During a statement in which he demanded the resignations of three members of the Katy ISD Board of Trustees, former candidate A.J. Durrani criticized the use of KISD's E-mail system for what he considered a campaign conducted by board members and administrators to ensure re-election of three incumbents in the May 7 elections.

Posted: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 12:00 am

By Mark Passwaters

As has been validated and confirmed from Katy ISD E-mail records, several KISD administrators, employees and even board members have also been involved in this deplorable conduct," he said.

At least one E-mail, sent by Executive Director for Secondary Education Ronald Jetton, has sparked a criminal investigation into possible misuse of school property for political advertising and caused the filing of an ethics complaint by another former school board candidate.

The other E-mails cited by Durrani, which have been obtained by The Katy Sun and other media outlets, include messages similar in content to Jetton's that largely show support for incumbent candidates Judy Snyder, Eric Duhon and Jackie Birkel. All three were re-elected.

In a memo sent to KISD principals April 20, Jetton states that "Once again we find ourselves with several people running against our present board members. … If the votes in some races get divided between several people it would be easy for someone we might not prefer to get elected."

"The stress level can go up (yes, it could actually increase) if the wrong person was elected," the memo reads. "The district employees alone should be able to elect their choices if they vote."

Jetton goes on to urge principals to allow teachers to come in late or leave early if they intend to vote in the election. He does not endorse any candidates by name.

This well-publicized memo led Fred Hink of Katy to file a complaint with the Texas Ethics Commission, accusing Jetton of violating at least two parts of the ethics code.

"It goes to the memo, primarily, on Ron Jetton," Hink, 42, said. "I think there's the unlawful use of an internal mail system for political advertising and unlawful use of funds for political advertising."

Hink, who was defeated by incumbent Joe Adams last year, claimed similar tactics were used against him during his campaign.

KISD officials have said Jetton would be punished "appropriately" for sending the memo. Hink was less certain any punishment would be meted out.

"They have zero tolerance for our kids when they make a mistake, and it doesn't look like it cuts both ways," he said. "So, anyone caught up in this should be punished, just like our kids."

Hink said he had removed his two children, ages 13 and 15, from KISD schools last year.

"I feel like the schools have become substandard to what they lead us to believe," he said.

When asked for comment on the matter at Monday night's board meeting, KISD Superintendent Leonard Merrell said he had yet to see the complaint. He did say that the district has been cooperating fully with an investigation into possible criminal misuse of the KISD computer system during the election season, which is being looked into by the Texas Rangers and the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office.

"I would have a concern any time there's an investigation by the Texas Rangers," Merrell said. "We're in full compliance and cooperation with them."

The misuse of a state agency's internal mail system is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a fine of $4,000.

Some of the E-mail transcripts turned over by the district to authorities indicate Jetton's memo was not only one with a political tone. Over two dozen messages, both in support of the incumbents and the challengers, are included.

The messages include several from KISD principals, appear to echo Jetton's supposed sentiments of support for the three incumbents.

" "It is important that all Katy ISD employees vote for the school board," said Patricia Shafer, Principal of West Memorial Jr. High, in an April 21 memo. "I know we are not always happy with the decisions made, but I know they support the teachers. We need to support the school board. Feel free to leave early during your conference period to vote."

" "Please exercise your right to vote! If someone gets elected who becomes a dysfunctional board member, we have only ourselves to blame," said Steven Robertson, Principal at Jeanette Hayes Elementary, in a note dated April 28.

" In an April 26 response from another KISD employee asking, "Who do I need to vote for?" Mayde Creek Elementary Principal Kathy Attaway says, "The same ones we have: Jackie Birkel, Eric Duhon and Judith Snyder."

" "Remember, we have a wonderful school board and it is most important to go vote," states Rhoads Elementary Principal Cheryl Rankin in short message dated April 28. "A conference period would be a great time."

On May 3, Merrell sent a message to all KISD employees reminding them of district policy, which states that "district E-mail may not be used to advocate the election of candidates for public office."

"For clarification, E-mails that encourage employees to exercise their right to participate in the electoral process are acceptable, as long as they do not endorse any candidate, whether directly or indirectly," he writes. "Violations may be reported to the State Ethics Commission and/or the Secretary of State's office for investigation."