DALLAS - Forney ISD has agreed to a federal civil settlement while a former principal and teacher face criminal charges in what prosecutors described as the first enforcement actions under a new North Texas initiative targeting the concealment and underreporting of educator misconduct.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould announced the launch of Project Safe Schools, an initiative involving federal and state agencies that will focus on mandatory reporting requirements and student safety in North Texas public schools.
The U.S. Attorney's Office cited Texas Education Agency data showing more than 9,720 educator misconduct investigations were opened during the past two years, resulting in hundreds of disciplinary actions and placements on the state's Do Not Hire registry.
"Protecting children is not optional, it is the law," Raybould said. "We will support those who follow their obligations and put students first, and we will rigorously pursue accountability for anyone who conceals misconduct or allows harm to continue."
Forney ISD agrees to settlement
As part of the initiative's first round of enforcement actions, Forney ISD agreed to pay $14,308 to resolve allegations that the district submitted false or misleading certifications concerning its compliance with mandatory reporting requirements while applying for federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The district also agreed to implement additional compliance measures intended to prevent future reporting failures and strengthen student protections.
Federal prosecutors said the amount of the settlement reflected Forney ISD's decision to come forward and cooperate with authorities.
The settlement resolves civil allegations and does not constitute a determination that Forney ISD was civilly liable.
Former principal and teacher charged
In a separate criminal case connected to the district, former Principal Wendy Bailey and teacher Michael Roell, who prosecutors said is also known as Johnathan Michael, have been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Federal prosecutors allege Bailey and Roell participated in efforts to conceal Roell's previous arrest and falsify hiring documents.
Authorities also allege they facilitated a legal name change for Roell to evade background checks, allowing him to obtain a special education teaching position despite what prosecutors described as repeated misconduct concerns.
The charges are allegations, and Bailey and Roell are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, Texas Education Agency, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers and Kaufman County District Attorney's Office participated in the investigation.
Federal prosecutors ask other districts to review records
The U.S. Attorney's Office is also asking public school districts across North Texas to review their educator misconduct reporting practices for the previous five years.
Districts that discover they may have failed to submit required reports, concealed educator misconduct or inaccurately certified compliance while receiving federal education funding are being encouraged to disclose the issues through the new Project Safe Schools Voluntary Disclosure pathway.
Federal prosecutors said timely voluntary disclosures will be considered under Department of Justice guidelines when determining how potential violations are handled.
