La Vernia Independent School District

13600 US Hwy 87 W., La Vernia, TX 78121 • P: 830.779.6600 • F: 830.779.2304 • lvisd.org

Uncompromising Excellence, Unlimited Possibilities

December 2, 2019

Greetings La Vernia ISD community,

Today we learned that La Vernia Junior High School Teacher-Coach Joseph McIntosh
was engaged in inappropriate texting with a La Vernia ISD student. We responded by
immediately removing Mr. McIntosh from campus and have taken steps to ensure that
he will no longer be an employee of LVISD. Mr. McIntosh is prohibited from having any
contact with La Vernia ISD students or staff and prohibited from entering any district
facilities.

Local law enforcement is actively investigating this situation. We will continue to

cooperate fully with law enforcement officials and will refer the matter to the Texas
Education Agency for further investigation. As this is a personnel matter, state law limits
the amount and nature of the information that we can share with you at this time.
However, you may see this story in the media, and we wanted you to hear from us
directly about how we are responding.

Please know that as a parent and educator, I am deeply disturbed and saddened by this
situation. The protection of our children is my top priority and we are committed to
providing a safe and secure learning environment for every LVISD student. I take the
trust you place in our district very seriously and will always act accordingly in the best
interests of our students. Join us in keeping our students safe by encouraging your
children to say something immediately to a teacher, administrator, parent, or safety and
security officer if they ever see, hear, or receive uncomfortable, inappropriate, or
suspicious messages from anyone.

Thank you for your ongoing support of La Vernia ISD and your commitment to our
students. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Toni Riester-Wood

Interim Superintendent

La Vernia ISD Mission Statement

The mission of La Vernia ISD is to collaboratively educate and inspire all students
to be life-long learners with unlimited possibilities as contributing members of society.