The Courts
Texas Fourth Court of Appeals (San Antonio)
Elementary Teacher Wins Termination Appeal
Against ISD and Education Commissioner
Upheld: A state judge’s ruling that because an ISD skipped a legal step in firing a continuing contract teacher — and because the education commissioner misapplied the same law in denying the teacher’s appeal — the district must rehire the teacher and pay her back pay and benefits. North East ISD and Texas Commissioner of Education v. Dehann Riou, No. 04-17-00592-CV. Issued July 25.
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U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Special-Ed Student Mistreatment Suit Dismissed
Upheld: A federal judge’s ruling that an ISD is not liable for the alleged years-long physical mistreatment of a special-ed student by his longtime teacher. PlainsCapital Bank vs. Keller ISD, No. 16-11802. Issued Aug. 17 (revised Aug. 20).
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U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
ISD Loses Special-Ed Attorney Fee Appeal
Upheld: A federal judge’s order that an ISD must pay the parents of a special-ed student $70,000 in attorney fees. Krawietz, et al. v. Galveston ISD, No. 17-40461. Issued Aug. 17.
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Texas Third Court of Appeals (Austin)
Commissioner Must Reconsider Appeal
Of Assistant Principal Whose Contract Expired
Upheld: A state judge’s ruling that the education commissioner should reconsider an appeal by an assistant principal whose contract was not renewed. Texas Commissioner of Education and Mission Cons. ISD v. Dr. Maria Solis, No. 03-18-00245-CV. Issued Aug. 22.
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