Hays Free Press Staff
The Hays CISD terminated a longtime employee last week within hours after allegations of improper conduct surfaced on Facebook.
The employment of Communications Specialist David Bowe was terminated on July 9 for “engaging in conduct that falls short of district expectations” and “communication that demonstrates a lack of professional judgment.”
No charges have been filed, but the district, in a statement issued after Bowe’s firing, said it “will continue to cooperate with investigating authorities including Child Protective Services and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office” regarding any “potential allegations.”
The Facebook posts, largely by former students at Hays High School, showed up on July 8 and accused Bowe of making inappropriate comments and suggestions. Some of the posters attended the school as recently as this year, while other graduated several years ago.
Bowe was placed on administrative leave that day, as the district launched an investigation and reported the matter to CPS and the HCSO.
Bowe was hired as a teacher at Hays High in August 1998. He served in that role until January 2017 when he applied for, and was hired as, the district’s communications specialist in Central Office.
He was also involved in a number of campus activities including the Mr. Rebel pageant, cheerleading sponsor and activities related to Homecoming.
As a communications specialist, he was an at-will employee. However, the district said, because he also holds a teacher certificate, his situation will also be reported to the State Board for Educator Certification.
The district urged any past or present student with knowledge pertinent to Bowe to report it to the HCSO or local law enforcement agency.
“All employees, regardless of position in the district, are subject to the same expectation of the highest standards of professionalism,” the district’s statement read. “The district has strict procedures and policy in place to ensure that allegations, such as those made in the matter, are thoroughly investigated and reported to the proper authorities; and that employees are held to account.”
