Investigation 731Brenda Smith

Jasper High School Administrative Intern

Investigators: Bart Rosebure and Larry Frazier4-7-10

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Plano ISD Personnel Report

Plano ISO Personnel Report

Personal InformationName:SSN:File #:

Smith, Brenda

731

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Plano Independent School DistrictInvestigative Report Form

CONFIDENTIAL

Investigative Index Control Number: 731

Date Investigative Report Completed: 4-7-10

Investigator Assigned: Bart Rosebure and Larry Frazier

Investigative Report Completed By: Bart Rosebure and Larry Frazier

Specific Issues To Be Investigated:

i. Did a Plano ISD employee fail to follow a directive?2. Was a Plano ISD employee dishonest with a Plano ISD executive?3. Did a Plano ISD employee inappropriately communicate personnel

information to another employee?4. Did a Plano ISD employee make a malicious statement about another

employee without factual basis?5. If said actions occurred, were they a violation of district policy?

District Employee Accused: Brenda Smith Employee ID #:

OVERVIEW:

On or about 6-26-09, Jasper High School conducted employment interviews for theposition of Assistant PrincipaL. Plano Senior High Sub-School Principal Tracy Ryersonwas granted an interview. The interview was conducted by a committee of staff membersfrom Jasper High SchooL. It was alleged that Jasper High School Administrative Intern

Brenda Smith provided Ms. Ryerson with information regarding the interviews. Ms.Smith was not on the interview committee, and it is believed that Ms. Smith obtainedinformation regarding the interviews from Jasper High School Assistant Principal DennisRandall Chaddick.

On or about 3-1-10, Area Assistant Superintendent Patty Meyer and Executive Directorof Human Resources Tamira Griffin spoke to Ms. Ryerson.

On or about 2-24-10, Mrs. Meyer and Mrs. Griffin met with Jasper High SchoolAdministrative Intern Brenda Smith. It was alleged that Ms. Smith was dishonest andfailed to comply with a directive from Mrs. Griffin.

Ms. Smith was placed on administrative leave, and an investigation was authorized.

INVESTIGATIVE RESULTSIWITNESSES AND TO WHAT THEYWILL TESTIFY:

On or about 3-22-10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Plano Senior High Sub-SchoolPrincipal Tracy Ryerson. Prior to this investigation Ms. Ryerson submitted a writtenstatement and her cell phone records to Mrs. Meyer and Mrs. Griffin. I displayed a copyof the written statement and cell phone records to Ms. Ryerson. She recognized thestatement and cell phone records as hers. Ms. Reyerson indicated that she voluntarilysubmitted her cell phone records for this investigation.

During the interview Ms. Ryerson indicated that she felt the need for protection. Mr.Frazier and I attempted to ascertain why Ms. Ryerson feIt like she needed protection.When we interviewed Ms. Ryerson she indicated that she did not have access to the pressbox at the football games. Ms. Ryerson said that she did not have computer access tocomputer software at PSHS that she needed. Ms. Ryerson said that Associate PrincipalGlen Davis yelled at her. Ms. Ryerson indicated that an incident occurred in her personallife that she felt Sub-School Principal Karin Ball was insensitive about, regarding Ms.Ryerson's attendance at work.

Ms. Ryerson indicated that she felt like Jasper High School Administrative Intern BrendaSmith was trying to get her to leave PSHS so that Ms. Smith could take Ms. Ryerson'sposition at Plano Senior High SchooL.

Ms. Ryerson indicated that Ms. Smith told her that Mr. Chaddick was providing Ms.Smith with information regarding the people interviewing for the Jasper High Schoolassistant principal position.

Ms. Ryerson indicated that she was uncomfortable with the amount of communicationthat Ms. Smith had with her regarding the interview process. Ms. Ryerson said that shespoke to Mrs. Ball about the information. Ms. Ryerson said that she and Mrs. Ball calledJasper High School Principal Jeff Gasaway and notified him that Ms. Smith sharedinformation about the interviews that had been conducted at Jasper High School for theassistant principal position.

Ms. Ryerson indicated that she was asked to speak to Mrs. Meyers and Mrs. Griffinregarding the matter.

Ms. Ryerson submitted the following statement to Mrs. Griffin. " Dear Ms. Griffin, 1 amwriting this statement in response to our meeting with Patty Meyer this afternoon. I amrequesting protection from any retaliation in relation to this matter with not only BrendaSmith but people 1 currently work with. 1 also do not wish to have any repercussions. It

is my wish to promote through the district and to be successfùl in my career. My loyaltiesare to Plano Independent School District. It is not my intention to cause harm to Brenda.

Brenda may have perceived her actions as an attempt to assist me. The situation has

bothered me consistently throughout the school year for reasons 1 explained during ourmeeting. I am providing copies of my cell phone bill to show the continuous contact. Iam also requesting an open records request on my office phone, 469-752-9412. I believethe initial call made to me was on this phone. I am also requesting an open recordsrequest on Brenda Smith's office phone to show I made no attempt to contact her prior toher initial call to me. This should clear up any misconception on who made initialcontact and when.

I have rewritten my statement after our meeting to clear up many questions. lfirst met

Brenda Smith at the Beginning Administrator Meetings with Larry Guinn. I did not sit

with or socialize with Brenda during these meetings. I sat with Johnny Cotton fromPlano East and Marlyss from Plano West. I left directly after each meeting and reportedback to campus. I recall one specific time when I saw Brenda in truancy court; however,do not recall having any specific conversation with her. I often speak with otheradministrators whom 1 do not know personally due to the amount of time we spendwaiting for our students to go before the judge. I do know I did not establish a social

friendship with Brenda nor did I contact her by phone. My next encounter with Brendawas when she represented Jasper High School at a Plano Senior High School meeting.The discussion surrounded around students who would attend Plano during the 2009-10school year and required special attention. Brenda presented her list of students and tomy knowledge, left the campus. I did not socialize with her or meet with her after thismeeting.I attended the TASSP meeting with Dr. Dean and Plano administrators during the firsttwo weeks of June. Dr. Dean advised me of an Assistant Principal of Curriculumposition at Jasper High School. He stated he felt I was a good match for this positionand would support me in interviewing for this position. I spoke with Jeff

Gasaway duringa professional development session. He stated he would contact me when we returned toPlano to schedule the interview. Brenda contacted me after the interview was scheduledand stated she would assist me in planning for the interview and assisted me inanswering questions. She discussed her experiences regarding interviews at Plano Eastand what she perceived Jasper High School was looking for. After reviewing my cell

phone bill, it appears as though this call was made to my office phone. 1 thought Brendawas trying to be helpful since she was friends with Tracy Franco and Tracy was aware 1submitted my resume as a candidate for the position. Mr. Gasaway cancelled the firstappointment and stated he would need to reschedule. I cannot recall the exact timeline;however, didfind a callfrom Brenda to me on June 22,2009 at 8:30am. lam unclear asto if this is the initial call or the call she made after Mr. Gasaway rescheduled. My cell

phone bills support I did not contact Brenda at any time prior to this date in the month ofJune. I also provided my April and May 2009 bills to support the fact 1 never contactedBrenda in any way or form prior to my interview.Brenda contacted me several times prior to the interview. She contacted me to find outwhy the initial interview was cancelled. I stated 1 didn't know why. I communicated thatMr. Gasaway stated he would reschedule. I do not recall the exact time lines but do knowBrenda contacted me to state that Mr. Gasaway was interviewing two African Americanfemales, a Hispanic female from Garland or Mesquite, and me. She also shared one ofthe females was a dean at the middle school level. I am not sure if this is true but these

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comments led me to talk to Tracy Franco. I considered removing my name from the listbecause Brenda shared they were looking for a minority. I believe the man that left wasa Hispanic male. I told Tracy and Karin Ball I did not want to expend the time andenergy in preparing for an interview if Jasper was looking for a minority to balance theteam. Tracy assured me I was qualified and, in her opinion, had a very good chance atobtaining the po~ition. Brenda contacted me several times prior to my interview. Iresponded because I truly felt she was trying to help me. I was excited at the opportunity

to work at Jasper High School. She communicated her desire to work at Plano SeniorHigh School and stated that Dr. Dean and Tracy would hire her if I got thejob at Jasper.She said it was a win-win situation. I was not in the position to know if Dr. Dean wouldhire her if I obtained the position at Jasper but I am sure I agreed this was a positivesituation. I believe the interview occurred on June 26, 2009. Please confirm this withMr. Gasaway. I am relying on phone records to prompt me with the dates. Brendacalled me on June 26, 2009 at I ;03pm. I do not recall specifics about the call other thanshe told me that Mr. Gasaway had isolated her from this process. She stated that Randall

was calling her between interviews to update her on what was happening. Pleaseunderstand I have no way of confirming if Randall actually did this. This is what I wastold. I clearly recall Brenda telling me the Hispanic female was doing a phone interviewwhile driving her daughter to college. I assumed this meant I did not need to worry.

Brenda contacted me several times during the day while I was preparing for theinterview. I did return calls I missed. 1 do not recall any other specific comments beingmade. I was so excited and nervous for this interview and honestly wanted the position. I

thought she was trying to help but found it odd she was talking to Randall and that Mr.Gasaway had so removed her from the interview process. I do not recall how 1 learnedthat a situation occurred between Brenda and Mr. Gasaway last spring but do believeshe made mention to it during the phone calls. I do not have specifics as to whathappened. I just knew of a situation. Brenda sent several friendly text messagesinquiring on how the interview went. I communicated 1 felt it went well and that Mr.Gasaway stated he would contact me on Monday. I do recall Brenda stating that Randall

told her that Mr. Gasaway shared with the interview team that he interviewed me when Iwas going through the principal pool interview process, 1 interviewed well, and Iappeared to be the best candidate (at least on paper). Brenda's communication mademe to believe I more than likely ascertained the position at Jasper. I do rememberBrenda asking me to call her on Monday when I heard something. I corresponded withBrenda due to the fact I thought the communication was genuine and encouraging. Ispoke with Mr. Gasaway at or around 2:42 pm. I took the news that 1 did not obtain thep.ositJ2n very hard. 1 truly thought I interviewed well and would be selected. I was at my(l i)house throughout the entire process. I was very discouraged. Brenda and I spokefrequently on Monday as I anticipated Mr. Gasaway's call. I texted her that I did not getthe position and was asked to call her to talk about what happened. This was a brief call

due to the fact I took the news hard. Brenda was very supportive and stated she felt bad.

1 included the entire phone bill to show there was no additional contact throughout thistime frame. 1 told myliiiiiiiièind boyfriend 1 felt uncomfortable with the content of many ofher text messages. Both have stated you are welcome to call them as to their recollectionof the events. Myliiìiiiiiiiiiiiame is Ë 18 Her phone number i.illl lJMyboyfriend's name '(;R;y"'bert Garcia. His number is 972-979-7304. Both individuals know

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1 did not have a social friendship with Brenda prior to this process. I honestly lookedforward to the opportunity to work with Mr. Gasaway and Jasper High School. While Itook the failure to obtain the position hard, I understood Mr. Gasaway and his teamdetermined I was not the best fit. 1 understood that; however, felt like 1 was built up tobelieve I was the best candidate by Brenda.I did not see Brenda until the principal meetings at the beginning of the school year. Shesat with me during part of the meeting and discussed her desire to become an assistantprincipal. She asked me to not share what occurred during the Jasper interview with

anyone - repeatedly. I believe text messages were sent in encouragement at ascertainingan assistant principal position but over time it became clear it was her main objective toget me to leave Plano so she could fill my position. She has repeatedly shared with methat if ¡left Dr. Dean and Tracy will put her in my position. During this timeframe Ididn't find it odd she wished to return to Plano Senior High School to work as anassistant principal. Ijust didn't know how much she wanted my position. Brendaperiodically made contact with me throughout the school year. The only time she madecontact was to sharejob openings she found. It made me uncomfortable. I shared thiswith Karin Ball, my secretary, my if iJand my boyfriend. The job openings were notlimited to Plano. They were outside Plano also. I recall one conversation where I told

Brenda I was not interested in leaving Plano at this time (district or school). I was happyand wanted some consistency. Brenda shared with me she talked to Dusty Jennings. Sheshared that if she didn't take my position, maybe she could take Dusty's when he retired.

She stated Dusty told her he was going to Austin to look into retirement. I did not shareor discuss this with Dusty. I did notfeel it was my place. I also recall Brendaforwarding an email to me regarding a position in curriculum. Brenda forwarded anemail Mr. Gasaway sent out to the staff making them aware of the position. Brenda sentit because she felt it was right up my alley. At this point, 1 had had it with the emails andthe soliciting of my job. 1 told Brenda I couldn't afford a pay cut and wasn't interested.Ajler meeting with you, I tried recalling a conversation I may have had with Brenda inregards to a position in McKinney ISD. I am not 100% sure I actually told Brenda this.Brenda and I have had limited contact since last summer. I do remember telling Brenda1 wasn't interested leaving the district because I had no desire to start over. TracyFranco called me about the McKinney position. She wanted to know if I was going toapply. I told her that I knew the new superintendent. I worked for Dr. Kennedy and Dr.Davis in Allen. Tracy and I both live in Allen and it is not out of the norm to discussAllen ISD. Tracy asked me if I was going to wait it out and be patient for a promotion. Itold her yes. We discussed me contacting Roxanne Burleson to discuss my careeraspirations in Plano. 1 have yet to do this. I do know Tracy and Brenda are good friendsbut 1 am not 100% sure I told Brenda. Brenda called me a few weeks back to discuss aninterview she had at Shepton. She wanted my thoughts on the fact the principal told hershe'd let her know in a day but then called her back and stated it would be longer.Brenda called me shortly afterwards and did not leave a message. 1 called her back tosee what she needed and have not heard from her again. 1 lessened communication withher throughout the school year as it became more and more uncomfortable to talk to her.The only purpose for the calls or text messages was to determine when 1 was planning onleaving Piano. I had no intentions in leaving Plano nor have 1 made any strides to do so.

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What I thought was once genuine, friendly communication soon became apparent asattempts to assist me in leaving Plano.

It is very possible Brenda's perception was she was being helpful. I understand that. Aculmination of events led me to feel as though I was not wanted at Plano (as I discussedwith you in person). This is the only reason why I shared this with Karin Ball severalmonths later. While I felt uncomfortable with Brenda's actions, 1 didn't want Mr.Gasaway to feel obligated to hire me due to the situation. I felt it would be moreprofessional to move forward and give 100% to my career. Brenda's actions havedeterred me from applying for other positions in the district. I want to be promotedbased on my knowledge of my job, how I perform my job, and my reputation as aprofessional.

I am willing to cooperate and assist Mr. Gasaway in any way possible; however, I fearretaliation and repercussions. I am requesting protection under the Whistleblower.Please assist me in ensuring this protection. I would like to be assured that Brenda notcommunicate this situation to anyone in the district other than her direct supervisors. Itis of great concern she will share information that is not accurate in nature with people Iwork with. I enjoy my position in Plano ISD and would like to continue working in apositive environment.

It is not my place to judge Brenda. I am uncomfortable with the situation and find thisprocess to be extremely stressful. I take pride in my ability to work as a team player andget tÌlong with my co workers. I felt Mr. Gasaway deserved to know if the confidentiality

of his interview process was undermined by Brenda; however, being new to the districtdid not know what avenues to explore for help. I also did not want Ms. Meyer or Mr.Gasaway to feel 1 was putting them in a position to hire me due to a complaint. My

Lili\and I determined it was best to leave well enough alone and move forward with mycareer. I appreciate your assistance and willingness to talk to me and help me throughthe process.

li.ank you f&flour time and energy in meeting in this matter. My cell phone number is~ .~ifYou have any additional questions."

Ms. Ryerson provided Mrs. Griffin with copies of several emailsthatMs.Smith sent Ms.Ryerson on the Plano ISD email system. On 11-16-09,atapproximately4:23 p.m. Ms.

Smith sent Ms. Ryerson an emaiL. The email stated, "FYI...I know you miss worldng incurriculum. Look who just resigned??? Thought of you... and our recent conversation of

you missing this kind ofstufJ... AND you could still stay with PISD. It wasforwarded tome from Mr. Gasaway to our admin staff. Penny for your thoughts... maybe God islooking out for the two of us ...Brenda. "

On 11-19-09, at approximately 10:37 a.m., Ms. Smith sent Ms. Ryerson an emaiL. Theemail stated, "Hey Tracy, Did you get this email? It's a curriculum position within ourdistrict. See below....Brenda. "

On 1-4-10, at approximately 3:39 p.m., Ms. Smith sent Ms. Ryerson an emaiL. The emailstated, "Are you applyingfor the Renner Middle School Asst. Principal? I hear it's for a

curriculum position. Just curious. I did.. but I have no experience in it so I would justwelcome the opportunity to interview. Who knows?? But.I know you would probably getit due to your back ground. How was your winter break?"

