TEA investigates Lorena ISD principal

LORENA, Texas – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is currently investigating a Lorena Independent School District principal who is at the center of a lawsuit.

April Jewell is the principal of Lorena Primary School, which educates approximately 400 students in kindergarten through second grade. She is a defendant in a lawsuit brought by the parents of a preschool child who was sexually abused by substitute teacher Nicholas Crenshaw at Lorena Primary School.

The TEA confirmed to 6 News that its investigation into Jewell began on June 7. An agency spokesperson said they could not provide further comment because the matter was ongoing.

According to an online portal for teacher certifications, an investigation by the TEA of a person means that they are accused of misconduct. Jewell’s Texas teaching certificate remains valid because the TEA has not made a formal decision.

Elliott and Allison Kelly, parents of two Lorena ISD students, tell 6 News that the TEA’s involvement gives them hope as they feel ignored at the local level.

“This is great,” Elliott Kelly said. “I mean, it makes me feel like the state government is coming to our aid and providing this light, bringing it to Austin and bringing more and more attention to it. Ultimately, we feel like the county is actually doing something valuable for us in this way.”

“It’s encouraging and gives us a lot of hope because we’ve been told time and time again and we’ve seen time and time again that the concerns of parents are really not relevant and neither the school board nor the school board have been able to give us answers,” added Allison Kelly. “They have not expressed concern for our concerns.”

The Kellys said they have lost a certain amount of trust after reading details in the lawsuit documents. That has left them frustrated and wanting the district to take action regarding Jewell’s employment or for Jewell to resign herself. They said that’s a feeling many families in Lorena feel.

“For something like this to happen and for there to be no administrative leave during the investigation, when she ends up being a criminal and they left her in charge of children for three years after the incident… it’s unbelievable,” Elliott Kelly added. “This is absolutely wrong and they’re going to come back to haunt them for the decisions they made.”

“As elected officials, our school board should put these kids first,” said Allison Kelly. “The kids come first, not some administrator, some staff member, some principal, or even themselves. To see that the parents’ concerns about these students aren’t really important or don’t carry much weight — that’s sad.”

6 News reached out to Lorena ISD School Board Chair Dr. Denny Kramer for comment on the lawsuit and to see if the board has considered taking action against Jewell as a result of the proceedings. He shared a statement on behalf of the school board that said:

“Regarding the concerns regarding Principal April Jewell, Lorena Independent School District denies all claims made against it in plaintiff’s civil complaint. Nicolas Crenshaw committed “unspeakably evil” acts against Jane Doe, and the State of Texas punished him following his guilty plea in his 2021 criminal case. (Dct. 1; Dct. 35). Lorena ISD did not “look the other way” or take any action that facilitated Crenshaw’s ability to commit his crimes against Jane Doe. (Dct. 1; Dct. 35; Dct. 36). The District responded appropriately to reports about Crenshaw while he was employed by the District. These reports differ greatly from the allegations in plaintiff’s civil complaint seeking damages against the District.

The district has not been presented with any factual evidence other than that reviewed in connection with the 2021 criminal case against Nicholas Crenshaw. If this changes at any time, appropriate action will be taken. We are grateful for our dedicated and supportive educators, parents and community members. We trust the justice system and Lorena ISD’s position is to allow the legal process to take its course.”

The parents of a preschool child who was allegedly sexually abused at Lorena Primary School have filed suit against both Jewell and Lorena ISD.

Nicolas Scott Crenshaw, a longtime substitute teacher for Lorena ISD, was found guilty and punished for sexual abuse and indecent conduct toward two students at Lorena Primary School between 2020 and 2021, according to the complaint obtained by 6 News.

The parents of one of the children filed suit against the school district and Jewell, alleging they failed to investigate and report Crenshaw’s actions toward the 4- and 5-year-olds, even though several Lorena Elementary School staff members raised concerns, according to the complaint.

According to Lorena ISD’s website, Jewell is still principal of Lorena Primary School. She has reportedly filed an appeal in federal court in Waco against a judge’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit. Her appeal puts the case on hold until the appeals court proceedings are complete.

While the lawsuit is still pending and no action has been taken by the school district, the Kellys said they may consider not sending their child to Lorena Primary School.

“I think we personally won’t be able to send our kids there knowing that while she’s going to be the administrator of the school district, the school board and the school board have also been vocal in their support of her,” Allison Kelly explained. “If those are all the people that continue to hold the district, we can’t be a part of it anymore, and I think you’re going to see that more and more.”

The Lorena ISD case was brought to the attention of Evelyn Brooks, the State Board of Education representative for District 14, which includes Lorena ISD, and she is now getting involved.

“The more I looked into it, the more I discovered and the more alarms were raised,” Brooks said. “I knew I had to do something to help this community. They are demanding the resignation of their administrator, especially until this legal process is over, and I don’t think that’s unreasonable. I don’t think this should stop until the parents get what they’re demanding.”