Project Safe Schools initiative debuts as U.S. Attorney moves against Forney ISD and former educators for reporting failures

DALLAS - United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced today the launch of Project Safe Schools, a federal initiative aimed at protecting students, enforcing accountability and restoring transparency in public schools across North Texas.

According to the Texas Education Agency, more than 9,720 educator-misconduct investigations have been opened in the past two years, resulting in hundreds of disciplinary actions and placements on the Do Not Hire registry. Yet, districts across North Texas continue to underreport abuse and retain educators with known misconduct issues.

Project Safe Schools directly targets these failures by coordinating federal and state resources to enforce mandatory reporting laws and protect students.

"Protecting children is not optional-it is the law," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "We will support those who follow their obligations and put students first, and we will rigorously pursue accountability for anyone who conceals misconduct or allows harm to continue. Project Safe Schools is about transparency, responsibility and ensuring every child is safe in the classroom."

"The FBI is proud to partner in Project Safe Schools to ensure that our students not only receive a good education, but that education is provided in a safe environment," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "We all share a role in protecting students, and through this partnership, we can succeed in making our schools safer."

FORNEY ISD: CIVIL SETTLEMENT AND CRIMINAL CHARGES

As part of this initiative, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced two coordinated enforcement actions involving Forney Independent School District: a civil settlement under the False Claims Act and criminal charges against a former principal and a teacher.

To resolve allegations that it submitted false or misleading certifications regarding compliance with mandatory reporting laws when applying for federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Forney ISD agreed to pay $14,308 and adopt enhanced compliance measures designed to prevent future reporting failures and strengthen protections for students across the district. U.S. Attorney Raybould stated that "the settlement amount reflects Forney ISD's decision to come forward and cooperate; districts that fail to self-report similar violations should expect significantly harsher consequences."

On the criminal side, former Principal Wendy Bailey and teacher Michael Roell, also known as Johnathan Michael, have been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Both allegedly played a role in concealing Roell's prior arrest, facilitating his legal name change to evade background checks, and falsifying hiring documents-conduct that allowed him to obtain a special education teaching position despite repeated misconduct concerns.

U.S. Attorney Raybould praised the outstanding work of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, General Services Administration Office of the Inspector General, Texas Education Agency, Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers and Kaufman County District Attorney.

The civil matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Javan Porter and Brian Stoltz. The criminal matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore Parran and Claire Demers.

The civil claims resolved by the settlement agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CALL FOR VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE FROM NORTH TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICTS

The U.S. Attorney's Office is urging all North Texas public school districts to proactively review their reporting practices and come forward if they identify past failures that occurred within the last five years. Districts that knowingly concealed educator misconduct, failed to submit mandatory reports, or certified compliance inaccurately when receiving federal education funds should self-report through the Project Safe Schools Voluntary Disclosure pathway.

Voluntary and timely disclosure will be considered in accordance with Department of Justice guidance and may lead to significantly different outcomes than misconduct uncovered through enforcement actions. Coming forward demonstrates a district's commitment to compliance and to protecting students.

Districts should submit disclosures to: [email protected]