Staff report
Two special education staff members, a teacher and a teacher’s aide, at Fuentes Elementary School in Kyle were removed from the classroom pending an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS), according to Hays CISD spokesperson Tim Savoy.
A tipster contacted the Hays Free Press Monday saying she learned about a problem in the special education class at Fuentes. The caller declined to state her name or provide contact information, saying she has a student at the school and does not want that child treated any differently.
She said she knows a mother of a special education student who told her about the situation.
According to the tipster, a teacher’s aide resigned and the main teacher has not been in the classroom for more than a week. She said CPS was contacted and possibly the police as well.
Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said he was not aware of any calls made to his department about the situation at the elementary school.
Fuentes Principal Regina Butcher was unable to comment about the issue and referred media requests to Savoy.
Savoy provided the letter sent home on Sept. 12 to parents of the children in the Fuentes special education class.
“Hays Consolidated Independent School District received a report of misconduct by one or more employees and an immediate investigation was undertaken. Prompt remedial action was taken and the employees were removed from the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation,” the letter said.
Savoy said Monday in a phone interview that any district employees alleged to be involved in any wrongdoing are immediately removed from the classroom or position pending an investigation.
The letter continued, “Although no students were injured and there were no allegations of any type of sexual impropriety, a report was made to Child Protective Services out of an abundance of caution.”
While Savoy said the name of the person or persons who contacted CPS is confidential, he said school employees have a duty to report suspected child abuse.
“This district will, of course, fully cooperate in that investigation. While the district is prohibited from disclosing specific details about personnel matters, please rest assured that the safety, security, and educational progress of Hays Consolidated Independent School District students is our foremost concern,” the letter said.
He confirmed that a teacher’s aide resigned from the school in the wake of the investigation. He also said a qualified substitute teacher is in the classroom for now.
