NewsWest 9
AUSTIN - What will happen next? That's the big question for Big Spring Superintendent Michael Downes. Tuesday, he met with investigators from the Texas Education Agency in Austin over allegations of sexual misconduct when Downes worked for another school district.
After Tuesday's meeting, it's all up to investigators as to what Superintendent Michael Downes will face next. But he did get the chance to speak his mind.
Downes' attorney, Neal Adams, said the meeting Tuesday in Austin went well. He said Downes has nothing to hide. This is all in response to allegations that surfaced late last year of sexual misconduct by Downes when he was a teacher in a panhandle school district. Adams said Downes fully answered all the questions Tuesday from investigators and that he is willing to answer any other questions they may have.
NewsWest 9 also spoke with TEA officials about the meeting. They say from here, investigators will talk about the meeting and about the evidence for and against taking legal action against Downes.
Here's what they can do:
- They can choose to close the case, meaning there's not enough evidence Downes did anything wrong.
- They can take legal action if they think there's enough to prosecute.
- (This one happens a lot) They can choose to settle with him. Meaning, no legal action, and the TEA chooses the consequences.
