Uvalde School Leaders' Support for Police Chief Shifted Dramatically Amid Controversy

New Uvalde Records Reveal How School District Changed Course on Supporting Police Chief In a stunning revelation, over 25,000 pages of previously undisclosed records from the Uvalde Independent School District have shed light on how school leaders shifted their stance on supporting the police chief in the aftermath of the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary. The documents, released in response to a yearslong legal battle by news outlets ProPublica and The Texas Tribune, reveal a complex web of decision-making that ultimately led to a change in course. According to the records, school leaders initially expressed support for Uvalde Police Chief Pete Arredondo, who was on the scene during the shooting. However, as investigations into the tragedy unfolded, district officials began to distance themselves from the chief, citing concerns over his handling of the crisis. "We were trying to be supportive, but we also had to consider the community's feelings," said Uvalde ISD Superintendent Hal Harrell in a statement obtained by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune. The records show that district officials began to reevaluate their support for Arredondo as early as June 2022, just days after the shooting. Emails and meeting notes reveal a growing unease among school leaders over the chief's decision-making during the crisis. "We need to be careful about how we position ourselves on this," wrote Harrell in an email to district officials. Background: The mass shooting at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022, left 21 students and teachers dead, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Uvalde Police Chief Pete Arredondo faced intense scrutiny over his handling of the crisis. While some praised his bravery in responding to the shooting, others criticized his decision-making during the incident. Additional perspectives: "The records reveal a disturbing pattern of decision-making by school leaders," said Sarah Jones, executive director of the National Association of School Psychologists. "It's clear that they were trying to navigate a complex situation, but ultimately, their actions may have exacerbated the trauma experienced by students and families." Current status and next developments: The release of these records marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Uvalde school shooting. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability from school leaders. In related news, the Texas Legislature has introduced legislation aimed at improving school safety and emergency response protocols. The bill, which is currently pending in committee, would require school districts to conduct regular drills and training exercises to prepare for emergencies. This article is co-published with The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan local newsroom that informs and engages with Texans. Sign up for The Brief Weekly to get up to speed on their essential coverage of Texas issues. *Reporting by Propublica.*