Celina Independent School District (ISD) is facing increased legal pressure and community scrutiny following new allegations and potential civil lawsuits in the case of former teacher and coach Caleb Elliott. Three attorneys announced their intent to file civil actions on behalf of additional families, bringing the total number of alleged victims into sharper focus.
Key Takeaways
- Attorneys plan new civil lawsuits against Celina ISD related to Caleb Elliott.
- At least 12 families are currently speaking with legal representatives.
- Police detectives have informed some families of 36 to 38 boys allegedly captured on video.
- Celina ISD Athletic Director Bill Elliott and Moore Middle School Principal Allison Ginn are on paid leave.
- New legislation, HB 4623, removes sovereign immunity for school districts in misconduct cases.
New Legal Actions Target Celina ISD
On Thursday morning, Texas State Representative Mitch Little joined attorneys Jack Walker and Quentin Brogdon at the Collin County Courthouse. They announced their intention to file civil lawsuits against Celina ISD on behalf of more families affected by Caleb Elliott's alleged crimes. This comes as a separate lawsuit has already been filed by three other families.
The legal team is currently in discussions with at least 12 families who have come forward. They emphasized that their investigation is still in its early stages, suggesting that more alleged victims could emerge.
Case Timeline
- October 2: Caleb Elliott allegedly records boys in a locker room.
- October 3: Elliott, 26, arrested by Celina Police.
- October 2025: Attorneys announce intent to file additional civil lawsuits.
Allegations of Extensive Recordings Emerge
Caleb Elliott, a former teacher and coach at Moore Middle School, faces charges of invasive visual recording and possession or promotion of child pornography. He was arrested by Celina Police on October 3. Charging documents indicate Elliott is accused of recording boys, partially or fully undressed, in a Moore Middle School locker room on October 2.
Attorneys Brogdon and Walker stated that police detectives have informed some of the families they represent that there are between 36 and 38 boys captured in video or images related to Elliott's alleged actions.
"I am horrified by what’s going on in Celina ISD," Representative Little stated. "I, like you, am horrified at the reports that Caleb Elliott was passed from school to school in the district. That he had attempted to place cameras at another school. That he was banned from the locker room."
Sovereign Immunity No Longer a Shield
The new legal efforts plan to utilize Representative Little's legislation, House Bill 4623, which became effective in September. This bill significantly impacts how school districts are held accountable in cases of sexual misconduct. It removes 'sovereign immunity,' a legal doctrine that previously shielded school districts from many civil lawsuits.
Attorney Jack Walker explained the importance of this legislative change. "For years, we’ve attempted to hold school districts and administrators accountable for sex assaults and victimizing small children and up to now have been unable to do this because of sovereign immunity," he said.
What is Sovereign Immunity?
Sovereign immunity is a legal principle that protects government entities, including school districts, from being sued without their consent. HB 4623 aims to remove this protection in specific cases involving sexual misconduct, allowing victims to seek accountability through civil courts.
Representative Little emphasized the need for answers. "Everyone wants to know what happened, who did it, and when it happened," he said. "We need to investigate whether Celina ISD grossly negligently or recklessly continued employing or failing to supervise Caleb Elliott in a way that caused harm to these children."
District Leadership Placed on Leave Amidst Investigation
The district's response to the allegations has also drawn significant attention. Bill Elliott, Caleb Elliott's father, who serves as Celina ISD's Athletic Director and head football coach at Celina High School, was placed on 'non-disciplinary paid leave' last Friday. This decision followed concerns from the third-party investigator that his presence could compromise the ongoing investigation.
A Celina ISD press release identified Elliott Sr. as someone potentially involved, directly or indirectly, in the hiring and/or supervision of his son, Caleb. Allison Ginn, the principal at Moore Middle School, has also been placed on paid leave pending the investigation's outcome.
The district previously announced a third-party attorney was looking into questions surrounding the alleged crimes. Little has questioned the independence of this investigation and whether its findings will be made public.
Community Divided Over Coach Elliott's Status
The football-centric community of Celina finds itself divided regarding Bill Elliott's continued involvement with the district. An online petition gathered over 850 signatures, advocating for Bill Elliott's participation in Celina High School's Senior Night pre-game activities. The petition argued that a "brief, ceremonial appearance would not interfere with any ongoing administrative processes."
However, a counter-petition quickly emerged, titled 'Say No to Bill Elliott at Senior Night.' This petition highlighted the community's pain: "Our community is hurting. Many families are still reeling from the betrayal of trust and the trauma their children endured. Allowing Mr. Elliott to attend Senior Night would be deeply painful and disrespectful to those families and to every parent who believes schools should always put students’ safety first."
Superintendent Addresses Concerns, Confirms Non-Participation
In response to inquiries about the investigation and Bill Elliott's Senior Night participation, Celina ISD spokesperson Nancy Alvarez stated that due to pending investigations and litigation, the district would not provide individual comments. However, Superintendent Dr. Tom Maglisceau issued a statement to parents on Thursday.
Maglisceau announced that Bill Elliott would not be allowed to participate in Senior Night. He referenced district procedures which prohibit employees on leave from entering any district facility or attending any district functions. He also addressed Representative Little's calls for answers.
"Representative Little’s demand for answers in his press conference today is not new. Celina ISD issued the same directive weeks ago," Maglisceau wrote. He confirmed the district's immediate cooperation with law enforcement and the initiation of an independent third-party investigation by Ms. Ortiz, an attorney selected for her reputation and neutrality.
The superintendent emphasized that Ms. Ortiz's investigation aims to ensure compliance with Texas law and identify any failures in action or supervision, holding individuals accountable.
During the press conference, attorney Brogdon criticized the school district, stating they failed in their fundamental duty to protect children. "Instead of protecting those students, the district chose to protect itself," Brogdon asserted. "Instead of protecting those vulnerable students, the district chose to protect coaches, it certainly appears. And instead of protecting those students, the district chose to protect its ability to go get another state football championship. Something’s very wrong with that picture. There needs to be accountability."