Progreso ISD says it can’t comment on a security officer whose employment at the district was terminated after allegations were reported by a parent.
Dorothy Thompson Middle School Principal Yulia Molina told the district’s board at its May 24 meeting that sometime earlier in the month a parent reported a concern about one of the school’s two security guards.
“Immediately I did investigate — it was something that could not wait — I investigated right away and action was taken immediately,” Molina said. “He was immediately suspended and then after that he was terminated. But there was a thorough investigation done and the decision was made to terminate the security officer.”
Molina referred questions about the incident to the district’s administration.
The Monitor asked Superintendent Sergio Coronado in writing about the nature of the allegations and whether they resulted in any sort of law enforcement involvement.
Coronado said legal counsel advised against commenting on the issue because it’s a personnel matter.
He did say that the district hires its own guards rather than relying on an outside contractor.
Molina reported to the board that the officer that was not terminated but resigned last a few days before the meeting.
“So as of now, we do not have a security officer in-house,” she said, noting that an individual had been assigned as a temporary security guard at the school and that it was seeking permanent replacements. She also said a district police officer makes rounds at the school.
Molina also noted that the school has made physical safety improvements.
A new door security system that is helping to keep the facility locked up during the day, she said, although staff is still adjusting to that system.
“I know last week there was a report; Mr. Coronado called me about an incident where a staff member put a doorstop in the mid-entrance door and so I followed up right away. I investigated and it was addressed immediately,” she said. “Because I was like, ‘What is the purpose of having a door security system if we’re going to be leaving the doors open?’”
