Staff Report
(Editor's Note: This story was updated as of 1:36 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, to reflect new information provided by Hays CISD.)
KYLE — The Lehman High School baseball program will move forward with its season, following Hays CISD’s decision to suspend 10 students and place one staff member on paid administrative leave, due to a pending investigation conducted by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
It was announced Thursday, April 9, that district and campus administration, along with HCSO, have been investigating reports of a “potentially serious” pattern of bullying involving some varsity and junior varsity members of the baseball program. This first came from parents who brought their concerns to campus administration and the school resource officer Tuesday, April 7.
Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright shared in a Thursday, April 9, statement that bullying is intolerable and goes against the values of LHS and Hays CISD.
“Our school district family protects and nurtures each other. We establish high expectations for ourselves — our staff and our students — because that is our character,” he said. “Let our swift action on this case demonstrate that we will not allow bullying and that those who test that demand will meet with swift and serious consequences.”
HCSO is now leading the investigation, as some of the alleged activity may constitute criminal activity, according to the district. A key factor in the investigation is the existence of a video of an incident at LHS, which shows “clear violations of expected student behavior and possibly violations of the law,” according to Hays CISD chief communication officer Tim Savoy in a Friday, April 10, statement.
Along with the 10 students who have been suspended, LHS baseball coach Jacob Kaase was placed on paid administrative leave by the district April 9 in connection with the investigation into the school’s baseball team, Savoy shared. He was placed on leave until the district is able to determine whether or not the baseball players, who are now part of criminal investigation, were "properly supervised." However, Savoy confirmed he is not present in the video referenced in the district’s statement.
Campus and district leadership met with LHS baseball parents in the morning of Friday, April 10, regarding the “current criminal investigation into allegations of serious bullying” by some members of the school’s baseball team. According to Savoy, the initial decision was that the program would forfeit the remaining games of the season, in part due to concern that there might not be enough players not implicated in the investigation to make both the varsity and junior varsity (JV) teams. This resulted in the forfeiture of the team's April 10 game.
However, after further consideration and listening to the parents’ concerns, the district determined that the baseball season should continue with players who are not implicated.
“We want parents to know that we hear them and agree that students not implicated in any potential wrongdoing should not be penalized when we can help it. Because we have identified enough players not implicated to keep the baseball teams in business, we are glad to be able to do it,” said Savoy. “As the investigation unfolded [Thursday], we were making decisions based on the best information we had at the time, but we’re not immovable, especially when parents present us with more to consider.”
The remaining four games during the next couple of weeks will continue with at least a varsity team and, potentially, a JV team, if there are enough players, Savoy stated.
“Nothing should diminish the seriousness of the behavior and allegations associated with the bullying investigation. It’s horrible and those responsible will pay a significant price,” said Savoy. “However, we must also recognize that the actions of some students, even if it’s a larger-than-normal group, shouldn’t define all students. Lehman High School is an amazing campus and a point-of-pride for the district, as are the many good student athletes who work to bring honor to themselves, their school and the community.”
HCSO Community Outreach supervisor Cpl. Chase Crow confirmed Tuesday, April 14, that the active investigation is still ongoing. No additional information is available at this time.
This is an ongoing story. The Hays Free Press will provide updates as they become available.
