FORNEY, TX — Forney Independent School District (FISD) officials have issued a formal response following a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the conduct of two former employees, Wendy Bailey and Johnathan Michael/Michael Roell. The district, which serves over 1...
Forney ISD Addresses DOJ Settlement, Emphasizes Commitment to Student Safety
FORNEY, TX — Forney Independent School District (FISD) officials have issued a formal response following a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the conduct of two former employees, Wendy Bailey and Johnathan Michael/Michael Roell. The district, which serves over 17,000 students, is reaffirming its commitment to rigorous safety protocols and transparency as investigations remain ongoing.
Understanding the Settlement Agreement
The settlement, which the district entered into to avoid protracted litigation and preserve taxpayer funds for classroom resources, does not constitute an admission of liability by Forney ISD. The agreement centers on allegations that former Principal Wendy Bailey failed to report critical information regarding the criminal history of former employee Johnathan Michael/Michael Roell. According to the DOJ, these omissions were in direct violation of both district policy and Texas state law, which require the reporting of such information to the Superintendent’s office, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
District Response and Cooperation
Forney ISD administration has maintained that they are fully cooperating with local, state, and federal agencies. Because the matter involves an active criminal investigation, the district’s internal investigative capacity has been limited to ensure they do not interfere with the work of law enforcement.
The district’s official position highlights the actions taken immediately following the discovery of the alleged misconduct on April 21, 2026. Upon learning of the situation, the district promptly requested investigative assistance from the Texas Rangers, fulfilled all mandatory reporting requirements to the TEA and SBEC, and subsequently terminated the employment of both Bailey and Michael/Roell.
A Stand for Student Safety
District leadership characterized the alleged behaviors of the two former employees as “completely unacceptable” and underscored that such actions fall far short of the standards expected of Forney ISD staff.
“The behaviors described do not meet the high standards the District sets for staff, and will not be tolerated in Forney ISD,” the district stated in its release.
As the district navigates the challenges of rapid growth and the responsibility of overseeing a large student body, administrators are urging the community to stay vigilant. Forney ISD continues to work closely with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to ensure a secure learning environment.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Forney ISD encourages parents, students, and staff to remain proactive in maintaining campus safety. The district reminds the community that the Texas DPS provides a dedicated tool for reporting suspicious activity, which can be accessed at iwatchtexas.org.
As this is an ongoing investigation, inForney.com will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available.
