North Zulch ISD is launching a legal investigation into an incident in which someone sent letters to students in the district last week accusing the district of nepotism and racism allegations which have not been substantiated at this time.

“In an effort to continue our legal investigation of the awful circumstances that took place (Friday), we need your help,” said a Saturday post from the district’s Facebook page. “Our students’ privacy was violated. If your child received a letter in the mail, we ask you bring it (both the letter and envelope) to the school first thing Monday…

“If you have not opened your letter, please do not open. Please put it in a sealed ziplock bag so there is little contamination. This situation is a violation of Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. You can be sure that we will find out who sent this letter and accessed students’ private information…”

The letter was signed by “A group of Ex Bulldogs” and accused Superintendent Alan Andrus and “at least one board member” of refusing to renew certain district educators’ contracts for personal reasons. The letter went on to speculate that more will be fired in the near future in an effort “to employ family and friends of those in charge”. The letter acknowledged this statement as a rumor.

In its second paragraph, the letter accused Andrus of racism for not hiring any Black employees during his tenure, which began in 2017. It included quotes that the author(s) attributed to Andrus expressing his unwillingness to hire Black employees. There is no evidence to suggest Andrus has ever expressed such opinions.

A similar letter, which expressed the same concerns but was worded slightly different, was mailed to a number of individuals and businesses in the community, including this publication.

This investigation, which involves the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, is ongoing and will be updated as new details emerge.