UVALDE, Texas (HPD) — The supervisor of the Uvalde, Texas, school district has announced his intention to resign at the end of the school year, following months of public outrage over the response to the worst school shooting in the United States. United in almost a decade.
“My heart was broken on May 24,” Hal Harrell said in a statement.
The Uvalde school board voted unanimously Monday night to start a search for a new supervisor.
Harrell, police, the board and other school officials have come under fire for their actions — and inaction — during the massacre of 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School. Police allowed the gunman to remain inside a classroom for more than 70 minutes.
The Texas legislature accused police and school officials of “systemic failures and poor decision-making” in a lapidary report.
Harrell’s resignation statement appeared on his wife’s Facebook page because he said he doesn’t have an account on the social network.
“I have been a blessing to work with the incredible faculty and staff who have believed in education for over 30 years, all in our beautiful community. The next steps for our future are being taken after much thought and the decision is entirely mine,” she wrote.
The message on Facebook, which was initially reported by CNN, was published on Monday, but after a few hours it was not accessible. The Uvalde school board refused to release a copy of the statement.
A week ago, school district officials suspended the entire school police force.