Latexo ISD Faces Scrutiny Over Discipline Case Handling
Latexo, TX – Latexo Self-reliant School District (LISD) is under increasing pressure from parents and law enforcement regarding its handling of a discipline case involving allegations of misconduct.Houston County Sheriff Zak Benge confirmed his office has received a meaningful number of complaints related to the situation, while parents express concerns over transparency and potential safety risks.
Sheriff Benge stated his office has been “inundated with calls” from parents reporting issues at the school. ”We’ve had a major influx of parents calling,emailing and coming in with complaints about things occurring at the school,” he said. While his office has taken statements and consulted with the Texas Ranger and District Attorney, Benge clarified the matter currently falls under the jurisdiction of the school police department. “We are going to contact the Texas Education Agency because they oversee schools, and we’ll send what we have to them,” he added. he emphasized the Sheriff’s office will continue to accept complaints and cooperate with any examination,but acknowledged limitations in investigating certain accusations,such as alleged GPA manipulation.”Our role is to take complaints in writing or in person and forward them to the appropriate agencies.”
The district’s response to the growing concerns has drawn criticism. Following a Texas Public Details Act request filed by The Messenger,LISD sent a letter to parents of alleged victims warning that even with redactions,the “small size of our community,details of the incident,and social media posts that have already circulated – including posts threatening physical harm to some of the student victims – raise a significant risk that students involved could still be identified.” Parents were then asked to consent to the release of redacted records or authorize the district to seek permission from the Texas Attorney General to withhold them. Several parents reportedly felt the letter discouraged them from consenting, fearing for their children’s safety. The family of the accused student did not receive a similar letter.
Further fueling parental frustration, the regularly scheduled LISD school board meeting this Thursday was cancelled due to several board members and administrators attending a school training conference in Houston, where they were meeting with vendors.
Attempts by The Messenger to reach Principal Thornton and Counselor Leah Santa Maria for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
Parent Stacey Hackler, speaking out on behalf of concerned families, expressed her dedication to the school despite the current issues. “There are so many good teachers and kids at this school,” she said. “I don’t hate Latexo. I love it. That’s why I’m speaking out – because problems like this won’t be fixed unless someone stands up.”
The situation remains fluid as the Sheriff’s office prepares to engage with the Texas Education Agency and parents continue to seek answers from LISD officials.
