Eanes ISD Employee Faces Charges for Misuse of District Credit Cards

AUSTIN, Texas – Eanes ISD Employee Charged with Credit Card Abuse

In a recently uncovered case of financial misconduct, Kelly Ballengee, an employee of the Eanes Independent School District (ISD), has been charged with misuse of district credit cards. The charges come after a thorough investigation launched by the Eanes ISD Police Department following troubling reports from the district’s finance office.

Investigation Highlights

The investigation found that Ballengee, who served as an administrative assistant at Hill Country Middle School, allegedly used district credit cards for personal gain. Specific details about the transactions have not been fully disclosed, but it is reported that the purchases were made without proper authorization and were intended for personal expenses.

In light of the findings, Eanes ISD took immediate action by terminating Ballengee’s employment. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeff Arnett, expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is regrettable and sad when a well-known employee of the school district could betray the trust of colleagues, parents, and students by stealing from them in such a covert manner.”

The Charges

Ballengee has been formally charged with credit card abuse, a serious charge categorized as a state-jail felony. Her court appearance is scheduled for November 15, according to available court records. The investigation is still ongoing, with the Eanes ISD Police Department working in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Depending on the outcomes of the ongoing investigation, there could be additional charges brought against her.

Impact on the District

This incident has raised significant concern within the Eanes ISD community, especially at a time when many school districts are struggling with tight budgets. Dr. Arnett emphasized how disheartening it is for the community, saying, “At a time when school districts are trying to address budget shortfalls and booster clubs are working so hard to raise funds, this is truly disheartening.”

In response to the allegations, Eanes ISD is taking proactive steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future. The district is currently reviewing and strengthening its credit card protocols and approval processes. The goal is to enhance accountability and integrity measures within the district’s financial operations.

Community Reactions

District officials have stated their commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity within Eanes ISD. This commitment includes pursuing restitution and ensuring that any wrongdoing is addressed seriously. The investigation’s findings and the subsequent response underline the importance of trust and accountability in the school district environment.

Parents and school staff have been advised about the situation, and the district has been transparent about the measures being enacted to tighten financial controls. It is critical for the Eanes ISD community to feel secure about how district funds are managed, particularly in educational environments where trust is paramount.

Conclusion

As the legal process unfolds, Ballengee’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding public resources and maintaining trust within educational institutions. The Eanes ISD intends to follow through with the necessary legal actions and improve its systems to prevent any future misuse of funds.