Dear Colmesneil Community, It is essential for Colmesneil ISD to address the rumors and misinformation circulating regarding a former staff member. On January 1, 2025, we were notified of serious allegations involving inappropriate communication between a teacher and a student. In response, the Superintendent took immediate action to prevent the educator from accessing school property and resources. Ultimately the employee resigned before formal action could be taken by the board.
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. Colmesneil ISD promptly reported the individual to TEA as per policy, and he is currently listed as “under investigation” on the TEA Do Not Hire List. Additionally, we have addressed other allegations concerning students that occurred outside of school hours and have turned over all pertinent information to local law enforcement. These allegations have been thoroughly investigated to the extent allowed by the District. It has been found none of these additional allegations occurred on school grounds or utilizing school resources.
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.
We have consulted with our legal counsel and want to emphasize that there are no legal grounds to prohibit community members from attending CISD events unless they engage in disruptive behavior or if a lawful protective order is issued. To date, we have not received any reports of disruptive behavior or protective orders.
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.
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.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this challenging time. Your trust is invaluable as we navigate this situation together.
Respectively,
Eric L. Lee
President, CISD Board of Trustees