On 1-4-10, at 4:08 p.m., Ms. Smith sent Ms. Ryerson an emaiL. The email stated,"wow...! think I recall her coming from that back ground but wasn't sure. I know youare lookingfor a curriculum job so I thought about you...as I always do when lookingfor jobs for myself. I would LOVE to come work with you. I'll have to pray that the Lordblesses her with it and perhaps I could come home and work with you! ! !!! We wouldhave so much fun!! "

On or about 3-24-10, Security Police Specialist Larry Frazier and I interviewed Mrs.Meyer. Mrs. Meyer submitted a written statement. Mrs. Meyer stated, "Tamira Griffin,Brenda Smith and I were in attendance for this meeting. Tamira asked Brenda if she hadbeen in contact with Tracey Ryerson regarding the assistant principal interviews atJasper HS in June of 2009. Brenda stated she had not as she was not on the interviewpanel and she had already left for the summer. It was asked of her if anyone on the panelhad contact with her regarding the candidates and/or anything that went on in theinterviews? Brenda said, "No." Tamira asked did anyone on the panel e-mail you, call

you, text you or did you e-mail, call or text anyone on the panel regarding the candidatesand how the interviews were going? Tamira asked Brenda if Jeff Gasaway had contactedher, if Randall Chaddick had contacted her or anyone else on the panel? Brenda replied,"No, " to each of these questions. Brenda did state that she could not remember exactly,she may have contacted Tracey Ryerson about 2 or 3 times regarding job opportunities,but she did not tell her anything about candidates and/or the interview process.

At one point in the meeting Brenda handed me a packet, log, of thoughts on concernsshe had with Jeff Gasaway and his leadership as well as the administrative team atJasper HS. I told Brenda that this was not what this meeting was about, but I wouldread it and both Tamira and I would review it at a later date. Should there be anythingwe saw as concerning it would be followed-up on. I also told Brenda I would get withher prior to spring break regarding the information she handed to me. (Both Tamira andI read this separately and agreed there was no information or concern expressed toaddress.! have not had the opportunity to follow-up Brenda as this investigation is still

being Conducted and did not want to confuse the issues.)

Prior to the conclusion of the meeting Tamira gave Brenda the directive to discussthis no one. Tamira said you cannot talk to anyone about this. Brenda stated shefelt bad is Tracey Ryerson was upset because she thought Brenda was trying toget her job and Plano SHS. Tamira was specific is saying you cannot contact Traceyto discuss this at all.

Brenda did ask me ifher boss knew about this? I said, "Yes, but he did not initiate thisconcern." Tamira did. tell Brenda that ifshe remembered anything else to let us know.

Brenda didfollow-up with an e-mail on 2/24/10 at 5:58 p.m. addressed to both

Tamira Griffin and me stating that she was embarrassed with unedited version of theinformation she had given to me at the meeting regarding administrative team and Jeff

She also said that since her last entry things had improved and turned around for the"good. "

Mrs. Meyer submitted a statement regarding a meeting that she and Mrs. Griffin had withMr. Chaddick. Mrs. Meyer sated, "Tamira Griffin, Randall Chaddick, and I were inattendance at this meeting. Tamira shared with Randall that we trying to work throughsome information and that we were hopefùl he would be able to provide us with piecesthat would help clarifý the situation. We asked Randall if he was part of the Jasper HSinterview panel for assistant principal in June 2009? Randall said he was on the panel.We asked him if he had at anytime visited with Brenda about the candidates that the

panel was interviewing? Randall said, no, she was not on the panel and she was gonefrom the campus for the summer at that time. Tamira asked Randall if he hadcommunicated in any way to Brenda regading the interviews? She asked bye-mail, text,phone calls whether it was from him to her or perhaps she had contacted him? Randall

said he really did not remember, but he did not think that any communication had takenplace at that time. Tamira was specific with the example of one candidate that had a

conference interview because she was driving he child to college. Tamira asked how hethought Brenda might have gotten that information. He said he did not know; he alsosaid because he could not remember they may have visited, but it had been so long agohe could not say.

Tamira asked Randall if he had heard anythingfrom Brenda regarding her meeting withus. He said he had gone into her office when she returned to the campus after themeeting because she had told him prior to coming over here that she and I had a meeting.She was hopeful or had thought it was to visit about moving to another campus next year.She told him after he asked that she could not talk about it, but he might get called in aswell.

Tamira told Randall if he recalled anything else to let us know. Randall did follow-upwith an e-mail dated 3/4/10 at 5: 29 p.m. He just stated that he and Brenda have visitedon the phone so as not to use work time to discuss Brenda feeling hurt and discouragedat times. He once again said he did not remember many conversations once she left forthe summer until they returned to work. "

On or about 3-24-10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Mrs. Griffin. Mrs. Griffin submitteda written statement. Mrs. Griffin stated, "On or about the morning of February 24, 2010,Patty Meyer, Assistant Superintendent for the West Cluster, and 1 met with JasperAdministrative Intern, Brenda Smith. We discussed with Ms. Smith the concerns of PlanoSenior High School Assistant Principal, Tracy Reyerson, regarding communication fromMs. Smith to her in regard to job opportunities. Ms. Reyerson had expressed that shefelt

Ms. Smith wanted to return to work at Plano Senior High School and that if Ms. Reyersonwere to get another job it would open up a spot for Ms. Smith to move into.

In the course of the conversation with Ms. Smith, I gave her a verbal directive to notdiscuss our conversation with anyone other than Ms. Meyer or myself. I asked Ms. Smithif she understood my directive and she stated that she did. Ms. Smith asked Ms. Meyer if

herprincipal, Jeff Gasaway, was aware of her meeting with us. Ms. Meyer told Ms.Smith that Mr. Gasaway was aware we were meeting. At no time did Ms. Smith askabout discussing the issue with Mr. Gasaway, nor was permission granted for her to doso.

Ms. Smith indicated that she did not know Ms. Reyerson well and had probally onlycommunicated with her two to four times total. Ms. Smith did say that she had seen Ms.Reyerson in truancy court and at district meetings. "

On or about 3-12-10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Ms. Smith. When Mr. Frazier and Iasked Ms. Smith about who gave her information regarding the interviews she indicatedthat Mr. Chaddick communicated with her regarding the interviewees, including tellingher that one person had to complete the interview by telephone. Ms. Smith submitted awritten statement. Ms. Smith stated, "3/24/10 Brenda Smith -Responsesfrom 3/12/10with Larry Frasier and Burt Rosebure, PISD Security Police Specialists. To the best of .my abilities and understanding, these are the true facts of what I recall.

1 a. When I went to talk to Tamira and Patty what was I told not to discuss.Answer; "not to talk to anyone regarding this issue ". The last thing I asked after this wasstated to me was whether or not Jeff Gasaway knew why I was there (the purpose) andPatty said that he did know why 1 was there.

1 b. Who did I tell, date, time and location and what was discussed.Answer: "Jeff Gasaway, my building Principal. In his office after letting him know that Iwas back in the building from my meeting.

Answer: Discussion. I documented the following after this occurred in his office. This iswhat was discussed;

Meeting with Jeffin his office: Door was closed and no one else was in the room.After I left the meeting with Tamira and Patty, 1 went back to Jasper High School. As Ientered the building I went to his office just to let him know that 1 was back from themeeting. I said, "Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that I am back in the office. " Thiswas my true intention of going into his office. He was standing up and turned around andsaid, "Is everything OK?" 1just looked at himfor afew seconds and then said, "Jeff...Patty has let me know that you already know why 1 was there. " He shook his head up anddown once then said, "Are you OK?" I then told him that I was shocked about beingthere because I thought I was there to discuss the possibilities of me moving to anotherschool. 1 also shared with him that 1 had given them (Patty Meyer) some notes on thereasons as to why I wanted to move to work under different leadership. He shook hishead up and down. He then sat down at his desk. I told him that I would be "OK" as 1told him that 1 had answered the questions honestly based on what I ¡mew about thesituation but that I just don't recall too much because it happened almost a year ago. Itold him that I don't know much because even he (you) knew 1 wasn't part of the hiring(or Randall) to which I knew you (JefJ) could verifY this. He nodded his head up and

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down. He then said, "well, don't forget you texted me about Tracy Franco giving her agood recommendation ". I did pause a few seconds and replied, "oh yeah...1 forgot aboutthat" He then asked again, "well...are you going to be OK? I said Ijustfelt railroadedand confused because I was asked all these questions and I couldn't understand it. Hesaid, "Yeah?". I said "yeah... like if Dr. Dean promised me ajob and you and I bothknow I would like to move up to the senior high level whether it be at West, Senior orEast. "And he nodded his head up and down as I stated this. He then said, "well.... let meknow if there is anything I can dofor you ". I told him that I would be OK but that thiswas a surprise to me. I then got up and left his office and went to my office to beginworking. This was ALL that was said. This was documented after I left his office.I now look back at this situation above and think and wonder how could have I havesuccumbed to this in a moment of emotional weakness...1 have now learned my lesson.My only response is that I let my emotions and my insecurities with Jeff get the best of meand I wanted to somehow be heard by him since he had asked me "if everything wasOk" ...since there has been so much tension, stress and my unhappiness a/having to work

for him. I kept a journal of situations and the environment I have had work in for thisschool year and had given it to Patty Meyer as a result of my choosing and asking tomove schools two weeks prior to this meeting between Larry, Bart and myself I had

believed at the time of my meeting with Patty Meyer that the meeting was initially to. discuss why I wanted to move schools. This is when I gave Patty my journal writingsregarding what I had been going through with Jeff, up to and including how NevertMoses got the AP job at PESH when I knew she wasn't a certified teacher much-less acertified principal (took the test 5 or 6 times and still had not passed it) and STILL gotthe AP job at PESH despite me being certified in special education and as a principal.Patty asked me how I knew this and 1 told her that Nevert Moses had told me and that wewere friends. This school never even called me to let me know that a decision had beenmade. I found out by a text message from Nev saying, "I got it..I got it ". I inquired to Jeffabout no one calling me and he told me not to call them to let them call... no one ever did.

My error in an emotional lack of judgment (at the time) was made when speaking with myown building principal has been deemed as "insubordinate" by Tamira Griffin, Directorof HR. The price 1 have to pay and has indeed, been a lesson well-learned. The actionwas my failure to follow directions from Patty Meyer and Tamira Griffin to "not talkabout it ". Please understand with all due respect and sincerity that 1 didn't do itintentionally, it wasn't planned, or even anticipated. I have never...ever in my life..everbeen involved in anything like this. 1 have never.. ever been reprimanded, in trouble, orhad any dealings of this nature and it has indeed taken an emotional toll on myself.. andmy §it 3 I often ponder how could 1, in a moment of weakness allowed myself speak

to any degree about the situation.... especially to a person I no longer wanted to work for.

I have a few thoughts of my own that 1 can't help but to wonder: Pleaseunderstand that 1 accept responsibility for my actions and am not blaming him for myactions. However, I further question his leadership in "his participation of theconversation" compounded by the "challenged" professional relationship we have hadboth in the past and present. 1 can't help but wonder if Patty had shared with him myjournal writings of instances of my unhappiness as to why I wanted to move schools.

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Jeff used to work in HR. As my building principal, my "leader" my "mentor" orsomeone looking out for my best interest and to help me grow.... that if he felt that anypart of this discussion was inappropriate or against rules since he knew why 1 was askedto meet with Patty and Tamira (because 1 was told by Patty that Jeff did know why I wasthere to meet with them)...I can't help but to wonder why wouldn't he, as my leader, as aformer HR employee say something...

anything... remind me or say something like" let'snot talk about this ... or in situations like this no discussion should take place... or I wantto caution you about the fact that you should not discuss anything to anyone so lets stop.At no time did he make any attempt to prevent, change the subject or stop theconversation.

I went into his office for the sole purpose to iriform him that I was back in thebuilding. It was not to have this discussion for which 1 have been placed onadministrative leave with pay. He asked me a broad and open-ended question when I gotthere and it went from there. I have been placed on Administrative leave forinsubordination.... because he told them of our discussion and it appears the HR letterwas ready for me on Friday before I even got there to the Admin building.

I know that Jeff had told them because I was asked by Larry if I had talked toanyone about the issue and I immediately responded "my building principal, Jeff

Gasaway". Tome...this is yet just another example or attempt, or lack of to fùrtherharass me and has yet failed me again with his leadership abilities because it could havebeen prevented. Yes, by me not going into his office, taking the bait of answering anopen-ended question, but by him taking a more perhaps preventative leadership initiativerole to look out for my best interest. He did begin the discussion by asking if everythingwas alright.... when he knew 1 why I was there to begin with and I called him on it. Jeff

knows me well... and Ifeel as though Ifell into his trap and here I am. Right where hewants me. Especially if he knew what I had provided to Patty in writing.

2. To the best of my recollection, the following is what I recall from any communicationwith Tracy Ryerson. I am truly sorry but I do not recall any more than what is statedhere. As I told Patty and Tamira, I wished this would have been addressed at the time so Icould be more helpful in any way but I just don't recall specific details of the incident.My phone records are archived and only show 5 or 6 phone calls with afew one minuteon my cell. On this archived information it does not show any of my ingoing or outgoingtext message numbers. 1 can tell you that I have hundreds of text messages (give or take)on a monthly basis with friends, families and other people.

I will also state that at each opportunity, when these questions were addressed, that 1have been nothing but honest in my answers at the time of questioning and that 1 am notintentionally, maliciously hiding anything or any information from anyone. 1 have beentrutJiful with my answers based on what I recall... but it's not fair to say that 1 have beenplaced on administrative paid leave for "and/or dishonesty ". 1 have always had highregards to adhering to school policy and procedures and have done everything 1 can toexemplifý and demonstrate ethical, moral, and excellent character values.As time has progressed, I have recalled additional memories and I was told by bothPatty and Tamira that if 1 recalled anything to let them know. As I told Burt and Larry, I

was waiting to hear backfrom Patty Meyer as she said she would get back with mebefore spring break regarding the information I had given her about Jeff, which includedmy questions and concerns about Nevert Moses getting the job over me based on ourobvious differences qualifications.

I am unable to determine dates but it was primarily around the time Tracy Ryerson wasinterested in the Curriculum position that was open at our school. There were someoccasions of telephone calls, texting and seeing one another in person. I have seen her onoccasion during the school year at Principal meetings and truancy court. I don't knowthat I would consider her as afriend but instead as a professional colleague.

Some things I recall between the conversations between Tracy Ryerson and myself..'

1 actually met Tracy Ryerson in truancy court last year. I only recognized her by thename on her badge. I recall her telling me that she liked her school but was hoping toget back into curriculum. There was some discussion about ajob that was open withMcKinney ISD and that they were lookingfor an AP and that she knew some people inthat district if I was interested in the job. We exchanged numbers in court after sheencouraged me to look into it. I never did though. I believed that my time and place will

happen with getting an AP position with PISD. I have already been on several interviewsbut they keep hiring their own Deans to which I cannot argue that at all. 1 only argue thehiring ofNevert Moses over me...despite it being her school where she worked as theirCriminal Justice teacher but was never a certified teacher or principal and she still gotthe job over me.

I recall seeing Tracy in either truancy court or in a principal meeting and her indicatingthat she was not happy with her job and that if she could just get a job somewhere it

would "open up my position and you could slide into my job ". The last time she said thisto me was earlier this year at a principal's meeting and she again had stated howunhappy she was with her job. She said that she hopes she could just get another job andthen I could "move into her job and that she would feel really good about it knowing herkids would be taken good care of". Both times ....and again, I reiterate ...she initiatedthis. I, of course, would (for starters) love to be promoted as any Dean hopes for. It is nosecret to anyone that I like working with the senior high level only because of all theextra curricular activities, pep rallies, getting them ready for college, lots ofopportunities for leadership growth, grandiose basketball and football games... it 's adifferent culture and climate that I worked in for five years. Yes, I miss it. However, I alsoenjoy working with high school students too but it's just different at the senior high leveland those kids, curriculum, expectations, community needs.

I recall a phone call or a text from Tracy Ryerson that generated communication betweenthe two of us, 1 just recall that the communication in whatever form was initiated by herbe it via cell, call to my home or text. I recall that within this ftrst conversation thatTracy Ryerson told me that Tracy Franco had told her to call me regarding a newcurriculum position that had opened at my school. 1 recall her saying something to theaffect of "what do 1 need to do...you know what are they looldngfor...I really want thisposition ". I was not involved in the interviewee process and 1 believe she asked me

something about if I knew who was all interviewing or something. Which I did not. Irecall saying something about doing what one would do when coming to a new school. Ithink I even shared that what I did before interviewing at Jasper is that I looked at theirAEIS report to become knowledgeable with the school data, demographics, obviousneeds, trends or whatever. I recall her saying that she really wanted to get back intocurriculum and just really wanted to do whatever it took to get this job. I believe that shehad mentioned some of her experience in curriculum and how she could help our schoolbut I don't recall how she would intend to do this. I believe she discussed some programsor something she has done with other schools in curriculum but I don't recall what thatwas in detail.

1 have also spoke with my now then husband (Vance) over spring break to see ifhe couldhelp me recall any information regarding the phone calls or texts between Tracy Ryersonand myseif from last summer regarding this information. He took a few moments andsaid "...is she the one who was calling and texting and asking about the job at yourschool or something? He just told me that he recalls her texting me about questions aboutthe job and that she was nervous or something. He also said, "there was calling andtexting between myseif and her afew times. Vance also said "wasn't she the one whowas upset because she didn't get the job.....something about she thought she was thewrong color or something? ". Vance said he recalled that I was hoping that she would getthejob so maybe it would open up ajobfor me at her school so I could go back to PSHSsince I was unhappy at Jasper.

During this time, Vance recollected some things regarding the text messages that helpedme recall some information. In Vance's words, "she had anxiety ... was worried orsomething and was asking if you heard anything or something... ohh and when she textedyou to say she didn't get it" is what he remembers. Sad that he can recall this but I didn'tuntil he said something to help recollect my memory to some things. This irtformation hasindeed helped me recall some details of some text messages that are being alleged thatwere made between Tracy Ryerson and myself.

