UPDATED: Hays CISD Releases Statement Regarding Substitute Teacher Fired For Assaulting Student

The Hays Consolidated Independent School District fired a substitute teacher Friday for assaulting a 16-year-old, sophomore student.

The assault occurred late Friday afternoon in a foreign language class and was captured on video by several other students in the class.

During the assault, classmates of the 16-year-old girl alerted other adults on campus that the assault was underway. The substitute teacher was immediately removed from the classroom and questioned by school resource officer law enforcement agents. She (the substitute teacher) faces arrest and criminal charges.

“Under no circumstance is that behavior tolerated at Lehman High School or in Hays CISD,” said Lehman Principal Karen Zuniga. “We take the safety and security of our students seriously. We took swift action when this incident occurred and will do everything necessary to protect our students.” In addition to firing the substitute teacher, the district will also report the incident to the Texas Education Agency and cooperate with law enforcement investigators.

The substitute teacher had worked for Hays CISD since August 30, 2019, when she underwent orientation training. Her first substitute job in a classroom in Hays CISD was on September 13, 2019.

She had worked in a classroom in the district a total of 18 times, including Friday. All substitute teachers in Hays CISD, including this former substitute, are required to undergo and pass fingerprint criminal background checks in order to work in the classroom.

“We are appalled at the actions of this former employee,” said Tim Savoy, Chief Communication Officer for Hays CISD. “There is absolutely no excuse or circumstance that can justify what you see unfold on the video. It is unconscionable what this adult did to one of our students.”

On November 8, 2019, at approximately 3:44 PM, Hays County Sheriff’s Office school resource officers received information of an assault that just occurred in one of the classrooms at Lehman High School, located in Kyle, Texas.

The incident involved a guest teacher and a 16-year-old female student. The deputies arrived and after interviewing several students and reviewing several videos, the teacher was placed into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault, a second-degree felony.

The guest teacher was identified as Tiffani Shadell Lankford Date of Birth: 07-21-1987 The victim was released to her father who took her to a local hospital for evaluation and Lankford was transported to the Hays County Jail where she awaits magistration tomorrow morning. This is an ongoing investigation and no further information can be released at this time.

If residents believe they have information regarding this case contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896 and speak with the Criminal Investigations Division or you may contact the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS.

Residents may also submit information electronically from the link on the Hays County Crime Stoppers website or by using the free smartphone application from any smartphone.

The application is P3tips.com. Information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminal suspect(s) may be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $1,000. All calls are confidential and callers will remain anonymous. Tipsters do not have to give their name or testify in court.