Shortly after becoming superintendent, Dr. Clark initiated an independent third-party review of the Police Department’s culture, procedures and equipment.  This action was taken due to informal feedback from officers as well as two complaints.  The review began in May, approximately one month after he became superintendent. The district received the findings from that review in July and began developing plans to address areas identified for improvement.

In May, Chief Rogers informed Dr. Clark that TCOLE had contacted her in the fall of the 2025-26 school year regarding concerns with background investigations. At that time, Chief Rogers indicated that her understanding was that the inquiry involved the background investigation of one former employee.

Dr. Clark was not made aware that TCOLE was conducting a broader, active investigation until July 31, 2026 when he called the agency. While Dr. Clark was not aware of the TCOLE investigation, the independent review commissioned by the District had separately identified the need to strengthen processes related to hiring and background investigations.

TCOLE notified Leander ISD on Aug. 7, that as of Sept. 8, 2025, the agency found 381 of 480 required files had not been accessed as part of the background investigation process. The scope of that information materially changed the district’s understanding of TCOLE’s concerns. In addition, TCOLE recommended the suspension of Chief Rogers’ license for one year.

After reviewing the notice, Dr. Clark placed Chief Rogers on paid administrative leave pending further investigation. Assistant Chief Jennifer Baskerville is serving as Acting Chief. Baskerville is in the process of reviewing every background check to ensure compliance.

No. The Board was not aware of TCOLE’s concerns prior to the recent developments. These matters had not been elevated to trustees. District administration is reviewing the timeline and communication surrounding the issue to ensure the Board has a complete understanding moving forward.

The district is working directly with TCOLE and reviewing its police department practices and policies to address the concerns that have been identified.

LISD Police Department leadership is reviewing background investigations for officers hired during the period specified by TCOLE in its letter. Dr. Clark also contacted TCOLE on Aug. 10 to better understand the corrective actions needed and how the district can prevent future compliance concerns.

TCOLE has offered to provide additional training for district administrators, including Dr. Clark, to strengthen district-level oversight and monitoring of police department operations.

Assistant Chief Jennifer Baskerville is serving as Acting Chief while Chief Rogers is on paid administrative leave pending further investigation. Baskerville brings more than 25 years of experience to Leander ISD PD from Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Dr. Clark and the district leadership team are working closely with Acting Chief Baskerville to ensure continuity of Police Department operations as the district prepares for the first day of school and beyond. Upon meeting with staff, Acting Chief Baskerville has stepped up into this leadership role with readiness and dedication. We will continue to support her throughout this transition.

Dr. Clark recently met with LISD police officers, school marshals, the acting chief and department leadership. The focus of that conversation was the department’s mission and its responsibility to protect Leander ISD students and staff. Dr. Clark shared his support for our officers, marshals and the Leander ISD Police Department. That support will continue as we work through this challenging situation.

Our officers and school marshals are dedicated individuals that remain focused on serving our schools and community.

Leander ISD continues to value its partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. Leander Police Chief Greg Minton has contacted Acting Chief Baskerville and offered assistance to support the safety of our students and staff as the district prepares for the school year.

The district’s safety operations continue while these concerns are reviewed. Acting Chief Baskerville is leading the Police Department, and district leadership is working with her and department personnel to maintain continuity, readiness and appropriate coverage. Keeping our schools safe takes many layers working together. That includes our police officers and school marshals, locked exterior doors and regular door checks, controlled visitor access, security cameras, emergency drills and response protocols, and strong partnerships with local law enforcement. Each layer plays an important role in protecting our students and staff every day.

The district also continues to work with its local law enforcement partners. Protecting students and staff remains the district’s highest priority.

As a reminder, safety and security remains a backbone of how we operate as an organization. Regular training and vigilance will continue as a standard practice.

Yes. This remains a developing situation, and the district continues to gather and review information. We are committed to providing accurate and transparent updates as we are able while respecting legal requirements related to personnel and investigative matters.