Since speaking to my then husband and his help in remembering things, 1 have recalledsome texts between us. I recall her sending a few texts once she had interviewed andbefore she interviewed. I believe I got a text indicating when she would be interviewing. Ido recall texting back to her responses most times ...1 guess. From what 1 can recall shewould send me texts saying something to the .affect to her feeling anxious or maybenervous and I believe I would have probably texted back for her to pray about it and tothink positive because I try to stay positive and keep the Lord in my circle. I remembertexting something about having faith or something to help settle her nerves or anxiety shewas having. I also recall her texting me, "have you heard anything?" (this was after sheinterviewed) on more than one occasion, I know I probably said something like "no..1

haven't" because I didn't know. I believe she did ask if I knew how many wereinterviewing for the job to which I would have only been able to tell her that 1 didn'tbecause I don't and still don't how many people had interviewed. I do recall a text fromher that asked if 1 knew how the interviews were going? And a text that said, "any wordor...something to this affect. 1 believe I may have gotten a text regarding if I knew when a

decision was going to be made which I did not have the answer to. Jeff sent out an email

indicating who was named as the person who had the job and that's when I found out.

I do recall a separate conversation over the phone after she had actually interviewed. Ibelieve she said something to the affect of her feeling good about her interview andsomething to the affect of Jeff Gasaway grabbing her arm or touching her arm orsomething and saying that he would be in touch with her soon...something to this affectas he walked her out of the office. 1 think she may have even said that he either winked ormade some kind of facial/head gesture which she believed made her feel good about herinterview as he had touched or placed his hands on her arm. I also recall her mentioningthat he would be "in touch with her real soon" before she left. I recall her feeling reallygood about how Jeff responded to her and felt that maybe she had got the job. 1 recall

her telling me what they asked her (but I don't recall what questions) something abouthow she had analyzed the Jasper AE1S report and what she could do to make somethingimprove some area based on the report but I don't recall what it was.

I believe she texted me to say that she didn't get the job. I think it was something like "1didn't get it ".

I recall feeling badly for her that she didn't get it because she said she was so hopeful by

Jeff's demeanor (facial expression and physical contact and that him indicating that he .would be in touch with her real soon) and knowing what Tracy Franco had to say abouther. She was upset because of the mixed message he gave her and her feeling let down asshe later had found out that she didn't get the job.

I also recall and emailed Patty Meyer and Tamira Griffin on the day I met with them thatI recall getting a phone call from Tracy Ryerson after she had learned that she was notselected for the Jasper position. She sounded very upset to the point of being mad whenshe said something to the affect of, "well.. I didn't get it.. What was it?... come on.... youcan tell me... what do you know? ". I said something to the affect of letting her know that Ididn't know anything. She also asked me if I knew the person who got it which I did notactually know this person much less who she was. I truly had never met her and knewnothing about her. She then asked something like ''just tell me...come on you can tell

me....... what color is she?? I replied" I don't know". ****What I have since recalled isthat I had told her that I guess she could have looked on the website where all of ourpictures are to find out. " She then said angrily, "never mind..! already know theanswer....lm not the right color...you don't have to say anything." That is all I recall

from this conversation at this time.

When Jeff reminded me on my return to school not to ''forget that I texted him sayingTracy Franco had given her a good recommendation" I had even forgotten about thisuntil Jeff said something. Because I didn't know Tracy Ryerson, or her background, 1called Tracy Franco (a good friend of mine) and inquired about her. Tracy Franco didtell me that she had told Tracy Ryerson to give me a call about the position and to talk tome to see if I knew anything about it since I worked at the school. I recall Tracy Francosaying that she "looks good on paper, is over qualifiedfor the AP position at PSHS and

knows her background was very strong in curriculum and that she interviews very welL. "She also said that Tracy Ryerson wanted to get back into curriculum. I also recall TamiraGriffin asking me if I thought Tracy Ryerson "looks good on paper" to which I have notseen any paper and this quote was actually said to me by Tracy Franco.

It was some time after this that I texted Je./fto let him know that Tracy Franco gave her agood recommendation. He replied, "thanks ".

I recall that 1 had some Idnd of conversation with Tracy Ryerson shortly thereafter (notsure of the day or timing) but that I had shared with her what Tracy Franco had sharedwith me about her. I think it's important that people hear what others say about them...e;pecially ifits positive.

3. What was I told by Randall or anyone else about the conversation of the "applicationprocess "? Who could 1 have told this iriformation to.

I don't recall having a conversation with Randall or anyone else about the "applicationprocess ". I just recall that one person who was interviewing did so by phone and anotherperson (Tracy Ryerson) did so in person. 1 don't know who the person was who called inby phone for their interview, their credentials or anything identifYing them. I am unableto indicate who or how I knew about this person because 1 wasn't involved in theinterviewing or hiring process at all. I do recall Jeff telling me that Tracy Ryerson wasinterested in the job. Which generated me to take the initiative to call Tracy Franco tofind out more about her and a candidate and I sent Jeff the text that Tracy Franco gaveher a good recommendation.

I will state that I resent the fact that Larry Frasier stated that because I have a degree inCriminal Justice, worked as a CPS investigator and worked with police... and that hecould tell that 1 was smart and that I am articulate and he could see it when I walkedthrough the door when I was aslred to come to the Admin bldg. that people with thesebackgrounds remember these things and that I should be able recall information fromfour years ago let alone a year ago. He then asked who I was "protecting" and I said noone. 1 told him I just don't recall how 1 obtained this information.

I am not going to speculate as to "whom I could have told this information to ". If i wassure 1 would tell you the name. That is the truth.

Larry also told me that to share another interviewees information with another personwould be "unethical ". 1 just looked at him. What I don't understand is why is it that whenI have interviewed with Burt Smith, Sara Bonser, and Sheela Daniels when I called to setup my interviews I was told things such as: "That's not a good time, another candidatehas a meeting and that's the only time he is can come" and "That interview slot is talrenbecause she has to pick up her child. .so sorry" and "I have four of you to set up and youcan have the first pick since you called first ". My question? This is maldng no sense tome why I am being asked who 1 would have or could've told that a candidate had to call

in for an interview ...and 1 don't recall saying this to anyone. However, when I've been an

interviewee and have been told bypeople/principals about the other candidates I was upagainst, my question is that are the other principals "unethical "for sharing other

candidates interview times and situations with me?? Just because I knew a candidatehad to call infor their interview doesn't say anything else about the candidate?Qualifications? Name? identifiable information regarding a person? Again, I don't recall

how I know this information or recall telling anyone about the candidate who called infor an interview. 1 was not involved in the hiring of applicants nor never saw any of them.I never saw any applications, resumes, who was applying (besides Tracy Ryerson by Jeff)

and I don't know Tracy Ryersons actual background or what her resume even looks like.

I would still like to visit with my area superintendent about the documentation I submittedto her regarding my concerns of choosing to move to another school to serve underdifferent leadership as a Dean and to further address my questions and concerns of anunqualified person getting the job over a qualified person for the AP job at PESH. "

On or about 3-16-10, Jasper High School Principal Jeff Gasaway submitted a writtenstatement. Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Mr. Gasaway on or about 3-22-10. I displayedthe statement to Mr. Gasaway and he recognized it as his. Mr. Gasaway stated, "OnWednesday, February 24th, I was off campus from Jasper High School. I arrived back oncampus approximately at noon. Within 10 minutes of my arrival to campus, BrendaSmith came into my office asking if I had a minute to speak with her. 1 indicated that Idid and she closed the door. In no way did I ask any questions about how her morninghad gone or how the conversation had gone with Patty Meyer. One reason I was awareof the conversation occurring with Patty Meyer was because Brenda Smith had blindcopied me on her response to Patty Meyer indicating she would be available onWednesday at 9:00 to meet.

While I do not recall all parts of the conversation, or the word for word description, I dorecall some overall themes. I will also mention that a majority of the conversation 1 satsilently listening and provided little to no response throughout the entire conversation.

. Brenda Smith began the conversation by saying that she was aware that I ¡mewabout her conversation earlier in the day with Patty Meyer. Brenda Smithmentioned that she had asked Patty Meyer if her principal was aware of what wasgoing on and indicated that Patty Meyer acknowledged that the principal wasaware.

. Brenda Smith went on during this conversation to talk about some of the specificsabout her conversation with Patty Meyer and Tamira Griffin. Additionally shefelt the need to defend herseif and any questions about interactions with a sub-school principal, Tracy Ryerson, from Plano Senior High SchooL.

. Brenda Smith indicated that there were questions about her sending text messages

to Tracy Ryerson during the interviewing process that took place over the summerto replace a vacant assistant principal position. Brenda Smith adamantlydefended herself, saying that she had not made any contact with Tracy Ryersonduring the interview except to wish her well. Brenda Smith also acknowledgedthat she had no idea of who was interviewing for the position and no idea the

make-up of the interviewees. One of the few times I offered any sort of responseto Brenda Smith was to remind her that she had sent me a text message before theinterviews indicating that Tracy Ryerson was well-thought of by Tracy Franco,

. Brenda Smith then went on to discuss recent contact made with Tracy Ryerson.

She said that she had not had any recent contact in any way. She mentioned shemade contact a while back but had not sent any recent text messages, e-mails orhad any phone conversations with Tracy Ryerson.

. One of the final discussion points she mentioned from her conversation with Patty

Meyer and Tamira Griffin was a question about if Dr. Doyle Dean had promisedher a position at Plano Senior High School. She indicated to me that herresponse was to the effect that she had joked with him periodically about"keeping her seat warm in her office" andjokes of that nature, bui Dr. Dean hadnever promised her a position.

While this document does not give a word by word account of the conversation, it doesgive the overall points of the conversation that occurred. If you have any additionalquestions, please let me know. "

On or about 3-22- 10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Mr. Chaddick. Mr. Chaddicksubmitted a written statement. Mr. Chaddick stated, "I was asked to write a briefsynopsis of the discussion I had on Monday 3/22/1 0 with Bart Rosebure and Larry

Frazier. First I would like to apologize for not remembering all details of the event inquestion. The incident they were inquiring about happened in June of 2009 which wasapproximately nine months ago. To my best recollection this event was like so manyothers where co-workers and other administrators visit with each other about an issuethen they move forward. Always something waiting to be dealt with as an administrator.The incident in question was to me one of those incidents, details of the event soonforgotten. I might have been able to remember more details if the situation would havebeen questioned sooner. I believe a co-worker, Brenda Smith inquiredfrom me ifwe, theselection committee, had made a decision about the selection of an Assistant Principalposition that was open at Jasper High School. She was not a candidate but wasinterested since she would be working with this person in a professional capacity. I do

not remember if this was in person or on the phone. I seem to recall we discussed thatthe committee had interviewed three candidaies but had not made a decision and waswaiting to see if other candidates were out there. At no time would it have beenmentioned that a candidate had been selected since it was clear when the committeeadjourned that we needed to consider other candidates if they were available. At thistime 1 know of no other conversations with Brenda or others about this issue and I do notrecall the committee discussing interviewing other candidates prior to leaving for thesummer. /I

On or about 3-22-10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Plano Senior High AssociatePrincipal Tracy Franco. Mrs. Franco submitted a written statement. Mrs. Franco stated,"1 am writing this letter in response to your inquiry on 3-22-2010. Both Mr Rosebureand Mr Frazier came to my office at approximateiy 9:00am on Monday March 22nd. DrDean had reported to me earilier in a team meeting that they were needing to talk io me.

Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier began by asking me how much informationJ had sharedwith Brenda Smith and Tracy Ryerson about hiring and positions available in the districtor at Plano Senior High School and if I had any knowledge of Brenda actually talking toTracy or if she just talked to me and then I talked to Tracy. They also stated that myname kept coming up between the two as the investigation progressed. I stated that atone time I directed Brenda just to call Tracy about her intentions. I do not know if thatoccurred.

I am not sure that I remember all of the events as they took place in August of 2009. I doknow that Brenda Smith has inquired several times about coming back to the Senior Highin a Subschool Principal role. I understand her goals are to be an Associate Principal at

the Senior High School and that she would need that experience of a Subschool Principalto move in that direction of her goals. I have encouraged her throughout her time here atPlano Senior and while gone. to interview for Assistant Principal positions, supportingher in her goal.

Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier also inquired about my knowledge of what the applicantshad said in the interviews and who had interviewedfor what position. I share with bothof them, that 1 do not know who applies for what position nor do 1 have knowledge ofwhat was said in the interviews. I also shared that I do not have any control over whogets on what list to interview nor do 1 determine who comes to the Senior High School inSubschool positions.

Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier also inquired as to what chain of command is a SubschoolPrincipal versus an Assistant at a 9/10 vs an Associate at the Senior High SchooL. Istated that I was aware that Tracy Ryerson's goals are to be an Associate or a Principal,and that previously she had been an Associate Principal in Dallas. I also stated that sheis very good, and I have encouraged her to apply for Assistant Pricipal positions at the9/10 in the Curriculum role to help foster her development. In addition, since Brenda'sgoals are to be an Associate in Student Activities that is a different path to take, but Ihave encouraged her to apply for Assistant Principal positions as that is the next step.

Lastly, Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier asked why would Tracy be so interested in leavingPlano Senior High School. I shared again that the only reason why 1 thought that Tracywas interested in leaving is that 1 understand her goals are to be a building principal andshe would need more experience to do that. Again, I have encouraged Tracy to interviewwhen positions come up so that she can gain that experience and progress toward hergoals.

In addition, Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier asked who was Tracy's direct supervisor. Ishared that Dusty Jennings was the Team Leader for Subschool and that he reports toMr. Davis, but that Dr. Dean meets with all of us on our goals and signs off on them.

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I sure hope that this clears up anything, I will, however, continue to support the leaderson my campus and mentor them and encourage them to interview for positions that mightbe in their professional goals. "

On or about 3-26-10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Plano Senior High School Sub-School Principal Karin Ball. Mrs. Ball submitted a written statement. Mrs. Ball stated,"At the beginning of the school year, Tracy Ryerson had interviewed for the job atJasper and was very deflated that she did not get it. I asked why she was distraught, andshe only said that perhaps this district was not for her, she thought the job was hers.Ajob opening at Shepton came open and I told her she should probably go for that onesince she is so qualified. She said she didn't want to go through that again. She said shehad been told some things and didn't want to go through that again. When pressed aboutit, she explained that someone had been giving her a play by play about the interviewsbut didn't want to go into it.Later, I'm not sure of the timeline, we spoke of it again and she was concerned thatsomeone wanted her job. She Explained further that it was Brenda Smith and she hadbeen telling her the things that had been going on at Jasper interviews earlier. She alsowas encouraging Tracy to go to the interview process again because then that wouldmean that she could get her job at PSHS, taking Tracy's position. Tracy and I talkedabout talking to Jeff ( as if we were in his boots). I said wouldn't you want to know if

someone you trusted is not being confidential or truthfùl. She and I went to DR. Dean toexplain things to him because Tracy was concerned with her position being taken byBrenda. At that time Dr. Dean said not to worry, she isn't going anywhere.Tracy wanted to tell Jeffbut didn't know him well enough to do so. I said I could calif

orher to open the doors of communication ifshe wanted. I did. He was busy and calledback. We talked to him on speaker phone, then she spoke to him by herself. "

During the interview with Ms. Reyerson on or about 3-22-10, Ms. Ryerson indicated thatCì 7 cold her that Mr. Gasaway was accused of sexual harassment by a Jasper High

School staff member.

On or about 3-24-10, Mr. Frazier and I advised Mrs. Griffin that Ms. Ryerson reported tous thai (§ iltold her that Mr. Gasaway was accused of sexual harassment. Mrs.

Griffin indicated that there was an anonymous report regarding Mr. Gasaway during the2008-2009, school year. Mrs. Griffin indicated there were only three people that wereaware that Mr. Gasaway was accused of sexual harassment. Mrs. Griffin said that theonly people aware were Mrs. Meyer, Mr. Gasaway, and herself. Mrs. Griffin indicatedthat she wanted to know how(lii . iilwas aware of the sexual harassment accusationregarding Mr. Gasaway. Mrs. Griffin advised Mr. Frazier and me to speak to. iJ

regarding the information.

On or about 3-29-10, Mr. Frazier and 1 interviewed@ _to ascertain ifshe told Ms.

Ryerson that Mr. Gasaway was accused of sexual harassment at Jasper High SchooL..~ndicated that she observed an unknown Jasper High School teacher and Mr.

Gasaway at a campus party. said that she observed Mr. Gasaway and theunknown teacher talking at the party. indicated that following the party there

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were rumors circulating on campus regarding Mr. Gasaway and the unknown teacher.

¡ll .J said someone reported to her that Mr. Gasaway touched the breast of theunknown teacher at the party. 6_ Wndicated that someone from the Englishdepartment talked to her about the information and that School Liaison Officer AllisonMcCann spoke to her regarding the information. ¡jl Ð iaid that she did not

remember the name of the English teacher that told her the information. iSi 2 said

that she did not remember who the English teacher was that Mr. Gasaway touched

inappropriately. Ii Illencouraged me to look at the Jasper High School website to

allow her to look at the En lish department staff members' names. I started to log intomy computer, and . immediately told me the teacher's name was"" ?(fi l'said tha was the teacher that Mr. Gasaway reportedly touched

inappropriately at thûY said that she recently received a telephone call

from SLO McCann. Ql)said that SLO McCann told her that~asthe teacher that Mr. Gasaway had inappropriately touched. Mr. Frazier and I requested

iii Lito submit a statement regarding the information. (l§ iif,stated,"Responses from 3/29/10 with Larry Frasier and Burt Rosebure, P1SD Security Police

Specialists. To the best of my abilities and understanding, these are the true facts of whatI recall.

