A former employee of Conroe Independent School District (ISD) has been arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child, prompting immediate action from the district, according to KHOU. The allegations against Kesean Carter, who worked briefly at Oak Ridge High School, located at 27330 Oak Ridge School Rd, Conroe, TX 77385, have raised significant concerns among parents and the community.
Carter served as a paraprofessional at Oak Ridge High School for less than a month before being terminated on Thursday, September 19, 2024, amid the ongoing investigation. Prior to this role, he worked as a substitute teacher in the district from late January to May of 2024.
In a letter sent to parents, Conroe ISD expressed deep sorrow and outrage regarding the situation. The district emphasized that Carter’s actions do not reflect the values of its dedicated staff. Principal Shawn Almond reassured parents that student safety remains the district's highest priority.
Principal Almond addressed the community directly, stating, “I want you to hear directly from me accurate information about what has happened.” He confirmed that Carter was arrested after an investigation led by the Conroe ISD Police Department. Almond highlighted the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment and underscored the professionalism of the school's staff.
The district encourages parents to reach out if their children have any information related to the investigation. They can contact the Conroe ISD Police Department at 936.709.8911 for further assistance.
This situation has left many in the community shocked and concerned, as the district works to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
In the wake of alarming allegations involving a former Conroe ISD employee, we spoke with Texas child sex abuse lawyer Anjali Nigam. She shared vital information about the legal rights available to students who experience sex abuse by teachers and outlines how parents can hold negligent parties accountable. This conversation aims to empower families with knowledge and resources in the face of such troubling circumstances.
Editor Darla Medina: Explain what legal rights students have if they are sexually abused by a teacher or paraprofessional.
Attorney Anjali Nigam: Absolutely, Darla. Students have the right to a safe educational environment. If abuse occurs, they can pursue civil action against the perpetrator and potentially the school district if negligence is proven. This includes the right to seek compensation for emotional and physical harm.
Medina: What does negligence look like in these cases?
Nigam: Negligence can manifest in various ways, such as failing to conduct proper background checks or ignoring red flags about an employee's behavior. If a school does not take reasonable steps to protect students, they may be held liable.
Medina: What steps should parents take if they suspect their child has been abused?
Nigam: Parents should report any suspicions immediately to law enforcement and the school administration. It’s also important to seek legal counsel to understand their rights and the best course of action moving forward.
Medina: Thank you for your valuable insights, Anjali. This issue is incredibly important for the safety of students.
Nigam: Thank you for having me, Darla. It's vital that we continue to advocate for the protection of children in our schools.
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse in an educational setting, it’s important to seek help. Our team is here to provide support and guidance during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and explore your options. You don’t have to navigate this alone; we’re here to help you every step of the way.