Latest news with #DeSotoISD
CBS News
18 hours ago
- CBS News
Parents in DeSoto outraged over delayed disclosure of alleged sexual assault of a student
Outrage is growing in DeSoto after allegations surfaced that a substitute teacher sexually assaulted a student months ago, with the community only now learning of the incident. The accused, who has since been fired, was employed at Ruby Young STEAM Academy, which serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Local advocates and parents are questioning why the DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) did not inform the public sooner. Parents left in the dark Bryson Lanier Newton, 23, of Glenn Heights CBS News Texas "They're shocked. They were surprised," said Deputy Bryan Woodard, a Tarrant County officer who runs a widely followed local social media page. Woodard said parents often reach out to him when they feel unheard by officials. "A lot of people still couldn't believe it," he said. "But the main thing is, how come nobody said anything at all?" District responds to allegations According to a DeSoto ISD spokesperson, the substitute teacher was "removed from all assignments and permanently barred from returning to any DeSoto schools campus." In a statement dated June 3, the district confirmed it was notified in December 2024 of "an alleged inappropriate incident involving this individual and a student." The district said it is preparing to offer support to the student and family, acknowledging the broader impact on the school community. Social media sparks awareness Woodard said the district made no public effort to inform the community until he began sharing details of the arrest on his Facebook page, "The Everyday Life of Deputy Bryan Woodard." "I am not an officer for DeSoto. I'm a county cop," he said. "But still, that being said, no matter who it is, something needed to be said-especially when it comes to children." Investigation and arrest DeSoto police confirmed the investigation and arrest, stating that authorities were alerted after the student made an outcry. Following the investigation, charges were filed and an arrest was made. According to public records shared by Woodard, 23-year-old Bryson Lanier Newton of Glenn Heights was arrested in March. He faces charges of improper relationship between an educator and student, as well as a second felony charge of sexual assault (sodomy). Call for transparency "Yes, I put a picture up for his face to be sprayed everywhere," Woodard said. "If you know this person, talk with your children to see if there's anything they need to tell you." Jail records show the accused posted bond and was released in March.
Axios
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
What's on the May 3 ballot in Dallas-Fort Worth
Election day is Saturday, and city council and school board positions are up for grabs across North Texas. Why it matters: Local elections determine who makes decisions about taxes, schools, land use, roads, parks and libraries. Many municipalities and school districts in Texas hold a general or special election in May of odd-numbered years to elect their local officials. State of polls: Saturday's election includes mayoral races in Fort Worth, Plano and McKinney. Dallas will have at least four new City Council members after the election. Plano voters will cast ballots on the city's largest-ever bond referendum, which includes propositions for parks and library upgrades, a new police headquarters and road construction. Frisco voters will weigh in on a proposed performing arts center. The bond money would fund roughly half of the project. DeSoto ISD is seeking voter approval to renovate its schools and athletic facilities. Between the lines: Conservative Christians have poured money into school board and city council races in recent years. An Irving political action committee that says it embodies traditional family values and has previously challenged certain library books has endorsed three candidates for Saturday's City Council election, per KERA.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DeSoto ISD bans backpacks at secondary schools for week before Spring Break
The Brief Backpacks will not be allowed at DeSoto ISD secondary campuses this week. The district says the move is "out of an abundance of caution." Spring Break is scheduled for next week. DESOTO - DeSoto ISD is banning all backpacks on its secondary campuses this week. What we know DeSoto ISD is implementing the no-backpacks rule starting on Monday, March 3 and running through Friday, March 7. The district says the change is to reduce any "potential distractions and concerns" heading into Spring Break the following week. Students who forget and bring a backpack will not be allowed to store them on campus, and will have to go back home. The district says the move was out of an abundance of caution. Security staff will be in place and visible all week. The district is also asking parents to pick up students as close to the end of school as possible. What they're saying "DeSoto ISD is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is safe and productive and that supports the criminal prosecution of any individual who threatens harm to our students, staff, and campuses," said DeSoto ISD in a news release. The Source Information in this article comes from DeSoto ISD.