1 a. Question: What do I know about the situation/relationship that occurred between Jeff

Gasaway and an English teacher(llj ; ill

lb. Answer:Teresa Brown had opened her home for an end of the year party (last school

year) for our faculty and stajJ.

I came to the party and did not drink any alcohol due to the medications I amrequired to take. I do recall going out to my car at one point and opened the hatch backto retrieve my(j llllas someone was smoking a cigar that was setting off m) 6 I jlI

did note seeing Jeff Gasaway and an English teacher, j;¡ ? on the sidewalk on

the opposite side of the street and they appeared to be talking. I was personally at thisparty for about an hour.

I don't recall exactly the time frame as to when I was told the followinginformation but I know it was a matter of days from the party at Teresa's home. Ioverheard by some of the office staff that Jeff and an English teacher were seen leaving afew times together and that Jeff was always close to her. I do not recall what teacher hewas with but she was referred to as an English teacher.

I also don't recall the teacher who came into my office and said that an Englishteacher she was friends with had told her that the two of them(Jeff and English teacher)had been texting (and/or calling) one another and that Jeff had touched herinappropriately. This same person who reported this to me (I believe it was an Englishteacher... almost positive) also stated that the alleged English teacher" land 0!!i,iked theattention" as she was either going through a divorce/separation from¡l abut knewit was wrongfor what was going on between them. This teacher also told me thaì'šiìe--- $'5:1.11'1

"wanted it to stop but didn't know how to stop all of this between them because she /needed her job and was afraid of what Jeff might do to her....and possible retaliation"and the fact that that the two of them would be in trouble because they are both. 0

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I recall encouraging this person (it was afemale) to tell this English teacher to see meand that I would help her in anyway I could to make it stop. I do recall asking for thename of the English teacher and this person would not tell me because she said she washer friend but felt that someone needed to know. I recall her saying that everyone istalking about it. I believe she told me that she didn't want to get involved and/orpromised this teacher she would not say anything but that this was not right and wantedto tell someone. Again, she would not tell me the name of the teacher but wanted me toknow that this was going on. She stated this information as a concern and I felt that thiswas something that needed to be addressed with Mark Hinshaw since it directly involvedmy building principal. All I can remember is that it was an English teacher in the Englishdepartment who came to me to report this.

I recall that not much time lapsed between the time I was told this information(above) and the time I called Mark Hinshaw on my cell phone to ask him if we could meetup to catch up as we have done in the past from time to time. Mark suggested that wemeet on 15th street at a pub. It was on the evening when the sirens were going off due tothe tornado warnings and the pub lost power. It was on this evening that I told Mark ofthe information I had learned. I initiated the conversation and told him I needed to tell

him something that I had heard about Jeff Gasaway. I told him what 1 mentioned aboveand Mark asked if I knew the name of the English teacher (Jeff was alleged to have thisassociation with) to which I told him I did not. He told me that "... it was probably just arumor" but to let him know if I heard anything new or ifIfound out the name. He did ask

who told me this information and 1 told him that 1 don't recall the name of the teacherwho came into my office but I felt it was fùrther substantiated by other bits of informationoffered by Officer McCann, and some staff members who I overheard talking about it

which is why I Jelt the need to report it to him since it involved my own buildingprincipal. Officer McCann told me out of concern from what she was also hearing of apossible problem at Jasper High School. He again reiterated to just let him know if Ifound out the name of the teacher.

It has only been recently (4-5 days ago), I was talking to Officer McCann whowas "checking on me" to see how I was doing since my district email has been closed.Somewhere in our conversation, this exact topic came up (above) and how frustratingthat it was for me to be investigated jor things and yet no one looked into the possibleallegations between Mr. Gasaway and an English teacher. I recall telling OfficerMcCann that nothing could be done since we didn't have the name of the alleged teacherand that it could be a rumor because no one would identify the English teacher andOfficer McCann knew 1 had already informed Mark Hinshaw when 1 first heard about it.I told her that I know Mark well and that he would act on it if he had the name oj theteacher in question. Officer McCann then said I know who she might be if you can tell mesome names of those in the English department to help me recall her name. I then named~some of the English teacher's names and then Officer McCann then said, tit

". She then said she was pretty sure that this is the name she has heard. I did tell

her t at someone needs to go forward with this information because if I do... at this pointI believe one may think I would bí:&:rng to retaliate against Jeff. I don't ¡mow howOfficer McCann ¡mows or recalls _name but this was the name she believesis the name oj the teacher who was allegedly 'i.:volved with Jeff. Officer McCann, someteachers and staff have indicated that a lot of people know about the rumors and have

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been talking about it since last summer. However, I have heard little if nothing newduring this school year regarding these rumors of the alleged incident at hand until

lastweek with my discussion with Officer McCann. .

2a. I was asked if I told Tracy Ryerson that there was an investigation being done on Jeff

Gasaway about a sexual harassment issue.

2b. I am unaware of ANY investigations or even aformal complaint of sexualharassment involving Jeff Gasaway. In essence, I only kno;¡¡;,rumors 01 an allegedrelationship between Jeff Gasaway and an English teacher iJ I was thenasked if I "could have told" Tracy Ryerson "at a time when I was upset" about aninvestigation of sexual harassment investigation involving Jeff Gasaway. I was told thatthis "would have been done after Tracy had learned abÇJut not getting the job at Jasper ".

I do not recall having this particular discussion with Tracy Ryerson. It is notpossible for me to share information about an investigation that did not nor does not existto my knowledge. To reiterate, to the best of my knowledge and the best of myrecollection, there has been no investigation regarding these allegations or any type ofinvestigations of Jeff Gasaway and I do not recall having any discussions thereof withTracy Ryerson regarding this claim.

The only person 1 reported these allegations to was Mark Hinshaw, because it

was the right thing to do, despite not having the English teachers name. "

No further information. "

ill ll itated in her statement, "10. Question: What do I know about the

-tfuation/relationship that occurred between Jeff Gasaway, and an English teacherlJIIIJt r4i" Mr. Frazier and I did not ask of what she knew about the

relationship. Mr. Frazier and I requested to complete a statement regdingher observations at the campus party. Mr. Frazier and I also requested. .to

include in her written statement whether she told Ms. Ryerson that Mr. Gasaway was

accused of sexual harassment.

During the course of this inVeStigon@. §lwas evasive with her responses. It ishighly questionable that 1!& has worked at Jasper High School approximately one

year and seven months and would not be able to identify a Jasper High School teachershe saw at this party. During the interview, when £ iiilwas asked questions directlyrelated to the allegations, she repeatedly indicated that she aid not recall or remember.

(l jlJused a form of the word recall approximately forty-nine (49) times in her two

statements. During the course of this investigation Mr. Frazier a1 met witti@ jl)

three times regarding this case. During the first meetinQ had an emotional

outburst towards Mr. Frazier regardin his questioning of her honesty. During the thirdinterview Mr. Frazier and I met with 10 allow her to review her writtenstatements and sign them in our presence. became emotional and told Mr.Frazier and me highly personal information that did not pertain to this case.

"'.

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On or about 3- 15-10, Ms. Smith called Director of Security Police Services Mr.

Hinshaw's telephone. Mr. Hinshaw did not answer the telephone calL. Ms. Smith left avoice mail on Mr. Hinshaw's telephone indicating that she was havingyl i E andneeded to retrieve some of her personal belongings from Jasper High SchooL.

Mr. Frazier and Human Resources Coordinator Autry Daniel met with Ms. Smith atJasper High School to retrieve some of her personal belongings. Mr. Frazier reported thatsome of Ms. Smith's property fell on the floor. Mr. Frazier indicated that he picked theproperty up to give to Ms. Smith. Ms. Smith pulled the property from Mr. Frazier's handin an angry manner. Mr. Frazier reported thiit while he was assisting Ms. Smith with herproperty that she told him that she did not need help

On or about 3-29-10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewe~::Êe' Ryerson. The purpose of theinterview was to inquire about the information tha ïl told her regarding the

sexual harassment allegations. Ms. Ryerson submitted an additiojlal written statementregarding a conversation with Ms. Smith. Ms. Ryerson stated, 'f!!! gold melast summer that Jeff Gazzaway was accused of sexual harrassment by a staff member. Ido not recall exactly who she told me; however, I was under the impression it was a ladyon my interview panel - possibly the science department chair or a guidance counselor.This statement was made after I did not get the job at Jasper. I thought it was to consoleme but I do not remember the exact conversation or time frame. It is my belief theconversation occurred in August around the principal meetings. "

On or about 3-29-10, Director of Security Police Services Mark Hinshaw submitted awritten statement. Mr. Hinshaw,ted, "On or about 06-10-09, I received a phone call

in the early evening hours from Wffered to buy me a beer, and 1declined her invitation. I had already eaten dinner, and I was in for the evening. Shethen asked me again 2-3 more times, and I agreed to meet her at Fillmore Pub, 1004 E.15th Street in Plano. This pub is approximately one block from my residence, and Iwalked to the pub.

Based on my acquaintance witJfii * I anticipated that she wished to complainabout work and lament over he;:jfi¡lure to advance in PISD. 1fùrther suspected that shewould be speaking about staff discord at Jasper High School, of which there had beenrecent talk.. §bought me a pint of beer, and she proceeded to complain abouther work environment and the fact that she was not advancing at the rate she felt sheshould be advancing. At some point during the conversation, a severe storm hit thedowntown Plano area. I monitored this situation and communicated with employees ofthe pub to move the customers away from the windows.

I relocated where I was sitting withe 2B As we spoke at a corner seat of the bar,

she told me that she had heard some gossip about Jasper High School Principal Jeff

Gasaway. ß S 'old me that Mr. GaSaw¡tad been engaged in an ongoing sexualrelationship with one of his teachers. (Jjj; id not name the teacher, and 1 did not

ask. . Qtold me that the teacher wished to end the relationship but was scared to

do so. & gstory was clearly third-party gossip, and I counseled her against

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repeating such stories, I advised her that if an employee at the campus felt to be thevictim of sexual harassment, the employee needed to report the situation. No more wassaid of the matter.

I interpreted\ii; gelating the story to me as partly an attempt to impress me with

what she felt was knowledge that she possessed, and partly as an attempt to lake a swipeat Mr. Gasaway, with whom she was unhappy. ljinished my pint of beer, and walkedhome alone. I spoke to no one of the gossip thatE lJhad told me. I was at the pubfor approximately no longer than one hour.

At some point in the weeks after this, I received a phone call one night from Mr.Gasaway. As I no longer speak with Mr. Gasaway very often and he was conspicuouslymaking small talk with me, I suspected he was calling to ask something of me, A shorttime later he asked me if I had heard anything at the administrative building regardinghim. He indicated that he had been directed to be a Patty Meyer's office in the morning,and the insinuation was that he felt like he was in trouble. I told him that I had heardnothing at work about him. I advised him that there was gossip being spoken concerninghim, and 1 told him what 1 had heard. I did not advise him where I received theinformation. Mr. Gasaway indicated that he was very stressed out and that he would notbe sleeping that night. 1 told him to call me the next day and let me know that he was o.k.

I spoke to Mr. Gasaway the next day. He advised me that he had been called in to Ms.MYer,s office over a misunderstanding and that he was o.k.

I have received no credible, direct, or official reports of any alleged sexual harassmentor sexual misconduct perpetrated by Principal Jeff Gasaway on a Jasper High Schoolemployee, and I have not been asked to investigative any of the same. "

On or about 3-29-10, Mr. Frazier and I interviewed Jasper High School English teacher(lì j §l :old us that Mr JJ3saway made her feel uncomfortable threetimes during the 2008-2009, school year.lll! j JlSSaid that Mr. Gasaway spoke to her

in a small group ofteachers at a pep rally during t e fall of 2008. @ EJdid notremember the exact words that Mr. Gasaway said, however, she said that the tone andmanner in which Mr. Gasaway made the comment made her feel uncomfortable', ..

IIlIlJ indicated that because of Mr. Gasaway's comment and tone, the colleague stated toher, "I must be chopped liver."k 2 iaid that on an unknown date during the 2008-

2009, school year she and another staff member were walking on a set of stairs at Jasper

High SchooL. & llindicated that Mr. Gasaway looked at her inappropriately whileshe was walking on the stairs.iliillIIIIlllsaid that it was so noticeable that another staffmember made a comment to her about Mr. Gasaway obviously staring at her. f 2said that on an unknown date near the end ofthe 2008-2009, school year she was asked tomeet with Mr. Gasaway regarding a work related assignment. § íi'said that as she

was cntering Mr. Gasaway's office that Mr. Gasaway made contact with the side of herbreast.1l taid that the contact with her breast could have been incidenta1.._indicated; at Mr. Gasaway called over the campus radio and told other male

adm1ií'istrators to go to a classroom that had a classroom observer. ~ indicatedthat the classroom observer was an attractive female.(lß 5lllin~t the feelingaround Jasper High School was that the, "Good ole boys were back."

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(É Said that she contacted the Plano ISD Human Resources Department and madean anonymous report that Mr. Gasaway was making her feel uncomfortable.l!i iJ

said that she thought the Human Resources Department knew who she was because sheused her classroom telephone. ! jiT said that Mr. Gasaway stopped making her feel

uncomfortable, and he has not one anything during the 2009-2010, school year thatmaddehherhfeel un~odmfodrtha?ie.@ ii ~said she diit rei thde Ith'nCidehnttìtoithl~kPohlicean t at s e consi ere t is an emp oyment matter. sai at see tie t eschool district handled the situation.lÎ!I 2l aid that she did not want to pursue the

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that Mr. Gasaway touched her breast while giving her a hug!@ J il\explained that

the staff member told her that Mr. Gasaway's hand brushed against her breast. Ë iii

