An investigation into alleged misconduct within special education classrooms at South Elementary has led to the resignation of six Midland Independent School District employees. Two administrators have also been placed on administrative leave as a multi-agency probe, involving local and state authorities, continues to unfold.
Key Takeaways
- Six employees from South Elementary, including two teachers and four paraprofessionals, have resigned.
- Two district administrators are on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
- The investigation was initiated after a district staff member reported concerns on September 12.
- Multiple agencies, including the Texas Rangers and the District Attorney's Office, are involved.
- All resigned individuals have been reported to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
Investigation Launched After Staff Report
The Midland Independent School District (MISD) began a formal investigation after receiving a report of concern on Friday, September 12. A staff member from the district’s Special Services Department alerted administrators to questionable practices observed in a special education classroom at South Elementary.
According to district officials, the response was immediate. Administrators launched an internal review which included examining video footage from two separate special education classrooms on the campus. This initial review prompted the district to take further action.
Following protocol, MISD filed a report with Child Protective Services (CPS). This step triggered both an administrative investigation led by the district and a parallel criminal investigation. The Midland ISD Police Department is coordinating the criminal probe with the Texas Rangers and the Midland County District Attorney’s Office.
The Role of Multi-Agency Investigations
In cases involving potential misconduct with vulnerable populations like special education students, collaboration between different agencies is standard procedure. This ensures a thorough review from multiple perspectives, including educational compliance, child welfare, and criminal law. The involvement of the Texas Rangers signifies the serious nature of the allegations.
Eight Staff Members Implicated
As the investigation progressed, a total of eight staff members were implicated. The district has confirmed that six of these employees have since resigned. The individuals who resigned held various roles within the special education program at South Elementary.
The district released the names and positions of the six employees who submitted their resignations:
- Justin Butler, Teacher
- Heather Thomas, Teacher
- Hilda Atamenwan, Paraprofessional
- Keishla Collazo, Paraprofessional
- Anavelia Enderby, Paraprofessional
- Jennifer Loving, Paraprofessional
In addition to the resignations, two district administrators have been placed on administrative leave. Their names have not been released by the district, which cited the ongoing nature of the investigation. Administrative leave is a standard procedure that removes employees from their duties while an investigation is conducted.
Reporting to State Certification Board
Midland ISD has reported all six resigned employees to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). The SBEC is the Texas state agency responsible for overseeing the certification and conduct of public school educators. A report can trigger a review that may lead to sanctions against an individual's teaching certificate, including suspension or permanent revocation.
District Implements Precautionary Measures
To ensure continuity of education and student safety, Midland ISD took immediate action in the affected classrooms. The district deployed specialized staff from its central special education department to oversee operations at South Elementary. This measure is intended to provide stability and expert supervision while the investigation is underway.
District officials have stated their commitment to transparency but are limited in the details they can share publicly to avoid compromising the integrity of the active investigation. In a statement, the district pledged to provide timely updates to the community as more information becomes available for release.
Investigation to Expand
The scope of the probe is set to widen. The Midland County District Attorney’s Office has announced its intention to expand the investigation beyond the initial scope. This suggests that authorities are examining all aspects of the situation to determine the full extent of any potential misconduct.
The collaboration between the district police, state-level Texas Rangers, and the county's top prosecutor highlights the gravity of the allegations. The outcome of the criminal investigation will determine if any charges are filed against the individuals involved.
Parents and community members are awaiting further updates as the various agencies continue their work. The district has emphasized that its primary focus remains the safety and well-being of its students, particularly those in its special services programs.
