A band director in Killeen Independent School District resigned amid an investigation into his alleged “inappropriate communication” with a student, after police found photos on his phone of school-age children that raised suspicions.
Tyler Duane Claycomb was an associate band director at Harker Heights High School in Killeen ISD.
King Davis, the lone finalist for superintendent of Killeen ISD, notified HHHS families on Friday that Claycomb had been placed on administrative leave on November 3 and had subsequently resigned.
Davis stated that band families had been notified on Monday about the investigation into Claycomb.
“On Monday, the school notified families of students in the band program that Associate Director of Bands, Mr. Tyler Claycomb, was placed on administrative leave after allegations surfaced of inappropriate communication with a student—a violation of district policy,” wrote Davis.
Since Monday, the Killeen ISD Police Department has continued its investigation and found evidence of inappropriate photos on Mr. Claycomb’s phone. The images appear to include school-aged individuals, and law enforcement officers will contact parents if it’s determined their child is involved.
Mr. Claycomb has since resigned and is no longer employed by Killeen ISD. Like all district employees, he passed all required background checks before being hired. The current allegations involve actions that took place after his employment began.
“Student safety and well-being remain our highest priorities,” he added.
Davis advised parents to talk with their students about any interactions, communications, or concerns they may have had with Claycomb.
He also advised anyone with information to contact the Killeen ISD Police Department. However, under a new state law, school district officials are required to report misconduct allegations to an outside law enforcement agency.
No charges have been filed against Claycomb, and his teaching certificate is not under review by the Texas Education Agency.
Over the past few years, hundreds of Texas educators have been accused of sexual misconduct in school districts across the state—including Killeen ISD.
In September, two unnamed Aycock Middle School employees were placed on leave over alleged “inappropriate conversations and unprofessional conduct involving students.”
The Killeen Daily Herald reported on September 10 that 12 district employees had been placed on administrative leave just since the August 13 start of the school year.
The TEA has received thousands of educator sexual misconduct complaints.