would not tell me the name of the staff member that told her of the allegation regardingMr. Gasaway. = illsaid that the staff member told her the information in.confidence. I asked to complete a written statement. I instructec'j .to

~~~~ 7teu;~~nh~; :~~~~;~; l~t~, ~o:l~~~~' :~~:~~~mtrõl tj¡r~~i:~i~~~:t~~~d"1 have thought very thoroughly about our conversation on Monday, and I am very muchconfiicted over the correct course of action. For me, this chapter in my life closed lastJune, I haven't been bothered personally since then, and I've moved on. Without ourconversation, I would not have ever thought to pursue this matter any further, and I

would prefer not to pursue any further investigation. Please let me know if you needanything more from me. "

CONCLUSION:

The evidence indicates that Ms. Smith was given a verbal directive by Mrs. Griffin to notdiscuss their conversation. The evidence indicates that Ms. Smith spoke to Mr. Gasawayand violated the directive given to her by Mrs. Griffin.

Ms. Smith violated Plano ISD district policy DH (Local).

"Employees shall comply with the standards of conduct set out inthis policy and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelinesthat impose duties, requirements, or standards attendant to their status as Districtemployees. Violation of any policies, regulations, or guidelines may result in disciplinary

action, including termination of employment. (See DCD and DF series)All employees shall adhere to District scifety rules and regulations. "

The complaint is sustained.

Mrs. Meyer stated that Ms. Smith told Mrs. Griffin and her that Ms. Smith contacted Ms.Ryerson about two or three times. Mrs. Griffin indicated that Ms. Smith told Mrs. Meyerand her that she communicated with Ms. Ryerson two to four times.

During the interview with Ms. Smith she told Mr. Frazier and me that she communicatedwith Ms. Ryerson two to four times. Ms. Smith stated in her written statement, "Myphone records are archived and only show 5 or 6 phone calls with afew one minute onmy cell. On this archived information it does not show any of my ingoing or outgoing textmessage numbers. "

Ms. Ryerson's phone records indicate that she sent Ms. Smith approximately sixty-seven(67) text messages. Ms. Ryerson's phone records indicate that she receivedapproximately seventy-six (76) text messages from Ms. Smith.

Ms. Ryerson's phone records indicate that she called Ms. Smith six (6) times. Ms.Ryerson's phone records indicate that she received four (4) calls from Ms. Smith.

Ms. Smith's Plano ISD office telephone records indicate that she called Ms. Ryerson onetime.

The assistant principal interview at Jasper High School occurred on 6-26-09. Theinterviews started at approximately 2:30 p.m., and the last interview started atapproximately 5:30 p.m.

Ms. Ryerson's phone records indicate:

6-26-09 1 :03 p.m.6-26-09 1 :27 p.m.6-26-09 1 :27 p.m.6-26-09 1 :27 p.m.6-26-09 1 :32 p.m.6-26-09 3:48 p.m.6-26-09 4:33 p.m.6-26-09 5:32 p.m.6-26-09 5:59 p.m.6-26-09 6:27 p.m.6-26-09 6:29 p.m.6-26-09 6:58 p.m.6-26-09 7:26 p.m.6-26-09 7:28 p.m.6-26-09 7:29 p.m.6-26-09 7:40 p.m.6-26-09 8:29 p.m.

Ms. Ryerson received a phone call from Ms. Smith (2 minutes)Ms. Ryerson called Ms. Smith (call waiting 1 minute)Ms. Ryerson called Ms. Smith (1 minute)Ms. Ryerson called Ms. Smith (6 minutes)Ms. Ryerson called Ms. Smith (20 minutes)Ms. Ryerson received a text message from Ms. SmithMs. Ryerson received a text message from Ms. SmithMs. Ryerson sent a text message to Ms. Smith

Ms. Ryerson sent a text message to Ms. Smith

Ms. Ryerson sent a text message to Ms. SmithMs. Ryerson sent a text message to Ms. SmithMs. Ryerson sent a text message to Ms. SmithMs. Ryerson called Ms. Smith (I minute)Ms. Ryerson sent a text message to Ms. SmithMs. Ryerson received a text message from Ms. SmithMs. Smith called Ms. Ryerson (20 minutes)Ms. Ryerson received a text message from Ms. Smith

The evidei1Ce suggests that Ms. Smith was deceptive to Mrs. Meyer and Mrs. Griffinregarding the amount of communication that she had with Ms. Ryerson. The evidencesuggests that Ms. Smith was deceptive during this investigation regarding the amount ofcommunication with Ms. Ryerson.

Ms. Smith violated district policy DH (Exhibit)

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"The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obeythe law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplifY honesty. "

The complaint is sustained.

Ms. Ryerson stated, coB g 'old me last summer that Jeff Gazzaway was accusedof sexual harrrgsment by a staff member. " During the interview with Ms. Ryerson sheindicated that, lJ:old her tJlls information on the telephone during the summer of

2009. Ms. Ryerson indicated thatL jlmade this comment while they were talkingabout Ms. Ryerson not getting the position at Jasper High SchooL.

& g itated, "I do not recall having this particular discussion with Tracy Ryerson. Itis not possible for me to share information about an investigation that did not nor doesnot exist to my knowledge. To reiterate, to the best of my knowledge and the best of myrecollection, there has been no investigation regarding these allegations or any type ofinvestigations of Jeff Gasaway and I do not recall having any discussions thereof withTracy Ryerson regarding this claim. "

6 ~tated, "In essence, I only know of rumors of an alleged relationship between

Jeff Gasaway and an English teacher@ lijJ"

The evidence suggests thaW B told Ms. Ryerson that Mr. Gasaway was accusedof sexual harassment with01:#jlersonal knowledge of any factual information regardingsuch a matter. Furthermore,(llI B indicated that she told Mr. Hinshaw that Mr.

Gasaway had a relationship with a teacher at Jasper High SchooL. C ~ indicated to

Mr. Frazier and me that she needed to report this matter to Mr. Hinshaw because it wasregarding her building principal. _ 3 communication with Ms. Ryerson and Mr.Hinshaw was unprofessional, and she communicated information not knowing if theinformation was factuaL.

The evidence suggests that & ljItold Ms. Ryerson that Mr. Gasaway was accused

of sexual harassment. This violates district policy DH (Exhibit).

"Standard 2.2. The educator shall not harm others by knowingly making false statements

about a colleague or the school system."

The complaint is sustained.

Additionally, Ms. Smith's communication with Ms. Ryerson regarding the interviews forthe Assistant Principal position at Jasper High School was unethicaL.

Ms. Smith violated district policy DH (Exhibit).

Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal corrfidential health or personnel information

concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or isrequired by law.

The complaint is sustained.

Mr. Frazier and I met with Ms. Ryerson two times regarding this matter. Ms. Ryersonindicated in her statement to Mrs. Griffin, "I am requesting protection from anyretaliation in relation to this matter with not only Brenda Smith but people I currentlywork with. I also do not wish to have any repercussions. It is my wish to promotethrough the district and to be successful in my career. "

Ms. Ryerson also stated in her statement to Mrs. Griffin, "I am requesting protectionunder the Whistleblower. Please assist me in ensuring this protection. "

Mr. Frazier and I did not discover evidence that any Plano Senior High School staff

member was attempting to have Ms. Ryerson leave Plano Senior High SchooL.

No evidence was discovered that Ms. Ryerson has been subjected to any discrimination,persecution or inappropriate treatment.

Attachments

A---Tracy Ryerson Statement and Emails (a)B.--Patty Meyer StatementC--- Tamira Griffin Emailg.--Brenda Smith Statement (a)E-;-Jeff Gasaiway StatementF---TracyFninco StatementG---Karin Baili Statement .H-.it 3St=emen.i ---Tracy RYIJrson Stat en: (bY _ _"Lkùi .g(ì~J---Mark Hinshaw Statem nt \0 \+~'((w, ,-- - r UK--. @Email - 5'5'2..,L---Rai-idall Chaddick Statement

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March 1, 2010

Dear Ms. Griffin,

I am writing this statement in response to our meeting with Patty Meyerthis afternoon, I am requestingprotection from any retaliation in relation to this matter with not only Brenda Smith but people icurrently work with. I also do not wish to have any repercussions. It Is my wish to promote through thedistrict and to be successful In my career. My loyalties are to Plano Independent School District. It is notmy intention to cause harm to Brenda. Brenda may have perceived her actions as an attempt to assistme. The situation has bothered me consistently throughout the school year for reasons I explainedduring our meeting. i am providiñg copies of my cell phûne bill to show the continuous contact. I amalso requesting an open records request on my office phone, 469-752-9412. I believe the initial call

.marle to me was no this phone. J am also reQuestirW an open remrds request on .Brenda .5initb's office

phone to show I made no attempt to contact her prior to her Initial call to me. This should clear up anymisconception on who made initial contact and when.

i have rewritten my statement after our meeting to clear up many questions. I first met Brenda Smith atthe Beginning Administrator Meetings with Larry Guinn. I did not sit with or socialize with Brenda duringtbese meel:iiigs.. J sat wJtb Johnny Cotton from Plano East ¡md MarJyss from Plano West. J left directlyafter each meeting and reported back to campus. I recall one specific time when I saw Brenda intruancy court; however, do not recall having any specific conversation with her. I often speak with otheradministrators whom I do not know personally due to the amount of time we spend waiting for ourstudents to go before the judge. I do know I did not establish a social friendship with Brenda nor did Icontact.her hy phone. My next encounter wltb .Brenda was w.hen sbe represented Jas,oer HWb Scbool at

a Plano Senior High School meeting. The discussion surrounded around students who would attendPlano during the 2009-10 school year and required special attention. Brenda presented her list ofstudents and to my knowledge, .Ieft the campus. I did not socialize with her or meet with her after thismeeting.

I attended the TASSP meeting with Dr. Dean and Plano administrators during the first two weeks ofJune. Dr. Dean advised me of an Assistant Principal of Curriculum position at Jasper High SchooL. Hestated. be felt!. was a llflod match for tbis \lcisitiao. and. would sUQ\lort me in in1eNlewine, for thisposition. I spoke with Jeff Gasaway during a professional development session. He stated he wouldcontact me when we returned to Plano to schedule the interview. Brenda contacted me after theinterview was scheduled and stated she would assist me in planning for the interview and assisted me inanswering questions. She discussed her experiences regarding interviews at Plano East and what she\lercelved. Jas\ler Hle):i. School was looklnii for.. After reviewine, mi¡ cell i;ibone bUl, l1.aQ\lears as thaue):i

this call was made to my office phone. I thought Brenda was trying to be helpfui since she was friendswith Tracy Franco and Tracy was aware I submitted my resume as a candidate for the position. Mr.Gasaway cancelled the first appointment and stated he would need to reschedule. I cannot recall the

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exact timeline; however, did find a call from Brenda to me on June 22, 2009 at 8:30am. I am unclear asto if this is the initial call orthe call she made after Mr. Gasaway rescheduled. My cell phone billssui;inar:t i. did nnt coiitact. Bi:enda at ami time. i;irinr to this date in. the. i:nnDìh. of lune.. i. aJso i;irO\LÌded.lm¡

April and May 2009 bills to support the fact I never contacted Brenda in any way or form prior to myinterview.

Brenda contacted me several times prior to the interview. She contacted me to find out why the initialinterview was cancelled. i stated I didn't know why. I communicated that Mr. Gasaway stated he wouldreschedille.. I. do not recaJ1 the E!)(aet. timelines but do know Brenda. contacted. me to state that Mr..

Gasaway was Interviewing two African American females, a Hispanic female from Garland or Mesquite,and me. She also shared one of the females was a dean at the middle school level. i am not sure if thisis true but these comments led me to talk to Tracy Franco. I considered removing my name from the listbecause Brenda shared they were looking for a minority. I believe the man that left was a Hispanicroale.. I. toid.lrai:i¡ and. Karin. Baii i. did. not want to E!)(nend. the time and. enerei¡ In. nrenarine, f.O( an.interview if Jasper was looking for a minority to balance the team. Tracy assured me I was qualified and,in her opinion, had a very good chance at obtaining the position. Brenda contacted me several timesprior to my interview. I responded because I truly felt she was trying to help me. I was excited at theopportunity to work at Jasper High School. She communicated her desire to work at Plano Senior HighSchooL. and. stated. that Dr.. Dean and. T.(ae~ would. hire. her If I. Wt the. ipb atlasi;ier. She said. it was a. wine

win situation. i was not in the position to know If Dr. Dean would hire her if i obtained the position atJasper but i am sure i agreed this was a positive situation. I believe the interview occurred on June 26,2009. Please confirm this with Mr. Gasaway. I am relying on phone records to prompt me with thedates. Brenda called me on June 26, 2009 at 1:03pm. i do not recall specifics about the call other thanshe told me that Mr. Gasawa~ had isolated her from this i;irocess. She stated that Randall was call1nii

her between Interviews to update her on what was happening. Please understand I have no way ofconfirming if Randall actually did this. This is what i was told. I clearly recall Brenda telling me theHispanic female was doing a phone interview while driving her daughter to college. i assumed thismeant I did not need to worry. Brenda contacted me several times during the day while I was preparingfor the intei:lll.ew.. I. did return. calls 1.11.Ussed... i. do nnt recalL. am¡ other si;iecifJe earom.ents beinii r.n.ade..1.

was so excited and nervous for this interview and honestly wanted the position. i thought she wastrying to help but found it odd she was talking to Randall and that Mr. Gasaway had so removed herfrom the Interview process. i do not recall how I learned that a situation occurred between Brenda andMr. Gasaway last spring but do believe she made mention to it during the phone calls. I do not haveSnecifies as to what bai;ii;iened... i. lUstkne.w of a sI1Uatioo.. Bi:enda seotse.veraJ. f.riendJ~ text messalElsInquiring on how the interview went. i communicated i felt it went well and that Mr. Gasaway stated he

would contact me on Monday. i do recall Brenda stating that Randall told her that Mr. Gasaway sharedwith the Interview team that he interviewed me when i was going through the principal pool Interview

process, I interviewed well, and I appeared to be the best candidate (at least on paper). Brenda'scomDlllOJcatioo. roade. me to helieve. i. more than IikeJi¡ ascertained. the. r,i.ositioo. atlasr;ier- i. doremember Brenda asking me to call her on Monday when i heard something. J corresponded withBrenda due to the fact i thought the communication was genuine and encouraging. I spoke with Mr.Gasaway at or around 2:42 pm. i took the news that I did not obtain the position very hard. I truly

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thought I Interviewed well and would be selected. I was at m~ house throughout the entireprocess. I was very discouraged. Brenda and I spoke frequently on Monday as 1 anticipated Mr.

Gasawal( s calL. L texted. ber that I. did not iyrt. the. niisìtinii and was. asked to calL. her to taJk.ahoU!. wbat

happened. This was a brief call due to the fact I took the news hard. Brenda was very supportive andstated she felt bad. I Included the entire phone bill to show there was no additional contact throughout

this time frame. I told mvi.3nd boyfriend i felt uncomfortable with the content of many of her text

messages. Both have stated you are welcome to call them as to their recollection of the events. My

6 Darnei; fu .!J Her nbone nJJIDher i 63 Mil bm¡frierids name is RobertGarcia..His number is 972-979-7304. Both Individuals know I did not have a social friendship with Brenda priorto this process. I honestly looked forward to the opportunity to work with Mr. Gasaway and Jasper HighSchooL. While i took the failure to obtain the position hard, i understood Mr. Gasaway and his teamdetermined I was not the best fit. i understood that; however, felt like I was built up to believe 1 was thebest candidate b\¡ Brenda.

i did not see Brenda until the principal meetings at the beginning of the school year. She sat with meÒ/H'mc (NJlt of the meetmc;mod dlsc/lSsed her desire to' become an assistant eri.7ckNII. She asked me to'

not share what occurred during the Jasper interview with anyone - repeatedly. i believe text messageswere sent in encouragement at ascertaining an assistant principal position but over time it became clearit was her main objective to get me to leave Plano so she could fill my position. She has repeatedlyshared with me that If I left Dr. Dean and Tracy will put her in my position. During this tlmeframe ididn't find it odd she w.ìsbed to return to Plano Senior.H¡iib SebooJ to wor.k as an assistant prlnci,iiaL Jjust didn't know how much she wanted my position. Brenda periodically made contact with methroughout the school year. The only time she made contact was to share job openings she found. Itmade me uncomfortable. i shared this with Karin Ball, my secretary, m~ and my boyfriend. Thejob openings were not limited to Plano. They were outside Plano also. i recall one conversation where ItoJd Brenda J was not interested in Jeali.iiW Plano at this time idistrjct or sebootl J was hap,oy andwanted some consistency. Brenda shared with me she talked to Dusty Jennings. She shared that if shedidn't take my position, maybe she could take Dusty's when he retired. She stated Dusty told her hewas going to Austin to look Into retirement. I did not share or discuss this with Dusty. i did not feel itwas my place. i also recall Brenda forwarding an email to me regarding a position in curriculum. Brendaforwarded an email Me- Gasaway sent out to the staff .maklf\!l them aware of the position. Brenda sentIt because she felt it was right up my alley. At this point, i had had it with the emails and the soliciting ofmy job. I told Brenda I couldn't afford a pay cut and wasn't Interested. After meeting with you, I triedrecalling a conversation i may have had with Brenda in regards to a position in McKinney ISO. i am not100% sure i actually told Brenda this. Brenda and I have had limited contact since last summer. I doremember telUf\!I Brenda J wasn't interested Jeayif\!l the district .because J .had .no desire to start olieLTracy Franco called me about the McKinney position. She wanted to know If i was going to apply. i toldher that i knew the new superintendent. I worked for Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Davis in Allen. Tracy and Iboth live in Allen and it is not out of the norm to discuss Allen iSO. Tracy asked me if i was going to waitIt out and be patient for a promotion. I told her yes. We discussed me contacting Roxanne Burleson todiscuss my career as,oirations in Plano. I have yet to do this. I do know Tracy and Brenda are goodfriends but i am not 100% sure I told Brenda. Brenda called me a few weeks back to discuss an interview

~

CJ-- S52.\11

she had at Shepton. She wanted my thoughts on the fact the principal told her she'd let her know In aday but then called her back and stated It would be longer. Brenda called me shortly afterwards and didi:intleaiie.ainessai¡¡,e lcaJJ.ed.her. back.to see wbat.!ibe oeeded.anJibIDle. ontbeard. from. her. ae¡lÍJL i.

lessened communication with her throughout the school year as It became more and moreuncomfortable to talk to her. The only purpose for the calls or text messages was to determine when Iwas planning on leaving Plano. I had no intentions In leaving Plano nor have i made any strides to do so.What i thought was once genuine, friendly communication soon became apparent as attempts to assistme. io.!.eauio¥, Plano...

It is very possible Brenda's perception was she was being helpfuL. I understand that. A culmination ofevents 1M me to feel as t~ ¡ llli'S /'IO't iili'f/ted at PIamJ- (liS ¡ disc/JSsed ll#,i¡. you iR (NYs.ml. Tkis is tke

only reason why I shared this with Karin Ball several months later. While I felt uncomfortable withBrenda's actions, I didn't want Mr. Gasaway to feel obligated to hire me due to the situation. I felt it .wouiô be more pröfessionai to move fOiWard and give 100% tû my career. Brenda's actions havedeterred me from applying for other positions in the district. I want to be promoted based on my.knowJeq;,e of .Illy)iúi. bow J perfor.m .my)iúi. and.my reputation as a professinnal.

I am willing to cooperate and assist Mr. Gasaway In any way possible; however, I fear retaliation and-.¡~'L'lF.FdRRQ. 'i W'ì'i 'í~Ù?15 "t/i'dclSJltun l~ +..71è \ln¡'¡f.tJRkJ(i9lVt.'i. n~ 1F.ß& W'lè Ift'i ~F.JtfiWf6 tL~Î6

protection. I would like to be assured that Brenda not communicate this situation to anyone In thedistrict other than her direct supervisors. It is of great concern she will share Information that is notaccurate In nature with people I work with; i enjoy my position In Plano ISO and would like to continue

worklng in a positive environment.

It is not my place to judge Brenda. I am uncomfortable with the situation and find this process to beextremeiy stressful. I take pride in my ability to work as a team player and get along with my coworkers. l f~i Mr. Gasaway rle.serYerl to know if tlie mnfJrle.ntiaUI)I of JiI5 JntenlÍew process was

undermined by Brenda; however, being new to the district did not know what avenues to explore forhelp. I also did not wantJii1s. Meyer or Mr. Gasaway to feel i was putting them In a position to hire medue to a complaint. Mv/§.m~nd I determined it was best to leave well enough alone and moveforward with my career. i appreciate your assistance and willingness to talk to me and help me throughJ:hepro=Thank you for your time and energy in meeting in this matter. My cell phone number iS~if.fV~ i¡.ilJ~ W'I' "tdditlWUNi 'rl~+¿fUlr~.

Wit~ R~rds, '-j -4. ) ~ 1. . '1

0lõaT ;(, 70I)V ~ 0(.Tracy L. Ryerson ;l 5- 1.1 ~

~ curriculum position opening in PISD.txt_.....",... U ¡g&e~~~: T~~3PMsubject: curriculum position opening in PISDAttachments: Fwd: farewell

FYI. . . I know you mi ss worki ng in curri cul um. Look who just resi gned???

1) lift~Dj~.r)1

Thought of you. . . and our recent conversati on of you mi ssi ng thi s ki nd of stuff.. .ANDyou coul d sti 11 stay wi th PISD.

It was forwarded from Mr. Gasaway to our admin staff.

penny for your thoughts.. .maybe God is looking out for the two of us...

Brenda

~~~ wendy Despain 11/16/2009 11:49 AM ~~~Hello to all,

I wou1 d 1 i ke to share some news wi th my PISD fri ends.I have accepted a position as Head of school at a private pre-school here in plano.It is called The Grove school, and it is focused on preparing students for successin Kindergarten and thereafter through a strong curricular program in language arts,reading, math, and science, as well as in the arts and environmental education. TheGrove school is a green school that will be almost self-sufficient and totallyorganic; it is expected to become an elite, unique, and genuine preparatory school.It is still being built, out of all recycled materials, and will be located neariegacy and independence. It wi 11 open in January and have a 144 occupancy of 3 - 5year olds. I am very excited about the opportunity to become re-acquainted withearly childhood, my life long passion, and to establish myself at a campus onceagai n.

with opportunity and change come trepidation and sadness as well. I am petrified ofleaving the public school system i so strongly advocate and know so well. I am alsovery sad to leave all the friends, colleagues, and students with whom I have sharedand from whom i have learned for almost 15 years. It is scary to venture into theunknown but i am fueled by my desi re to make a difference in the lives of childrenand get back in the trenches. interestingly, I expect many of my students totransition into Plano public schools or some surrounding private schools.

