Clarendon Independent School District officials announced Monday that an employee was arrested following an investigation into an alleged improper relationship with a student.
According to the district, administrators received a report on June 1 indicating that a school employee “may have engaged in educator misconduct” involving a student. After receiving the report, Clarendon ISD notified the Donley County Sheriff’s Office and other appropriate authorities, placed the employee on leave, and launched an internal investigation.
District officials said the Donley County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that the employee had been arrested in connection with an alleged “improper relationship between an educator and a student.”
The Donley County Sheriff’s Office identified the accused employee as Izaiah Micheal Kelley, who is listed by the district as a football, track and basketball coach. Sheriff Butch Blackburn said Kelley was arrested June 1 in connection with an incident reported to have occurred May 21.
Court records cited by authorities show Kelley was arraigned June 5 and released later that day after posting $30,000 bail.
In a public statement, Clarendon ISD emphasized its commitment to student safety and cooperation with authorities throughout the investigation.
“Student safety and proper professional relationships between staff and students are top priorities to Clarendon ISD. Inappropriate relationships or misconduct between District employees and students or minors are never tolerated,” district officials said. “The District strictly enforces its student and anti-harassment policies and requires professional conduct from all staff. Employees receive regular training regarding proper professional relationships, appropriate communications, and proper boundaries with students.”
District officials also stated that Clarendon ISD “will continue to cooperate to the fullest extent permitted” with law enforcement, the Texas Education Agency and any other agencies involved in matters related to educator misconduct.
The district encouraged community members to report any concerns involving potential misconduct by school employees.
“The Clarendon ISD administration encourages anyone with concerns of misconduct or a suspected improper relationship between a staff member and a student to immediately contact the Superintendent’s office or law enforcement,” the statement continued.
Officials noted that state and federal laws prohibit the district from releasing personally identifiable student information or confidential personnel information. Clarendon ISD said it will not comment further on the case and directed additional inquiries to the Donley County Sheriff’s Office.
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