Two public school principals in North Texas have been indicted for allegedly using their school email accounts to urge staff to vote for certain political candidates in the March Republican primary election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two Denton principals, who are married, are accused of violating state election law and could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000 if convicted of the misdemeanor charges, which a Denton County grand jury handed down on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay Luj\u00e1n, Denton Independent School District\u2019s director of special programs and principal of Alexander Elementary School, allegedly sent an email to school staff on Feb. 5 encouraging them to vote for Republicans who oppose school voucher programs, which would divert money away from public schools and give families taxpayer dollars to pay for their children\u2019s private schooling. The email, a copy of which is included in court documents, includes a link to a scorecard detailing each candidate\u2019s position on public school funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus Luj\u00e1n, principal of Borman Elementary School, sent a similar email to his staff in February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVote for candidates who support public education and school funding in the Republican primaries, no matter what your party affiliation is, Republican or Democrat,\u201d the email states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
School voucher programs were Gov. Greg Abbott\u2019<\/a>s top legislative priority last year, but Democrats and rural Republicans blocked voucher legislation from passing. The Legislature is expected to revisit the issue next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Texas law prohibits school districts from using state or local funds or school district resources to electioneer for or against any candidate. The Education Code also prohibits the use of public funds and internal email systems for political advertising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n