FYIMy 1 ast day is: l1L2_0/09.My home email is: tlll

My new work email, available

~ _ SS2..\'SÎ,; .-after the 2 th wi1l be: ~

i cherish my time spent here, and I would love to stay in touch. I am filled withsuch strong and diverse emotions right now; i have to have faith that when I stepinto the darkness before me, i will either be provided land on which to walk or iwill learn to fly. (borrowed from a quote.. .of course:))

Take care & enjoy your day

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. if you lovewhat you are doing, you will be successful." -- Albert schweitzer (1875-1965)

wendy DeSpai n,NClB coordi natorwendy. despai n@pisd.edu

page 1

469-752-8298 (phone)469-752-8035 (Fax)Department of Assessmentplano iso2700 W. 15th St.plano, TX 75075

cu r r; cul um pas; t; on open; ng ; n PISD. txt

& Accountabil; ty

page 2

...

iIØ 186Date:subj ect:

Hey Tracy,

Did you get this email? It's a curriculum position within our district. seebelow... .Brenda

Curriculum position with PISD.txtl ¡ IT : 1 ni¡jilih

!i'llfill í l!.. ; 2 ; Y'trnllo: 37 AM

curri cul um posi ti on wi th PISD

Brenda smi thDean of StudentsJasper Hi gh school469-752-7516"Be the change you wi sh to see in the worl d"

~~~ Jeff Gasaway 11/16/2009 2: 28 PM ~~~fyi~~~ wendy Despai n 11/16/2009 11:49 AM ~~~Hello to all,

I waul d 1 i ke to share some news wi th my PISD fri ends.I have accepted a position as Head of School at a private pre-school here in plano.It is called The Grove school, and it is focused on preparing students for successin Kindergarten and thereafter through a strong curricular program in language arts,reading, math, and science, as well as in the arts and environmental education. TheGrove school is a green school that will be almost self-sufficient and totallyorganic; it is expected to become an elite, unique, and genuine preparatory school.It is still being built, out of all recycled materials, and will be located nearLegacy and independence. It wi 11 open in January and have a 144 occupancy of 3 - 5year 01 ds. I am very exci ted about the opportuni ty to become re-acquai nted wi thear1y childhood, my life long passion, and to establish myself at a campus onceagai n.

wi th opportuni ty and change come trepi dati on and sadness as well. i am petri fi ed ofleaving the public school system I so strongly advocate and know so well. I am alsovery sad to leave all the friends, colleagues, and students with whom I have sharedand from whom i have learned for almost 15 years. It is scary to venture into theunknown but i am fueled by my desire to make a difference in the lives of childrenand get back in the trenches. interesti ngl y, I expect many of -my students totransition into plano public schools or some surrounding private schools.

FYIMy 1 ast day is: 11¿ig/09.My home email is: OIl I'"

My new work email , avaiãlîi e

~ _ $52.\37 '-.

after the 20t wi 11 be: ti JI cherish my time spent here, and I would love to stay in touch. I am filled withsuch strong and diverse emotions right now; I have to have faith that when I stepinto the darkness before me, I will either be provided land on which to walk or Iwill learn to fly. (borrowed from a quote.. .of course:))

Take care & enjoy your day

"success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. if you lovewhat you are doing, you will be successful." -- Albert schweitzer (1875-1965)

page 1

Curriculum position with PISD.txt

wendy Despai'n,NClS coordinator

wendy. despa; n@p;sd.edu469-752-8298 (Phone)469-752-8035 (Fax)Department of Assessment & Accountab; 1; typl ano iso2700 w. 15th St.plano, TX 75075

Page 2

-~',

.. J/IIIDate:subject:

for curriculum principal.txt

principalRenner Middle school Asst. principal? i hear it's fòr a

Just curious. I did. .but I have no experience in it so I would just welcome theopportunity to interview. who knows?? But I know you would probably get it due toyour back ground.

HOW was your winter break?

Take care,BrendaBrenda Smi thDean of studentsJasper High school469-752-7516"Be the change you wi sh to see in the worl d"

Page 1

Re opening for curriculum principal.txt~ ~~~~.Date: _~ 4:08 PMsubject: ' Re: opening for curriculum principal

wow... i think i recall her coming from that back ground but wasn't sure. I know youare 1 ooki ng for a cur ri cul um job so i thought about you... as i always do whenlooking for jobs for myself.

I woul d LOVE to come work wi th you. i'll have to pray that the Lord bl esses her wi thit and perhaps I could come home and work with YOU!!! i! We would have so much fun!!

Thinking of you.. .always,Brenda

Brenda smithDean of studentsJasper Hi gh school469-752-7516"Be the change you wi sh to see in the worl d"

~~~ ~,,,n " tracy.ryerson@pisd.edu ~ ~4:05 PM ~~~Nope. I didn't. i'm not sure i want middle school plus Karin islooking at it

sent from my i phone

on ~eIlWIDa~, at 3: 39 PM, "m éHEI_III'Î~' " Brenda.smith@pisd. edu ~wrote:~ Are you applying for the Renner Middle school Asst. principal? i~ hear it's for a curriculum position.~~ Just curious. I did. .but i have no experience in it so i would just~ welcome the opportunity to interview. who knows?? But i know you~ would probably get it due to your back ground.~~ How was your wi nter break?~~ Take care,~ Brenda~~ Brenda Smi th~ Dean of students~ Jasper High school~ 469-752-7516~~ "Be the change you wi sh to see in the worl d"~

page 1

I \4/5720ToJ~äriJtôš~tïPr,~ -. S!~~rii'ii:nT: .,. : ":d-.:.::.::: .d::~::":d:~::..:'..::"d::=::::::d_'...::'.::: ::d:: ":':~~Qedi

From:To:Date:Subject:Attachments:

Tracy RyersonPatty. Meyer@pisd.edu,Tamira.Griffin@pisd,edu3/1/2010 10:44 PMStatementbrenda smith2.doc

Ms. Griffin and Ms. Meyer,

Attached is a copy of my statement. I wili bring a signed copy and ceil phone bills in the morning. I wasonly able to print the month of the interview, the prior month, and July. i can print the entire school year ifneeded. This will only demonstrate I basically cut off communication as the year progressed.

Thank you for your time this afternoon in helping me work through this situation. I tried expressing thehurt It caused but can't recall all the specifics due to the time that has lapsed. I outlined the timeline asaccurately as possible.

Again, many thanks. I appreciate your time and energy. It meant a lot.

Tracy

March 26,2010Statement given by: Patty Meyer, AAS West ClusterStatement regarding meeting with Brenda Smith on 2/24/1 0

Tamira Griffin, Brenda Smith and I were in attendance for this meeting.Tamira asked Brenda if she had been in contact with Tracey Ryerson regarding theassistant principal interviews at Jasper HS in June of2009. Brenda stated she had not as

she was not on the interview panel and she had already left for the summer. It wasasked of her if anyone on the panel had contact with her regarding the candidatesand/or anything that went on in the interviews? Brenda said, "No." Tamira askeddid anyone on the panel e-mail you, call you, text you or did you e-mail, call or textanyone on the panel regarding the candidates and how the interviews were going?Tamira asked Brenda ir Jeff Gasaway had contacted her, irRandaH Chaddick hadcontacted her or anyone else on the panel? Brenda replied, "No," to each of thesequestions. Brenda did state that she could not remember exactly, she may have contactedTracey Ryerson about 2 or 3 times regarding job opportunities, but she did not tell heranything about candidates and/or the interview process.

At one point in the meeting Brenda handed me a packet, log, of thoughts on concernsshe had with Jeff Gasaway and his leadership as well as the administrative team atJasper HS. I told Brenda that this was not what this meeting was about, but I wouldread it and both Tamira and I would review it at a later date. Should there be anythingwe saw as concerning it would be followed-up on. I also told Brenda I would get withher prior to spring break regarding the information she handed to me. (Both Tamira and Iread this separately and agreed there was no information or concern expressed to address.I have not had the opportunity to follow-up Brenda as this investigation is still beingConducted and did not want to confuse the issues.)

Prior to the conclusion of the meeting Tamira gave Brenda the directive to discussthis no one. Tamira said you cannot talk to anyone about this. Brenda stated shefelt bad is Tracey Ryerson was upset because she thought Brenda was trying toget her job and Plano SHS. Tamira was specific is saying you cannot contact Traceyto discuss this at all.

Brenda did ask me ifher boss knew about this? I said, "Yes, but he did not initiate thisconcern." Tamira did tell Brenda that ifshe remembered anything else to let us know.

Brenda did follow-up with an e-mail on 2/2411 0 at 5:58 p.m. addressed to bothTamira Griffin and me stating that she was embarrassed with unedited version oftheinformation she had given to me at the meeting regarding administrative team and Jeff.

She also said that since her last entry things had improved and turned around for the"good. .,

lJ ~:ir.",

March 26, 20 I 0Statement given by: Patty Meyer, AAS West ClusterStatement regarding 3/4/10 meeting with Randall Chaddick

Tamira Griffin, Randall Chaddick, and I were in attendance at this meeting.Tamira shared with Randall that we trying to work through some informationand that we were hopeful he would be able to provide us with pieces that wouldhelp clarify the situation. We asked Randall ifhe was part of the Jasper HS interviewpanel for assistant principal in June 2009? Randall said he was on the paneL. We askedhim ifhe had at anytime visited with Brenda about the candidates that the panel was

interviewing? Randall said, no, she was not on the panel and she was gone from thecampus for the summer at that time. Tamira asked Randall if he had communicated inany way to Brenda regading the interviews? She asked bye-mail, text, phone callswhether it was from him to her or perhaps she had contacted him?Randall said he really did not remember, but he did not think that any communicationhad taken place at that time. Tamira was specific with the example of one candidatethat had a conference interview because she was driving he child to college. Tamiraasked how he thought Brenda might have gotten that information. He said he did notknow; he also said because he could not remember they may have visited, but it hadbeen so long ago he could not say.

Tamira asked Randall ifhe had heard anything from Brenda regarding her meeting with

us. He said he had gone into her office when she returned to the campus after themeeting because she had told him prior to coming over here that she and I had a meeting.She was hopeful or had thought it was to visit about moving to another campus next year.She told him after he asked that she could not talk about it, but he might get called in aswelL.

Tamira told Randall ifhe recalled anything else to let us know. Randall did follow-upwith an e-mail dated 3/4/10 at 5:29 p.m. He just stated that he and Brenda have visitedon the phone so as not to use work time to discuss Brenda feeling hurt and discouragedat times. He once again said he did not remember many conversations once she left forthe summer until they returned to work.

~.~Lf/ çJ!ö

AFFIDAVIT

My name is Tamira Griffin, I am employed by Plano Independent School District

in Plano, Texas.

I am of lawful age, sound mind, and am personally acquainted with theinformation given herein. I became acquainted with said Information during thecourse and performance of my employment as Executive Director for HumanResources for Plano ISD.

On or about the morning of February 24, 2010, Patty Meyer, AssistantSuperintendent for the West Cluster, and I met with Jasper AdministrativeIntern, Brenda Smith. We discussed with Ms. Smith the concerns of Plano SeniorHigh School Assistant Principal, Tracy Reyerson, regarding communication fromMs. Smith to her in regard to job opportunities. Ms. Reyerson had expressedthat she felt Ms. Smith wanted to return to work at Plano Senior High School andthat if Ms. Reyerson were to get another job it would open up a spot for Ms.Smith to move into.

In the course of the conversation with Ms, Smith, I gave her a verbal directive tonot discuss our conversation with anyone other than Ms. Meyer or myself. Iasked Ms. Smith if she understood my directive and she stated that she did. Ms.Smith asked Ms. Meyer if her principal, Jeff Gasaway, was aware of her meetingwith us. .Ms. Meyer told Ms. Smith that Mr. Gasaway was aware we weremeeting. At no time did Ms. Smith ask about discussing the issues with Mr.Gasaway, nor was permission granted for her to do so.

Ms, Smith indicated that she did not know Ms. Reyerson well and had probablyonly communicated with her two to four times total. Ms. Smith did say that shehad seen Ms. Reyerson in truancy court and at district meetings.

I hereby affirm that the information given herein is true and correct to the best

of my knowledge.

~di& ~Tamira Griffin ~3-2A..rID

Date Signed

Affirmed and subscribed before me by Tamira Griffin on this, the i26 fk day

of 'lÝ/M'ch. , 2010. ßk#rM~""-1~~C ANDREA HOFFMAN. . Notiry PubUç

. Stite of Texu~o,~ Comm. Ex¡iI~ 07.10.2010

3/24/10 Brenda Smith-Responses from 3/12/1 0 with Larry Frasier and Burt Rosebure, P1SD Security Police Specialists. To thebest of my abilities and understanding, these are the true facts of what r recalL.

._--~---------------------------------------------------.-.-._.-------_.---------------.._-----------------------------_.--.----

1a. When r went to talk to Tamira and Patty what was I told not to discuss.Answer: "not to talk to anyone regarding this issue". The last thing I asked after this was stated to me waswhether or not Jeff Gasaway knew why I was there (the purpose) and Patty said that he did know why Iwas there,

lb. Who did I tell, date, time and location and what was discussed.Answer: "Jeff Gasaway, my building Principal. In his office after letting him know that I was back in thebuilding from my meeting.Answer: Discussion. I documented the following after this occurred in his office. This is what wasdiscussed:

Meeting with Jeff in his office: Door was closed and no one else was in the room.After I left the meeting with Tamira and Patty, I went back to Jasper High SchooL. As I entered thebuilding I went to his office just to let him know that I was back from the meeting. I said, URi Jeff, I justwanted to let you know that I am back in the office." This was my true intention of going into his office. Hewas standing up and turned around and said, "Is everything OK?" I just looked at him for a few secondsand then said, "Jeff... Patty has let me know that you already know why I was there." He shook his head upand down once then said, "Are you OK?" I then told him that I was shocked about being there because Ithought I was there to discuss the possibilities of me moving to another schooL. I also shared with him that Ihad given them (Patty Meyer) some notes on the reasons as to why I wanted to move to work underdifferent leadership. He shook his head up and down. He then sat down at his desk. I told him that I wouldbe "OK" as I told him that I had answered the questions honestly based on what I knew about the situationbut that rjust don't recall too much because it happened almost a year ago. I told him that I don't knowmuch because even he (you) knew I wasn't part of the hiring (or Randall) to which I knew you (Jeft) couldverify this. He nodded his head up and down. He then said, "well, don't forget you texted me ahout TracyFranco giving her a good reconunendation". I did pause a few seconds and replied, uoh yeah...I forgotabout that" He then asked again, 'lwell.. . are you going to be OK? I said I just felt railroaded and confusedbecause I was asked all these questions and I couldn't understand it. He said, "Yeah?". I said llyeah.. .like ifDr. Dean promised me a job and you and I both know I would like to move up to the senior high levelwhether it be at West, Senior or East." And he nodded his head up and down as I stated this. He then said,"well.. ..let me know if there is anything r can do for you". I told him that I would be OK butthat this was asurprise to me. I then got up and left his office and went to my office to begin working. This was ALL thatwas said. This was documented after I left his office.I now look back at this situation above and think and wonder how could have I have succumbed to this in amoment of emotional weakness...1 have now learned my lesson, My only response is that I let myemotions and my insecurities with Jeff get the best of me and I wanted to somehow be heard by him sincehe had asked me "if everything was Ok".. .since there has been so much tension, stress and my unhappinessof having to work for him. I kept a jouinal of situations and the environment I have had work in for thisschool year and had given it to Patty Meyer as a result of my choosing and asking to move schools twoweeks prior to this meeting between Larry, Bart and myself. I had believed at the time of my meeting withPatty Meyer that the meeting was initially to discuss why I wanted to move schools, This is when I gavePatty my journal writings regarding what I had been going through with Jeff, up to and including howNevert Moses got the AP job at PESH when i knew she wasn't a certified teacher much-less a certifiedprincipal (took the test 5 or 6 times and still had not passed it ) and STILL got the AP job at PESH despiteme being certified in special education and as a principaL. Patty asked me how I knew this and I told herthat Nevert Moses had told me and that we were friends, This school never even called me to let me knowthat a decision had been made. I found out by a text message from Nev saying, "I got iLl got it". I inquiredto Jeff about no one calling me and he told me not to call them tolet them call. "no one ever did.

