Hays CISD Investigates 4th-Grade Teacher For Allegedly Using ‘Demeaning Language’ With Students

NOTE: Hays CISD only provided a portion of the statement from the first complaint against Willey referencing her calling a student “a bump on a log.” Corridor News did not receive a copy of the audio recording or of the initial complaint due to the investigation. The statement is taken directly from a statement issued to the media and to parents regarding the investigation. 

Staff Reports

Hays Consolidated Independent School District has placed a Camino Real Elementary School 4^th Grade teacher on administrative pending an investigation into allegations for “demeaning language” and “a belligerent tone” with her students.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, a student reported Kathryn Willey to the campus principal for the behavior and provided audio recordings, which are believed to be of Willey addressing her students.

Camino Real Elementary administration communicated with the parents of students in the classroom about Willey’s suspension on Thursday, Feb. 20, and shared the news with the campus’ remaining parents Monday morning. 

Principal Yvette Soliz announced the decision to assign a different teacher, Lora Friedli, to the fourth-grade class for the remainder of the year regardless of the investigation’s outcome. 

The district said Willey has been a teacher at Camino Real Elementary since August 2013; during the Fall 2019 semester, the district received one other complaint against her for an inappropriate remark.

According to the district, the complaint filed alleged Willey called a student “a bump on a log”; the concern was investigated and addressed with the teacher. 

Kxan reported the first complaint against Willey stated she had called a student “as dumb as a bump on a log.” 

The district said in a statement, “If found to be an accurate representation of what has occurred in her classroom, the new audio recordings show a much more significant level of unacceptable language and tone. Hays CISD strives to provide students with safe and nurturing environments where they are encouraged to learn and grow. All students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, with no exception.”