A Texas middle school principal has resigned less than a month into the new school year while an investigation examines allegations that she made “concerning comments”.
Elizabeth Hostin stepped down from Linda Jobe Middle School in Mansfield after Mansfield Independent School District began investigating claims involving the veteran educator.
The district said it acted promptly after learning of the allegations and was taking them seriously. It has not disclosed what comments were allegedly made.
“At Linda Jobe Middle School, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality instruction and fostering a strong partnership with our families and community,” Marcus Brannon, the district’s executive director of middle schools, said in a letter to parents.
“Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders, and your continued support is vital to our shared success. As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to inform you of a recent leadership change.”
The letter said: “Effective today, our campus principal resigned due to personal reasons. While transitions can be challenging, please be assured that our commitment to maintaining strong leadership and consistent support for our students is our top priority.”
Hostin handed in her resignation independently while the investigation was under way, according to the district’s account.
Support for former Linda Jobe principal
Before joining Linda Jobe, Hostin had worked at Boren Elementary School, the district said.
She was described by Jayne Foster on a local podcast as a “who’s who” of educators in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Foster said Hostin had spent more than 40 years in education and had taught or served as a principal across elementary, intermediate, middle and high school, as well as college.
Hostin said on the programme that she was drawn to education after her niece was born with Down syndrome. Learning about special education and the support available to children and families led her to study at the University of Kentucky’s College of Education, she said.
Former pupils and colleagues have since posted messages praising Hostin’s leadership and character.
Christen Stacks, who described herself as a former student, called Hostin “the single most influential principal I ever had”. She added: “I grew up with her, went to church with her. I’ll never be more proud of another principal throughout my K-12 experience with Mansfield!”
Kathy Comer Nevins, a former colleague, described working with Hostin as a “privilege” and said her work ethic was “second to none”.
Lisa Rivard, who said she had served as a PTA president at one of Hostin’s campuses, wrote that Hostin had shown “love, caring, leadership and professionalism” to children in her care.
Another former colleague said Hostin had cared about pupils, teachers and staff, adding that students “loved her”.
The Mansfield district has not provided further details about the allegations. Attempts were made to contact Hostin for comment.