My error in an emotional lack of judgment (at the time) was made when speaking with my own buildingprincipal has been deemed as "insubordinate" by Tamira Griffin, Director ofHR. The price I have to payand has indeed, been a lesson well-leamed, The action was my failure to follow directions from Patty

i

L..J-"))¿.' i I

Meyer and Tamira Griffin to "not talk about it". Please understand with all due respect and sincerity that Ididn't do it intentionally, it wasn't planned, or even anticipated. I have never.. .ever in my life..ever beeninvolved in anything like this. I have never..ever been reprimanded, in trouble, or had any deàlings of

thisnature and it has indeed taken an emotional toll on myself..and m~I often ponder how could I, in

a moment of weakness allowed myself speak to any degree aboudlW;itiIitton.. ..especially to a person I nolonger wanted to work for.

I have a few thoughts of my own that i can't help but to wonder: Please understand that I acceptresponsibility for my actions and am not blaming him for my actions. However, I further question hisleadership in "his participation of the conversation" compounded by the uchal1enged" professionalrelationship we have had both in tiie past and present. I can't help but wonder if Patty had shared with him

my journal writings of instances of my unhappiness as to why I wanted to move schools.

Jeffused to work in HR. As my building principal, my ¡'leader" my "mentor" or someone lookingout for my best interest and to help me grow,... that if he felt that any part of this discussion wasinappropriate or against rules since he knew why I was asked to meet with Patty and Tamira (because I wastold by Patty that Jeff did know why I was there to meet with them)...i can't help but to wonder whywouldn't he, as my leader, as a former HR employee say something.. ,anything".remlnd me or saysomething like H let's not talk about this,. .or in situations like this no discussion should take place., .or Iwant to caution you about the fact that you should not discuss anything to anyone so lets stop. At no timedid he make any attempt to prevent, change the subject or stop the conversation.

I went into his office for the sale purpose to inform him that I was back in the building. It was notto have this discussion for which I have been placed on administrative leave with pay. He asked me a broadand open-ended question when I got there and it went from there. I have been placed on Administrativeleave for insubordination. ,. ,because he told them of our discussion and it appears the HR letter was readyfor me on Friday before I even got there to the Admin building.

I know that Jeff had told them because I was asked by Larry if! had talked to anyone about theissue and I innnediately responded "my building principal, Jeff Gasaway". To me... this is yet just anotherexample or attempt, or lack of, to further harass me and has yet failed me again with his leadership abilitiesbecause it could have been prevented. Yes, by me not going into his office, taking the bait of answering anopen-ended question, but by him taking a more perhaps preventative leadership initiative TOle to look outfor my best interest. He did begin the discussion by asking if everything was alright.... when he knew I whyI was there to begin with and I called him on it. Jeff knows me welL., .and I feel as though I fell into his trapand here I am. Right where he wants me. Especially ifhe knew what I had provided to Patty in writing.

2.To the best of my recollection, the following is what I recall from any corrununication with TracyRyerson. I am truly sorry but I do not recall any more than what is stated here. As I told Patty and Tamira, Iwished this would have been addressed at the time so I could be more helpful in any way but I just don'trecall specific details of the incident. My phone records are archived and only show 5 or 6 phone calls with

a few one minute on my cell. On this archived information it does not show any of my ingoing or outgoingtext message numbers. I can tellyou that I have hundreds of text messages (give or take) on a monthlybasis with friends, families and other people.

I will also state that at each opportunity, when these questions were addressed) that I have been nothing buthonest in my answers at the time of questioning and that I am not intentionally, maliciously hiding anythingor any infonnation from anyone. I have been truthful with my answers based on what I recalL.. .but it's notfair to say that I have been placed on administrative paid leave for "and/or dishonesty". I have always hadhigh regards to adhering to school policy and procedures and have done everything I can to exemplify anddemonstrate ethical, moral, and excellent character values.As time has progressed, I have recalled additional memories and I was told by both Patty and Tamira thatif! recalled anything to let them lmow. As I told Burt and Larry, I was waiting to hear back from PattyMeyer as she said she would get back with me before spring break regarding the information I had givenher about Jeff, which included my questions and concerns about Nevert Moses getting the job over mebased on our obvious differences qualifications.

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I am unable to determine dates but it was primarily around the time Tracy Ryerson was interested in theCurriculum position that was open at our schooL. There were some occasions of telephone calls, textingand seeing one another in person. I have seen her on occasion during the school year at Principal meetingsand truancy court. I don't know that I would consider her as a friend but instead as a professional colleague.

Some things I recall between the conversations between Tracy Ryerson and myself.:

I actually met Tracy Ryerson in ù,iancy court last year. i only recognized her by the name on her badge. irecall her telling me that she liked her school but was hoping to get back into cuniculum. There was somediscnssion about a job that was open with McKinney ISD and that they were looking for an AP and that sheknew some people'in that district if! was interested in the job. We exchanged numbers in court after sheencouraged me to look into it. i never did though. I believed that my time and place will happen withgetting an AP position with PISD. I have already been on several interviews but they keep hiring their own

Deans to which I cannot argue that at alL. I only argue the hiring of Nevert Moses over me. ..despite it beingher school where she worked as their Criminal Justice teacher but was never a certified teacher or principaland she still got the job over me.i recall seeing Tracy in either truancy court or in a principal meeting and her indicating that she was nothappy with her job and that if she could just get a job somewhere it would "open üp my position and youcould slide into my jobn. The last time she said this to me was earlier this year at a principal's meeting andshe again had stated how nnbappy sbe was with her job. She said that she bopes she could just get anotherjob and tben I could "move into her job and that she would feel really good about it knowing ber kidswould be taken good care of'. Both times.. ..and again, I reiterate.. .she initiated this. II of course, would(for starters) love to be promoted as any Dean hopes for. It is no secret to anyone that i like working withthe senior high level only because of all the extra curricular activities, pep rallies, getting them ready forcollege, lots of opportunities for leadership growth, grandiose basketball and football games.. .it's adifferent culture and climate that I worked in for five years. Yes, I miss it. Howeveri I also enjoy workingwith high school students too but it's just different at the senior ,high level and those kids, curriculum,

expectations, community needs.

I recall a phone call or a text from Tracy Ryerson that generated communication between the two of us. I

just recall that the communication in whatever form was initiated by her be it via cell, call to my home ortext I recall that within this first conversation that Tracy Ryerson told me that Tracy Franco had told her tocall me regarding a new curriculum position that had opened at my schooL. r recall her saying something tothe affect of "what do I need to do.. .you know what are they looking for...r really want this position". rwas not involved in the interviewee process and I believe she asked me something about if lknew who wasall interviewing or something. Which I did not. I recall saying something about doing what one would dowhen coming to a new schoo1. I think I even shared that what I did before interviewing at Jasper is that ilooked at their AEIS report to become lmowledgeah1e with the school data, demographics, obvious needs,trends or whatever. I recall her saying that she really wanted to get back into curriculum and just reallywanted to do whatever it took to get this job. i believe that she had mentioned some of her experience in

curriculum and how she could belp our school but i don't recall how she would intend to do this. I believeshe discussed some programs or something she has done with other schools in curriculum but r don't recall

what that was in detaiL.

I have also spoke with my now then husband (Vance) over spring break to see ifhe could help me recall

any information regarding the phone calls or texts between Tracy Ryerson and myself from last swnmerregarding this information. He took a few moments and said"... is she the one who was calling and textingand asking about the job at your school or something? He just told me that he recalls her texting me aboutquestions about the job and that she was nervous or something. He also said, "there was calling and textingbetween myself and her a few times. Vance also said "wasn't she the one who was upset because shedidn't get the job.. ...something about she thought she was the wrong color or something?". Vance said herecalled that I was hoping that she would get the job so maybe it would open up ajob for me at her schoolso I could go back to PSHS since 1 was unhappy at Jasper.

During this time, Vance recollected some things regarding the text messages that helped me recall someinformation. In Vance's words, "she had anxiety.. .was worried or something and was asking ifyau heard .~

anything or something.. .ohh and when she texted you to say she didn't get it" is what he remembers. Sadthat he can recall this but! didn't until he said something to help recollect my memory to some things. Thisinformation has indeed helped me recall some details of some text messages that are being alleged thatwere made between Tracy Ryerson and myself,Since speaking to my then husband and his help in remembering thingsi I have recalled some texts

between us. I recall her sending a few texts once she had interviewed and before she interviewed. I believeI got a text indicating when she would be interviewing, I do recall texting back to her responses mosttimes...! guess. From what! can recall she would send me texts saying something to the affect to herfeeling anxious or maybe nervous and I believe I would have probably texted back for her to pray about itand to thinkpositive because! try to stay positive and keep the Lord in my circle. ! remember textingsomething about having faith or something to help settle her nerves or anxiety she was having. i also recall

her texting me, "have you heard anything?" (this was after she interviewed) on more than one occasion. Iknow I probably said something like uno..I haven't" because I didn't know. I believe she did ask if! knewhow many were interviewing for the job to which I would have only been able to tell her that I didn'tbecause I don't and still don't how many people had interviewed. I do recall a text from her that asked if!

knew how the interviews were going? And a text that said, "any w01'd~br., .somethìng to this affect. Ibelieve I may have gotten a text regarding if I knew when a decision was going to be made which I did nothave the answer to, JefIsent out an email indicating who was named as the person who had t.i.e job andthat's when I found out.

I do recall a separate conversation over the phone after she had actually interviewed. I believe she saidsomething to the affect of her feeling good about her interview and something to the affect of Jeff Gasawaygrabbing her arm or touching her arm or something and saying that he would be in touch with hersoon. ,.something to this affect as he walked her out of the office. I think she may have even said that heeither winked or made some kind of facialJhead gesture which she believed made her feel good about herinterview as he had touched or placed his hands on her arm. I also recall her mentioning that he would be"in touch with her real soon" before she left I recall her feeling really good about how Jeff responded toher and felt that maybe she had got the job. ! recall her te11íng me what they asked her (but I don't recall

what questions) something about how she had analyzed the Jasper AEIS report and what she could do tomake something improve some area based on the report but I don't recall what it was.

I believe she texted me to say that she didn't get the job. I thínk it was something like leI didn't get it",

! recall feeling badly for her that she didn't get it because she said she was so hopeful by Jeffs demeanor(facial expression and physical contact and that him indicating that he would be in touch with heF real soon)and knowing what Tracy Franco had to say about her. She was upset because of the mixed message he gaveher and her feeling let down as she later had founà out that she didn't get the job.

! also recall and emailed Patly Meyer and Tamira Griffin on the day! met with them that! recall getting aphone call from Tracy Ryerson after she had learned that she was not selected for the Jasper position. Shesounded very upset to the point of being mad when she said something to the affect of, IIwel!.. I didn't getit.. What was it? "come on.... you can tell me... what do you know?". I said something to the affect ofletting her know that! didn't know anything. Sbe also asked me ifl knew the person who got it which! didnot actually know this person much less who she was. I truly had never met her and knew nothing abouther. She then asked something like "just tell me. ..come on you can tell me..... ..what color is she?? Ireplied" 1 don't know". ****What I have since recalled is that I had told her that I guess she could havelooked on the website where all of our pictures arc to find out." She then said angrily, "never mind.Jalready know the answer., ..I'm not the right color.. .you don't have to say anything." That is all I recall

from this conversation at this time.

When Jeff reminded me on my return to school not to "forget that I texted him saying Tracy Franco hadgiven her a good recommendation" I had even forgotten about this until Jeff said something. Because Ididn't know Tracy Ryerson, or her background) 1 called Tracy Franco (a good friend of mine) and inquiredabout her. Tracy Franco did tell me that she had told Tracy Ryerson to give me a call about the position andto talk to me to see if I knew anything about it since I worked at the schooL. I recall Tracy Franco sayingthat she "looks good on paper, is over qualified for the AP position at PSHS and knows her background

¥

was very strong in curriculum and that she interviews very well," She also said that Tracy Ryerson wantedto get back into curriculum. I .lso recall Tamira Griffin asking me if I thought Tracy Ryerson "looks goodon paper" to which I have not seen any paper and tills quote was actually said to me by Tracy Franco.

It was some time after this that I texted Jeff to let him lmow that Tracy Franco gave her a goodrecommendation. He replied, "thanks".

I recall that I had some kind of conversation with Tracy Ryerson shortly thereafter (not sure of the day ortiming) but that I had shared with her what Tracy Franco had shared with me about her. I think it'simportant that people hear what others say about them ...especially ifit's positive.

3. What was I told by Randall or anyone else about the conversation of the "application process"? Whocould I have told this information to.

I don't recall having a conversation with Randall or anyone else about the "application process". I justrecall that one person who was interviewing did so by phone and another person (Tracy Ryerson) did so in

person. I don't know who the person was who called in by phone for their interview, their credentials oranything identifying them. I am unable to indicate who or how I knew about this person because I wasn'tinvolved in the interviewing or hiring process at alL. I do recall Jeff telling me that Tracy Ryerson wasinterested in the job. Which generated me to take the initiative to call Tracy Franco to find out more abouther and a candidate and I sent Jeffthe text that Tracy Franco gave her a good recommendation.

I will state that I resent the fact that Larry Fra'li.er stated that because I have a degree in Criminal Justice,worked as a CPS investigator and worked with police.. . and that he could tell that I was smart and that I amarticulate and he could see it when J walked through the door when I was asked to come to the Admin bldg.that people with these backgrounds remember these things and that I should be able recall lnfonnation fromfour years ago let alone a year ago. He then asked who I was "protecting" and I said no one. I told him Ijust don't recall how I obtained this information.

I am not going to speculate as to "whom I could have told this information to". If! was sure I would tell

you the name. That is the truth.

Larry also told me that to share another interviewees infonnation with another person would be"unethical". I just looked at him. What I don't understand is why is it that when I have interviewed with

Burt Smith, Sara Bonser, and Sheela Daniels when I called to set up my interviews I was told things suchas: IIThat's not a good time, another candidate has a meeting and tha1's the only time he is can come" andI'That interview slot is taken because she has to pick up her child..so sorry" and "I have four of you to setup and you can have the first pick since you called first". My question? This is making no sense to me whyI am being asked who I would have or could've told that a candidate had to call in for an interview.. .and Idon't recall saying this to anyone, However, when I've been an interviewee and have been told bypeople/principals about the other candidates I was up against, my question is that are the other principals"unethical" for sharing other candidates interview times and situations wíth me?? Just because I knew acandidate had to call in for their interview doesn't say anything else about the candidate? Qualifications?Name? identifiable information regarding a person? Again, I don't recall how I know this ìrdonnation orrecall telling anyone about the candidate who called in for an interview. I was not involved in the hiring ofapplicants nor never saw any of them. I never saw any applications, resumes, who was applying (besidesTracy Ryerson by Jeff) and I don't know Tracy Ryersons actual background or what her resume even lookslike.

I would still like to visit with my area superintendent about the documentation I subnutted to her regardingmy concerns of choosing to move to another school to serve under different leadership as -a Dean and tofurther address my questions and concerns of an unqualified person getting the job over a qualified personfor the AP job at PESH.

~\~

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~On Wednesday, February 24th, I was off campus from Jasper High SchooL. I arrived backon campus approximately at noon. Within 10 minutes of my arrival to campus, BrendaSmith ciinie into my office asking ifI had a minute to speak with her. I indicated that Idid and she closed the door. In no way did I ask any questions about how her morninghad gone or how the conversation had gone with Patty Meyer. One reason I was aware ofthe conversation occurring with Patty Meyer was because Brenda Smith had blind copiedme on her response to Patty Meyer indicating she would be available on Wednesday at9:00 to meet.

While I do not recall all parts ofthe conversation, or the word for word description, I dorecall some overall themes. I will also mention that a majority of the conversation I satsilently listening and provided little to no response throughout the entire conversation.

. Brenda Smith began the conversation by saying that she was aware that I knewabout her conversation earlier in the day with Patty Meyer. Brenda Smithmentioned that she had asked Patty Meyer if her principal was aware of what was

going on and indicated that Patty Meyer acknowledged that the principal wasaware.

. Brenda Smith went on during this conversation to talk about some of the specificsabout her conversation with Patty Meyer and Tarnira Griffm. Additionally shefelt the need to defend herself and any questions about interactions with a sub-school principal, Tracy Ryerson, from Plano Senior High SchooL.

. Brenda Smith indicated that there were questions about her sending text messagesto Tracy Ryerson during the interviewing process that took place over the summerto replace a vacant assistant principal position. Brenda Smith adamantly defendedherself, saying that she had not made any contact with Tracy Ryerson during theinterview except to wish her well. Brenda Smith also acknowledged that she hadno idea of who was interviewing for the position and no idea the make-up of theinterviewees. One ofthe few times I offered any sort of response to Brenda Smithwas to remind her that she had sent me a text message before the interviewsindicating that Tracy Ryerson was well-thought of by Tracy Franco.

