Lago Vista ISD investigating community member presenting as 'private coach'

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Lago Vista Independent School District said it is investigating after learning a “private coach” working with high school runners was not properly vetted. It adds the Lago Vista Police Department "continues to be involved."

In an email sent Friday to parents, the district said a community member presented himself as a “private coach” and approached a group of high school male athletes, practicing independently over the summer.

The district said in the email he obtained numerous student phone numbers, began communicating and meeting with them, and has since been present during student practices before and after school and over the summer.

District officials continued the “private coach” has never been affiliated with Lago Vista ISD but that proper vetting protocols were not followed.

“It has become apparent that the district’s well-established processes for non-employee access to students were not followed,” Lago Vista ISD officials said in the Feb. 23 email to parents.

The district's email said the person has been restricted from all campus grounds, and it is currently “investigating the nature or extent of this individual’s interaction with students.”

District officials would not verify to KXAN the name of the community member it referenced in emails to parents, saying legal counsel advised it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.

The Lago Vista Police Department has not responded to our request for comment.