Convicted ex-Longview ISD educators avoid prison in special education student abuse case - Longview News-Journal

February 28, 2026 - 10:15

Two former Longview Independent School District administrators convicted this week on charges related to the abuse of special education students will not serve prison time. A jury delivered the verdict on Friday, finding the educators guilty of improper restraint and seclusion of students within a specialized classroom in 2021.

The case centered on incidents involving multiple children with significant disabilities. Evidence presented during the trial detailed the use of a secluded, padded room, often referred to as a "calm room," for disciplinary purposes that violated state guidelines and district policy. Testimony indicated students were at times confined for extended periods.

Despite the convictions, the former officials received sentences of probation. The decision has sparked a strong reaction from the community and advocates for children with disabilities, who argue the punishment fails to match the severity of the misconduct and the vulnerability of the students involved.

In a statement following the sentencing, the district reiterated its commitment to student safety and noted that policies and staff training regarding restraint and seclusion have been comprehensively reviewed and strengthened since the 2021 investigation began. The classroom in question is no longer in use for its former purpose.