. Brenda Smith then went on to discuss recent contact made with Tracy Ryerson.

She said that she had not had any recent contact in any way. She mentioned shemade contact a while back but had not sent any recent text messages, e-mails orhad any phone conversations with Tracy Ryerson.

. One of the fmal discussion points she mentioned from her conversation with Patty

Meyer and Tamira Griffm was a question about if Dr. Doyle Dean had promisedher a position at Plano Senior High SchooL. She indicated to me that her responsewas to the effect that she had joked with bim periodically about "keeping her seatwarm in her office" and jokes ofthat nature, but Dr. Dean had never promised hera position.

0;,'.

While this document does not give a word by word account ofthe conversation, it doesgive the overall points of the conversation that occurred. If you have any additionalquestions, please let me know.

PLANO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL2200 INDEPENDENCE PARKWAY

PLANO, TEXAS 75075469-752-9300

March 23, 2010

To: Bart Rosebure and Larry Frazier

From: Tracy FrancoAssociate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction

Re: Statement concerning interview given on 3-22-2010

I am writing this letter in response to your inqniry on 3-22-2010. Both Mr Rosebure and Mr

Frazier came to my office at approximately 9:00am on Monday March 22nd Dr Dean hadreported to me earilier in a team meeting that they were needing to talk to me.

Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier began by asking me how much information I had shared withBrenda Smith and Tracy Ryerson about hiring and positions available in the district or at PlanoSenior High School and if I had any knowledge of Brenda actually talking to Tracy or if she just

talked to me and then I talked to Tracy. They also stated that my name kept coming up betweenthe two as the investigation progressed. I stated that at one time I directed Brenda just to call

Tracy about her intentions. I do not know if that occurred.

I am not sure that I remember all of the events as they took place in August of2009. I do knowthat Brenda Smith has inquired several times about coming back to the Senior High in aSubschool Principal role. I understand her goals are to be an Associate Principal at the SeniorHigh School and that she would need that experience of a Subschool PrincipaL. to move in thatdirection of her goals. I have encouraged her throughout her time here at Plano Senior and while

gone, to interview for Assistant Principal positions, supporting her in her goal.

Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier also inquired about my knowledge of what the applicants had saidin the interviews and who had interviewed for what position. I share with both of them, that I donot know who applies for what position nor do I have knowledge of what was said in theinterviews. I also shared that I do not have any control over who gets on what list to interviewnor do I determine who comes to the Senior High School in Subschool positions.

Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier also inquired as to what chain of command is a SubschoolPrincipal versus an Assistant at a 9/10 vs an Associate at the Senior High SchooL. I stated that iwas aware that Tracy Ryerson's goals are to be an Associate or a Principal, and that previouslyshe had been an Associate Principal in Dallas. I also stated that she is very good, and I haveencouraged her to apply for Assistant Pricipal positions at the 9/1 0 in the Curriculum role to helpfoster her development. In addition, since Brenda's goals are to be an Associate in Student ~

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Activities that is a different path to take, but I have encouraged her to apply for AssistantPrincipal positions as that is the next step.

Lastly, Mr. Rosebure and Mr. Frazier asked why would Tracy be so interested in leaving PlanoSenior High SchooL. I shared again that the only reason why I thought that Tracy was interestedin leaving is that I understand her goals are to be a building principal and she would need moreexperience to do that. Again, I have encouraged Tracy to interview when positions come up sothat she can gain that experience and progress toward her goals.

In addition, Mr. Roseburc and Mr. Frazier asked who was Tracy's direct supervisor. I sharedthat Dusty Jennings was the Team Leader for Subschool and that he reports to Mr. Davis, butthat Dr. Dean meets with all of us on our goals and signs off on them.

I sure hope that this Clears up anything, I will, however, continue to support the leaders on mycampus and mentor them and encourage them to interview for positions that might be in theirprofessional goals.

r&l

JTracy W FrancoAssociate Principal for Curriculum and Instruction

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

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From:To:Date:Subject:

Karin Ball

Frazier, Larry; Rosebure, Bart

3/29/2010 8:32 PMmemo

At the beginning of the school year, Tracy Ryerson had Interviewed for the job at Jasper and was very defiated that she didnot get It. I asked why she was distraught, and she only said that perhaps this district was not for her, she thought the jobwas hers.A job opening at Shepton came open and I told her she should probably go for that one since she is so qualified. She saidshe didn't want to go through that again. She said she had been told some things and didn't want to go through thatagain. When pressed about it, she explained that someone had been giving her a piay by play about the Interviews butdidn't want to go into it.

Later, I'm not sure of the tlmeline, we spoke of it again and she was concerned that someone wanted her job. SheExplained further that it was Brenda Smith and she had been telling her the things that had been going on at JasperInterviews earlier. She also was encouraging Tracy to go to the interview process again because then that would meanthat she could get her job at PSHS, taking Tracy's position. Tracy and I talked about taiking to Jeff ( as if we were In hisboots). I said wouldn't you want to know if someone you trusted is not being confidential or truthtul. She and I went toDR. Dean to expialn things to him because Tracy was concerned with her position being taken by Brenda. At that time Dr.Dean said not to worrf, shelsn1t going anywhere.Tracy wanted to teil Jeff but didn't know him weil enough to do so. I said I could cail for her to open the doors ofcommunication If she wanted. I did. He was busy and called back. We talked to him on speaker phone, then she spoke tohim by herself.

Karin Bail

Plano Senior HighAssistant PrincipalDelta Sub-School469-752-9408Go Wildcats!!

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G !B Admin. Bldg.Responses from 3/29/10 with Larry Frasier and Burt Rosebure, PISD Security Police Specialists. To thebest of my abilities and understanding, these are the true facts of what I recall.

la, Question: What do I mow about the situation/relationship that occurred hetween Jeff Gasaway and anEnglish teacher c& ljJ

Ib, Answer:Teresa Brown had opened her home for an end of the year party (last school year) for our faculty

and staff.I came to the party and did not drink any alcohol due to the medications I am required to take. I do

recall going out to my car at one point an~ op'ened the hatch back to retrieve myJjlllJas someone wassmoking a cigr that was setting off myE 7'1 did note seeing Jeff Gasaway and an English teacher,

& !!!:pn the siåewalk on the opposite side of the street and they appeared to be talking. I waspersonally at this party for about an hour.

I don't recall exactly the time frame as to when I was told the following information but I mow itwas a matter of days from the party at Teresa's home. I overheard by some of the office staff that Jeff andan English teacher were seen leaving a few times together and that Jeff was always close to her. I do notrecall what teacher he was with but she was referred to as an English teacher.

i also don't recall the teacher who came into my office and said that an English teacher she wasfriends with had told her that the two of them(Jeff and English teacher) had been texting (and/or calling)one another and that Jeff had touched her inappropriately. This same person who reported this to me (ibelieve it was an Englisb teacher.. . almost positive) also stated tbat the aiiegeëngliiã teacher"kind of _ SS2. n7liked the attention" as she was either going through a divorce/separation from, but knew it waswrong for what was going on between them. This teacher also told me that she "wanted it to stop but didn'tmow how to stop all of this between them because she needed her job and was afraid of what Jeff might doto her.. "anäoSSible retaliation" and the fact that that the two of them would be in trouble because they arebott@ recall encouraging this person (it was a female) to tell this English teacher to see me and

SS'2-.tll íhaI i would help her in anyway I could to make it stop. I do recall asking for the name of the Englishteacher and this person would not tell me because she said she was her friend but felt that someone neededto mow. I recall her saying that everyone is talking about it. i believe she told me that she didn't want toget involved and/or promised this teacher she would not say anything but that this ,was not right and wantedto tell someone. Again, she would not tell me the name of the teacher but wanted me to know that this wasgoing on. She stated this information as a concern and I felt that tms was something that needed to beaddressed with Mark Hinshaw since it directly involved my building principaL. All I can remember is that itwas an English teacher in the English department who came to me to report this.

I recall that not much time lapsed between the time i was told this information (above) and thetime I called Mark Hinshaw on my cell phone to ask him if we could meet up to catch up as we have donein the past from time to time, Mark suggested that we meet on 15th street at a pub. It was on the eveningwhen the sirens were going off due to the tornado warnings and the pub lost power. It was on this eveningthat I told Mark of the information I had leamed. I initiated the conversation and told him i needed to tell

him something that I had heard about Jeff Gasaway. I told him what i mentioned above and Mark asked if!

knew the name of the English teacher (Jeff was alleged to have this association with) to which i told him 1did not. He told me that "...it was probably just a rumor" but to let him mow ilI heard anything new or if!

found out the name. He did ask who told me this information and i told him that I don't recall the name ofthe teacher who came into my office but i felt it was further substantiated by other bits of informationoffered by Officer McCann, and some staff members who I overheard talking about it which is why i feltthe need to report it to him since it involved my own building principaL. Officer McCann told me out ofconcern from what she was also hearing of a possible problem at Jasper High SchooL. He again reiterated to

just let him know if 1 found out the name of the teacher.

It has only been recently (4-5 days ago), I was talking to Officer McCann who was "checking onme" to see how I waS doing since my district email has been closed. Somewhere in our conversation, this

exact topic came up (above) and how frustrating that it was for me to be investigated for things and yet noone looked into the possible allegations between Mr. Gasaway and an English teacher. I recall tellingOfficer McCann that nothing could be done since we didn't have the name of the alleged teacher and that itcould be a rumor because no one would identify the English teacher and Officer McCann knew I had

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already informed Mark Hinshaw when ¡ first heard about it. ¡ told her that ¡ laiow Mark well and that hewould act on it ifhe had the name of the teacher in question. Officer McCann then said I know who shemight be if you can tell me some names of those in the English department to help me recall her name. Ithen named some of the English teacher's names and then Officer McCann then saidß 5 Shethen said she was pretty sure that this is the name she has heard. ¡ did tell her that someone needs to goforward with this information because ifl do.. .at this point ¡ believe one may think ¡ would be trying toretaliate against Jeff. ¡ don't laiow how Officer McCann laiows or recalls. Qname but this wasthe name she believes is the name of the teacher who was allegedly involved with Je . Officer McCann,some teachers and staffhave indicated that a lot of people laiow abont the rumors and have been talkingabout it since last summer. However, I have heard little if nothing new during this school year regardingthese rumors of the alleged incident at hand until last week with my discussion with Officer McCann.

2a. I was asked ifI told Tracy Ryerson that there was an investigation being done on Jeff Gasaway about asexual harassment issue.

2b. I am unaware of ANY investigations or even a formal complaint of sexual harassment involvingJeff Gasaway. In essence, I only know ofmmors of an alleged reiationship between jeff Gasaway anà anEnglish teacherISE iil ¡ was then asked ifl "could have told" Tracy Ryerson "at a time when ¡

was upset" about-an investigation of sexual harassment investigation involving Jeff Gasaway. I was toldthat this "would have been done after Tracy had learned about not getting the job at Jasper".

I do notrecall having this particular discussion with Tracy Ryerson. It is not possible for me toshare information about an investigation that did not nor does not exist to my knowledge. To reiterate, tothe best of my knowledge and the best of my recollection, there has been no investigation regarding theseallegations or any type of investigations of Jeff Gasaway and I do not recall having any discussions thereofwith Tracy Ryerson regarding this claim.

The only person I reported these allegations to was Mark Hinshaw, because it was the fight tlungto do, despite not having the English teachers name.

No further information.

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From: Tracy RyersonTo: Bart Rosebure; Larry FrazierDate: 3/29/20103:37 PMSubject: Confidentlai ,Lariy and Ba~SçZ. '6\-\,~~tY\v.i.o

41caii exact? ~~~ ~~ ~o~ s~~~~w~:~r:~ffw~~~~~::t~:~~~~~:;;~nO¡t s~~~a~ ~J;a~~~e;:n~~~I~~~::~b;~~S¡b~: t~~tscience department chair or a guidance counselor. This statement was made after i did not get the job. at Jasper. ithought It was to console me but I do not remember the exact conversation or time frame. It Is my belief the conversationoccurred in August around the principal meetings.

Best Regards,Tracy L. RyersonAssistant Principal - Beta

Plano Senior High School .469.752.9412

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AFFIDAVIT

My name is Mark Hinshaw. I am 42 years old and employed by The PlanoIndependent School District, Plano, Texas.

I am of lawful age, sound mind, and am personally acquainted with the informationgiven herein.

On or about 06-10-09, I received a phone call in the early evening hours fromG~offered to buy me a beer, and I declined her invitation. I had already

eaten dinner, and I was in for the evening. She then asked me again 2-3 more times, and Iagreed to meet her at Fillmore Pub, 1004 E. 15th Street in Plano. This pub isapproximately one block from my residence, and I walked to the pub.

Based on my acquaintance withE Ji anticipated that she wished to complainabout work and lament over her failure to advance in PISD. I further suspected that shewould be speaking about staff discord at Jasper High School, of which there had beenrecent talk. lII £l )ought me a pint of beer, and she proceeded to complain about her

work environment and the fact that she was not advancing at the rate she felt she shouldbe advancing. At some point during the conversation, a severe storm hit the downtownPlano area. I monitored this situation and communicated with employees of the pub tomove the customers away from the windows.

I relocated where I was sitting withS 7 As we spoke at a comer seat of the bar,

she told me that she had heard some gossip about Jasper High School Principal JeffGasaway:lg Ii told me that Mr. Gasaway had been engaged in an ongoing sexualrelationship with one of his teachers. ;ßiid not name the teacher, and I did not

ask.\l§ Ztold me that the teacher wished to end the relationship but was scared to

do soll 2Sstory was clearly third-party gossip, and I counseled her against

repeating such stories. I advised her that if an employee at the campus felt to be thevictim of sexual harassment, the employee needed to report the situation. No more wassaid of the matter.

I interpreted lSi iiJrelating the story to me as partly an attempt to impress me with

what she felt was knowledge she possessed, and partly as an attempt to take a swipe atMr. Gasaway, with whom she was unhappy. I finis1ied mgint of beer, and I walkedhome alone. I spoke to no one of the gossip thati had told me. I was at the pub

for approximately no longer than one hour.

At some point in the weeks after this, I received a phone call one night from Mr.

Gasaway. As I no longer speak with Mr. Gasaway very often and he was conspicuouslymaking small talk with me, I suspected he was calling to ask something of me. A short

time later he asked me in had heard anything at the administrative building regardinghim. He indicated that he had been directed to be at Patty Meyer's office in the morning,and the insinuation was that he felt like he was in trouble. I told him that I had heardnothing at work about him. I advised him that there was gossip being spoken concerning

him, and I told him what I had heard. I did not advise him where I received theinformation. Mr. Gasaway indicated that he was very stressed out and that he would notbe sleeping that night. I told him to call me the next day and let me know that he was o.k.I spoke briefly with Mr. Gasaway the next day. He advised me that he had been called into Ms. Myers' office over a misunderstanding and that he was o.k.

I have received no credible, direct, or official reports of any alleged sexual harassment orsexual misconduct perpetrated by Principal Jeff Gasaway on a Jasper High Schoolemployee, and I have not been asked to investigate any of the same.

I hereby affirm that the information given herein is true and correct to the best ofmy knowledge.

gk~. MarkiÍinshaw

0"5 ,2. 9' /0Date signed

â(lll;ed and subscribl\d before me by the said Mp.r K ill ri..W iVon this, theday of f'l\.firCk-- ,2010.

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March 16, 2013

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From:To:Date:Subject:

Q: : bBart Rosebure3/31/2010 9:51 AMConversation from Monday

Hello Mr. Rosebure,

I have thought very thoroughly about our conversation on Monday, and I am very much connicted over the correct courseof action. For me, this chapter in my life ciosed last June, I haven't been bothered personally since then, and I've movedon. Without our conversationi I would not have ever thought to pursue this matter any furtheri and I would prefer not topursue any further investigation.

Please let me know if you need anything more from me,

(;'kYOU! !J

Date: March 23, 2010

From: Randall Chaddick

Re: Meeting ,)n 3/22/10

I was asked t,) write a brief synopsis of the discussion I had on Monday 3/22/10 with Bart

Rosebure anc Larry Frazier. First I would like to apologize for not remembering alldetails ofthe event in question. The incident they were inquiring about happened in Juneof 2009whicli was approximately nine months ago. To my best recollection this eventwas like so rr.any others where co-workers and other administrators visit with each otherabout an issu'~ then they move forward. Always something waiting to be dealt with as an

administrator. The incident in question was to me one of those incidents, details of theevent soon forgotten. I might have been able to remember more details if the situation

would have been questioned sooner. I believe a co-worker, Brenda Smith inquired fromme if we, the selection committee, had made a decision about the selection of an

Assistant Principal position that was open at Jasper High SchooL. She was not acandidate but was interested since she would be working with this person in aprofessional c:apacity. I do not remember if this was in person or on the phone. I seem torecall we discussed that the committee had interviewed three candidates but had not madea decision and was waiting to see if other candidates were out there. At no time would ithave been mentioned that a candidate had been selected since it was clear when thecommittee adjourned that we needed to consider other candidates if they were available.At this time I know of no other conversations with Brenda or others about this issue and Ido not recall:he committee discussing interviewing other candidates prior to leaving forthe summer.

Randall Chac.dick