Staff Report

Officers from the Kyle Police Department arrested Blanco Vista Elementary 2nd grade teacher Andrew Palmore on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, and charged him with ‘Indecency with a Child.’ The arrest stems from an exhaustive investigation by law enforcement officers.

Hays CISD was first alerted to the investigation by the Kyle Police Department on Feb. 1. On that date, the district immediately placed Palmore on leave and removed his access to Hays CISD campuses and students. Additionally, the district reported the case to the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC), which is the clearing house in Texas for educator licensing. Because of his arrest, the district will recommend to the Board of Trustees that he be fired.

At present, law enforcement officers do not have evidence that the alleged acts occurred during school operating times. However, parents who have concerns or information they believe would be important to investigators, should contact the Kyle Police Department at (512) 268-3232.

Andrew Palmore was a substitute teacher for Hays CISD during the spring semester of 2012. He substituted at Blanco Vista and Science Hall Elementary Schools, as well as Simon Middle School during that time. He was hired full time by Hays CISD in August 2014 at Blanco Vista Elementary, where he has worked as a 5th, 4th, and 2nd- grade teacher.

All employees of Hays CISD, regardless of position in the district, must pass a national, fingerprint-based criminal background check. They are also subject to “active monitoring,” which means that should a district employee be arrested after their background check was completed, the district would be alerted to the new criminal background activity. Teachers in the district must also have clear certifications from SBEC. Prior to his arrest, Mr. Palmore was able to pass the background check and certification requirements.

Due to this being an ongoing Kyle Police Department investigation, Hays CISD will not be available to provide further comment or interviews at this time.

The district remains unwavering in its commitment that the safety of all students is paramount. The district continues to work closely with law enforcement and public safety partners, including the Kyle Police Department, to ensure the safety of the children in our community and students everywhere in Texas.