Improper Relationship Allegations Outrage Eastland Residents
By: Josh Berry
Updated: February 10, 2012
An investigation into two Eastland ISD employees that put them on administrative leave, has some residents upset.
They said allegations that a bus monitor had an improper relationship with a student is outrageous and hugging between a student and adult is nothing out of the norm.
They were blown away after the allegations came out.
"Total shock and infuriation," was the best Beth King could describe how they felt when they heard the news.
Interactions where a student would give a teacher or employee a hug and possibly even a kiss on the cheek are apparently something that happens all the time within the school system. In fact, trying to stop it, would be hard to accomplish.
King explained pushing a student away from a hug is just unnatural. She said, "We cannot prevent a child from hugging anyone."
The allegations have had a resounding effect through the area. It is more than just King. For the sake of their children's identity, they didn't want to appear on camera, but parents of students who ride this bus route, said their kids are incredibly upset about this.
The women in question are apparently honest people and great with the kids. Beth King has known the employees for a number of years, one of whom since the seventies.
Friday, King spoke for the both of them.
"They are good Christians. They attend church," King said. "They are very well thought of."
She just didn't know why someone made this an issue in the first place.
"Why has it come about? What is the point?"
She apparently had one sneaking suspicion. She undoubtedly believed there was an underlying reason why these two employees had been set up.
"I believe someone wants a bus driving job is what I 100% believe. Yes sir I sure do."
It pulls at her heart to think someone would go to those lengths, in the school system she grew up in.
"I know I have some very disheartening feelings for the school district now," she said, nearly choked up.
According to one of the employees placed on administrative leave, she was told, regardless of how the investigations turn out, she would likely not get her job back.
There are two investigations underway. One through the school district and a criminal investigation through the Eastland Police Department.
"They have ruined two lives, and it's up to us to bring those two individuals back up," King said.
They said allegations that a bus monitor had an improper relationship with a student is outrageous and hugging between a student and adult is nothing out of the norm.
They were blown away after the allegations came out.
"Total shock and infuriation," was the best Beth King could describe how they felt when they heard the news.
Interactions where a student would give a teacher or employee a hug and possibly even a kiss on the cheek are apparently something that happens all the time within the school system. In fact, trying to stop it, would be hard to accomplish.
King explained pushing a student away from a hug is just unnatural. She said, "We cannot prevent a child from hugging anyone."
The allegations have had a resounding effect through the area. It is more than just King. For the sake of their children's identity, they didn't want to appear on camera, but parents of students who ride this bus route, said their kids are incredibly upset about this.
The women in question are apparently honest people and great with the kids. Beth King has known the employees for a number of years, one of whom since the seventies.
Friday, King spoke for the both of them.
"They are good Christians. They attend church," King said. "They are very well thought of."
She just didn't know why someone made this an issue in the first place.
"Why has it come about? What is the point?"
She apparently had one sneaking suspicion. She undoubtedly believed there was an underlying reason why these two employees had been set up.
"I believe someone wants a bus driving job is what I 100% believe. Yes sir I sure do."
It pulls at her heart to think someone would go to those lengths, in the school system she grew up in.
"I know I have some very disheartening feelings for the school district now," she said, nearly choked up.
According to one of the employees placed on administrative leave, she was told, regardless of how the investigations turn out, she would likely not get her job back.
There are two investigations underway. One through the school district and a criminal investigation through the Eastland Police Department.
"They have ruined two lives, and it's up to us to bring those two individuals back up," King said.
