BISD legal drama continues to stack as TEA launches investigation

Another lawsuit was recently filed against Beaumont Independent School District, this time by attorney Michael Getz, who usually represents the plaintiffs suing the district.

Getz filed his petition for injunction and declaratory judgment against BISD on June 13 in Jefferson County District Court.

The petition asserts Paula Herrington, a BISD employee, is seeking “15 minutes of fame” by issuing a grievance against Trustee Mike Neil and alleging that the board member is creating a hostile work environment.

The petition seeks to enjoin BISD from holding a special meeting over the grievance, which Getz claims would make a mockery out of board meetings.

This is only the most recent suit against BISD.

As previously reported, on June 4 a high school senior sued BISD, alleging an official conspired to manipulate academic rankings and keep her from becoming class salutatorian.

A few days prior, BISD teacher Dr. Velina Johnson had filed suit against the district and Superintendent Timothy Chargois, seeking to end the alleged violations of her constitutional rights.

In her suit, filed May 31 in Jefferson County District Court, Johnson alleges BISD officials began retaliating against her after questioning why students stamped with an exemplary rating had trouble reading at their grade level.

According to channel 12News, the Texas Education Agency launched a Special Accreditation Investigation of BISD last Friday.

TEA is apparently investigating financial accounting of the district, allegations of improper test administration procedures and concerns about student attendance accounting, the news report states.

Getz is representing himself in his suit against the District.

Court records show the case has been transferred to Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court.

Case No. A194-444