Editor's Note: Due to the nature of the allegations reported in this story and the minor status of the person making the allegations, as well as the fact that no charges have been formally issued, names are being withheld.
COLMESNEIL – In a statement released to Polk County Publishing/East Texas News, Colmesneil ISD Board of Trustees president Eric Lee addressed the widespread level of community interest, but also rumors and misinformation, surrounding allegations made about a former CISD staff member.
During an open forum portion of the board’s regular monthly meeting, held Monday, March 11, a female student spoke to the trustees and Superintendent Sharon Tule with allegations that a former teacher, who has resigned, had called her in a state of extreme intoxication and made her feel “extremely uncomfortable.” The student also alleged, among other things, that the former district employee provided alcohol to her at his home.
Lee said the district was made aware of the allegations on Jan. 1 of this year, of the inappropriate communication between the former employee and the student, and subsequently Tule took immediate action to prevent the educator, who had already resigned his position, from accessing CISD property and resources. The resignation was tendered before the board could take formal action, Lee said.
“As a matter of principle, we do not disclose details about ongoing investigations to protect the integrity of the fact-finding process and the privacy of our students. However, we recognize the widespread concern surrounding these allegations. We want to assure you that CISD acted swiftly and cooperatively, providing all relevant evidence to local law enforcement and the Texas Education Agency for further review,” Lee said.
The district also reported the individual to the Texas Education Agency, where he is under investigation on the agency’s “Do Not Hire List.” TEA’s database also lists the individual’s certifications as inactive or expired. Lee said that in the investigation concerning further allegations of the individual’s behavior, which occurred outside school hours, were investigated to the extent allowed by the district, but also by local law enforcement, and none of those allegations were found to have occurred on school grounds or utilizing school resources.
The student did confirm that she and her mother had gone to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office with the complaint.
“It is crucial to understand that while CISD does not have the authority to prosecute crimes, we take every allegation seriously. Currently, this case is with local agencies and remains under investigation. During our board meeting on March 11, community members expressed their concerns about our actions to ensure student safety. We want to reassure you that the Superintendent and Board of Trustees have exhausted every legal avenue to protect our children while they are under our care, prioritizing their safety above all else,” Lee said.
Additionally, the district has consulted with its legal counsel and there are no legal grounds to prohibit community members from attending events at CISD, unless they engage in disruptive behavior or if a lawful protective order is issued. Lee said that, to date, there have been no reports of any disruptive behavior or any sort of protective orders concerning the individual. His presence at on-campus events was one aspect of the student’s testimony given before the board, which she said made her feel uncomfortable.
“We deeply empathize with the families who have voiced concerns. The safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities, and we are committed to implementing rigorous hiring practices to safeguard our schools. Every district employee, including substitutes, undergoes a thorough criminal background check, including fingerprint analysis through both the Texas Department of Public Safety and the national FBI databases. Additionally, we verify the active status of certifications held by applicants and check the Texas Education Agency's Do Not Hire Registry before employment,” Lee said.
“We understand that our decisions may not always align with everyone’s views; however, please know that every decision is made with the utmost intention of protecting our children and maintaining a safe educational environment. We ask for your trust and partnership as we work together toward the common goal of providing a secure and supportive learning environment for all our students,” he added.
Lee added that he wanted to thank the community for its continued support and understanding during a challenging time for the district. “Your trust is invaluable as we navigate this situation together,” he said.
