Canyon Independent School District (CISD) has released a public statement regarding an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct involving a former staff member at West Plains High School. The district confirmed it was notified on Sunday of an incident that reportedly took place over the weekend.
While CISD has not disclosed the nature of the allegation, the district stated it immediately launched an internal investigation in coordination with the Amarillo Police Department. As of Thursday, the individual involved is no longer employed by the district.
“This past Sunday, Canyon ISD was made aware of an allegation involving a staff member at West Plains High School,” the district said in a prepared statement. “The allegation is tied to an incident that occurred over the weekend. In response, the district began working closely with law enforcement to investigate the matter.”
The district emphasized its commitment to student safety and legal compliance, noting that no additional details could be shared due to privacy laws and the active status of the investigation.
Jurisdictional Shift in Investigation
While the initial outcry report was made in Amarillo, Amarillo Police Department officials determined that the incident occurred in Tulia. As a result, the case has been referred to the Tulia Police Department for further investigation.
Tulia Police Chief Paul Brown confirmed that the report involves an allegation of “unwanted contact.” While specifics remain unavailable due to the ongoing investigation, Chief Brown said the alleged offense is currently classified as a Class C misdemeanor — the lowest level of criminal offense in Texas, comparable to a traffic violation.
Due to the nature of the charge and the early stage of the inquiry, it is unclear whether additional charges may be pursued or if further disciplinary action beyond termination will be taken.
District Response and Community Context
In its public communication, Canyon ISD reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stating:
“Canyon ISD takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. Student safety is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with authorities and will continue to follow all district policies and legal requirements.”
The incident has stirred concern within the community, especially as it comes amid other misconduct-related investigations in nearby school districts, including Stratford ISD. These overlapping cases have reignited broader conversations among parents, school officials, and education advocates about staff vetting procedures, professional conduct training, and the importance of trust between school communities and educators.
Although CISD has not provided a timeline for future updates, the district pledged to communicate further details when legally permissible and when it will not interfere with the investigative process.
