A civil lawsuit filed in the wake of the arrest of former Plano ISD teacher Paul Campbell is now placing the school district and a campus principal squarely in the legal crosshairs, alleging that multiple warning signs were ignored before a child was allegedly abused.
The lawsuit was filed by attorney Zeke Fortenberry on behalf of an 8-year-old student and her family. Named as defendants are Campbell, Plano ISD and the principal of Brinker Elementary School where the alleged abuse occurred during the previous school year.
According to the lawsuit, a parent had reported to the principal that Campbell engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a student prior to the alleged abuse of the 8-year-old plaintiff. The lawsuit claims that report was never investigated.
The suit further alleges that another family requested their daughter be moved out of Campbell’s classroom after the child became visibly distressed about attending his class. That request was reportedly denied by school administration.
Fortenberry said the failures by school leadership are at the heart of the civil case. He stated that the institution bears responsibility alongside the individual accused of the abuse. He added that two separate opportunities to investigate were missed and that the consequences of that inaction are devastating.
The lawsuit was brought under a Texas law that permits civil action against public school districts when they are alleged to have been grossly negligent or reckless in overseeing employees accused of sexually abusing students.
On the criminal side, Campbell’s case has grown significantly since his initial arrest earlier this month. Prosecutors have added three felony counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact. A judge set his bond at $2.5 million after the defense requested $250,000 and the state sought $2 million. Campbell remains in custody at the Collin County Detention Center.
The Texas Education Agency confirmed that Campbell is under active investigation by its Educator Investigations Division. His teaching certificate has been suspended and his name has been added to the state’s Do Not Hire Registry.
Fortenberry said the lawsuit has encouraged additional families to come forward with their own accounts. He described the courage of the 8-year-old who first disclosed the alleged abuse as remarkable and said her willingness to speak out prompted other students to share similar experiences.
Plano ISD previously described Campbell’s alleged conduct as reprehensible and said it was entirely inconsistent with the standards expected of district employees. Neither the district nor the Brinker Elementary principal had responded to requests for comment regarding the civil lawsuit.
Plano Police said the Special Victims Unit continues to actively investigate and is asking anyone with information to call 972-941-2044.
