In August, Texans first learned of a situation in Rockwall Independent School District that touched their hearts.
A brave family came forward after many months of silence to express concern regarding a whole new flock of innocent preschoolers entering a school in which one of its teachers was alleged to have sexually abused their child the previous school year.
Members of the public came to speak at back-to-back Rockwall ISD board meetings regarding the continued employment of the accused teacher and to make requests for improvements by the district.
The board’s response was to permit the district to reframe the narrative through a public “safety” presentation. The public relations “spin” left many ill at ease.
In shock, local parents shared their experience with concerned citizens outside their community.
Watching the Rockwall ISD board meetings, what first stood out to parent advocates around the state was the compelling courage and tenacity of members of the public who spoke out in defense of children and their authentic safety.
The second most common response was the incredulity over the relative silence of the board on the issue, with one notable exception.
Observers attended to the response of Rockwall ISD Trustee Stan Britton, a former pastor, who expressed concern and a desire to be able to do more during the August 19 board meeting.
So, two weeks ago, we wrote Trustee Britton, copying each one of his colleagues, and offered to work with him and the board to make their district a safer place for children, parents, and teachers with concerns.
Unfortunately, despite a second outreach, we did not receive a response from Trustee Britton. Neither did we receive a response from President Amy Hilton or Trustees Frank Conselman, Grant DuBois, Bart Miller, Sherry Packer, or Jim White—all of whom swore oaths of office in service of the residents of Rockwall ISD.
So, we’re publishing our letter to Stan Britton and the Rockwall ISD School Board as an open letter to concerned citizens of Texas. We believe it is critical for our state’s school boards to begin to understand the power and authority that they have and to begin partnering with parents and organizations like ours who can accompany those board members who truly seek the greatest good.
Trustees, you have the power and the authority to do better for students and families in your communities; and we have some ideas that will help you.
Across the state, we see so many squandered opportunities to put children, parents, and teachers first. We believe we can change that if we work together, understand the law, and embrace what public service at a school board level could and should be.
Here is our letter, sent to the entire Rockwall ISD school board, dated September 14, 2024.
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