Judson Independent School District is under investigation by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for alleged threats and failure to report child abuse. The investigation involves Board President Monica Ryan and former Superintendent Milton “Rob” Fields III.

Allegations

Among the nine allegations outlined by TEA, Fields is accused of failing to report the abuse of a student by a certified educator. Ryan is accused of threatening the superintendent and other trustees.

A TEA spokesperson confirmed the investigation, stating that it is ongoing and that the agency cannot comment further. A Judson ISD spokesperson also confirmed the investigation, citing that it is ongoing and that the district cannot comment on the allegations.

TEA is investigating whether Ryan engaged in conduct that prevented trustees from exercising independent judgment, as well as took action that undermined Fields’ authority and interfered with administrative functions. The state also alleges Fields failed to notify the school board of an active TEA investigation and a pending court case involving a principal’s failure to report child abuse.

Fields was terminated in April, which Ryan attributed to a failure to manage the district’s finances appropriately, allowing district academic ratings to decline, failing to report child abuse, and more. Fields said those reasons were “fabricated” in a letter obtained by KSAT shortly after his termination.

TEA also said staff failed to report the abuse of a middle school student by a teacher to the Department of Family and Protective Services or local law enforcement. School board trustees are also accused of engaging in off-site, non-public deliberations regarding decisions related to superintendent employment and interim leadership.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.