LIVE OAK, TEXAS — The Texas Education Agency is investigating whether Judson Independent School District leaders violated Texas law. The agency has outlined nine allegations against Board President Monica Ryan and former Superintendent Milton "Rob" Fields III.

Allegations against Fields include failing to report the abuse of a student by a certified educator. The state alleges he failed to notify the school board of an active Texas Education Agency investigation or a pending court case involving a principal's failure to report child abuse. Fields was terminated from his position in April.

Ryan is accused of threatening the superintendent and other trustees. The agency is investigating whether Ryan's conduct prevented trustees from exercising independent judgment and if she took actions that undermined Fields' authority and interfered with administrative functions.

A TEA spokesperson confirmed an investigation into Judson ISD. "Because the matter remains active and ongoing, TEA cannot comment further," the spokesperson said in an email. The agency said staff failed to report the abuse of a middle school student by a teacher to the Department of Family and Protective Services or local law enforcement.

Judson ISD school board trustees are accused of engaging in off-site, non-public deliberations regarding decisions related to superintendent employment and interim leadership. A spokesperson for Judson ISD stated that the investigation by TEA is ongoing. "Therefore, it would not be appropriate for the District to comment on the allegations," the spokesperson said.

The ISD spokesperson also noted, "Further, TEA specifically classifies these materials as confidential audit working papers and has advised that they are not subject to public release." Ryan attributed Fields' termination to a failure to manage the district's finances appropriately, allowing district academic ratings to decline, and failing to report child abuse. Fields said the reasons for his termination were fabricated in a letter obtained by KSAT shortly after his removal. Judson ISD's school board is scheduled to meet in a special board meeting Tuesday.