Millsap ISD superintendent resigns after arrest, allegations educators abused student with autism
Embroiled in controversy after a video surfaced showing educators allegedly hitting a 10-year-old student with autism, the superintendent of Millsap Independent School District resigned, the school board announced Monday.
Only three minutes into the meeting, the board announced that Edie Martin signed a termination agreement, effective immediately. In an executive session, the board accepted her resignation with a unanimous 6-0 vote.
"This is definitely a win, they did the right thing," said Carissa Cornelius, whose 10-year-old son, Alex was seen in the video.
Martin and two Millsap Elementary School educators, Jennifer Dale and Paxton Bean were arrested after the video surfaced online and went viral. Martin is accused of trying to hide the alleged incident that was caught on camera.
The video showed 10-year-old Alex, who is non-verbal, appearing to be slapped by his special education teacher. He then walks over to the paraprofessional, who allegedly begins yelling at Alex and then hitting him with an object and throwing it at him.
The accusations led to an investigation by the Texas Education Agency and the Parker County Sheriff's Office.
Parents and teachers held a rally before the board meeting Monday night and last week, dozens of angry parents, family members and friends spoke at a Friday morning board meeting, hoping for the superintendent's removal.
Dale was charged with official oppression, meaning she intentionally mocked, mistreated and tormented the victim. Bean was also charged with official oppression and injury to a child with intentional bodily injury. Martin was charged with failure to report, and intent to conceal the abuse allegations.
Cornelius said that now she's focused on healing for her son.
"It was just relief and I am so glad they listened," said Cornelius. "The district is much better off."
Both the elementary school's principal and assistant principal were previously placed on administrative leave. The board decided Monday night to reinstate the assistant principal with limited authority and voted to hire a third-party investigator to look into the actions of the two educators.
