failing their chemistry course when their teacher approached them with an unexpected opportunity.

The teens could change their academic fate with one project — and it wouldn't be in the chemistry lab. For a little help in torching and dumping her financially troublesome car, investigators said, the teacher offered a tantalizing possibility — passing grades.

Now, teacher and students are facing far more serious trouble than any report card or grade book could offer.

Tramesha Lashon Fox, 32, of Kingwood, is charged with insurance fraud, a first-degree felony, and arson, a second-degree felony, authorities said. Officers were still searching for her Tuesday evening after obtaining warrants for her arrest.

The two students, Roger Luna, 18, of the 100 block of Coach Lamp, and Darwin Arias, 17, of the 1100 block of Fallbrook, were also charged with arson. Luna was arrested Tuesday night, and Arias was making arrangements to surrender.

Arson's easier than studying.