AUSTIN — For more than a decade, Kristen Vengler has taught in the Eanes Independent School District.
As the department chair of the Social and Emotional Learning committee, Vengler’s mission is to make a positive impact on students. But, she's found herself fighting to keep the job she loves.
Vengler was suspended after two students at Hill Country Middle reported that she choked another student last October. Eanes ISD Board of Trustees tabled a decision Tuesday that could have fired her.
Vengler’s attorney Holt Lackey spoke with KVUE moments after the decision was made.
Lackey said other students who saw the incident stated that Vengler made a choking gesture to an eight grade male student and they believed the gesture was a joke. Lackey said Vengler admitted the gesture was a joke and she never put her hands on any student in anger.
However, school officials still suspended Vengler and she has not taught in the district since the incident.
Several of Vengler's former students showed up to Tuesday’s night board meeting in efforts to get her job back. One of those students was Evan Mento.
Mento told KVUE he believes this situation is damaging Vengler's reputation.
"I think that it kinda goes one way and she definitely didn't do what she's being accused of, which I think could never happened. She shouldn't have to be begging on her knees for her job, she should just get her job back.," Mento said.
Eanes ISD officials sent KVUE a statement saying:
"It would not be appropriate, legal or ethical for us to comment on a personnel matter, particularly when it is still in process. That said, any time the administration recommends employment action, we would only do so after a full and thorough examination, including multiple conversations with the individual.
In accordance with Texas law, if the Board proposes non-renewal of a contract, the employee has the right to a full hearing before any final decision is made."
The board has 10 days to come back with a decision.
In the meantime, students and staff continue to show support for Vengler on social media.