Published: February 19, 2007 03:46 pm         

Two students remanded to detention center after actions on school bus

GISD Superintendent Charles Luke responded with the following official statement when asked about incidents that occurred on a school bus returning from an out of town sports function:

“Gainesville ISD officials are addressing allegations that two Gainesville Junior High students assaulted three other students while traveling on a GISD school bus returning from an out-of-town basketball game.

“These alleged events occurred on Feb. 8.

“GJHS administrators learned of the incident late in the afternoon of Feb. 14 and began investigating the allegations immediately. Local law enforcement officials were involved.

Gainesville Police Chief Carl Dunlap said, “Some (Gainesville Police Department) investigators are working on it.”

He said, “We had a bunch of kids in here taking statements from them Friday afternoon.”

“On Friday, two students were sent to the juvenile detention facility in Sherman after questioning by police. They are now awaiting a hearing on charges of second-degree felony sexual assault.

“The Texas Education Code and GISD Board Policy require mandatory expulsion when a student engages in conduct which contains the elements of sexual assault under Section 21.011 of the Texas Penal Code.

“Gainesville ISD officials are nearing the completion of their investigation of this incident.

“This type of misconduct is not tolerated by our school district,” said Luke. “Notwithstanding the punitive action that may be taken by the juvenile court, GISD will take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with Texas law and Board policy upon completion of the district’s investigation.”

Luke said, “Currently we are looking at the supervision that was on the vehicle and are considering appropriate action — We will take whatever action necessary to maintain appropriate adult supervision.”