'I did dumb things': Katy ISD superintendent apologizes for drawing negative attention to district

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt is apologizing for negative attention brought upon the district after a rash of allegations about bullying and violence in his teens surfaced in recent weeks.

In a letter sent to district employees Monday morning, Hindt did not speak to or deny any allegations specifically. Instead, he once again said he is a changed man, and chalked up the allegations as a part of growing up.
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"But I recognize, I am not a perfect person; none of us is. I certainly wasn't as a teenager, and I am not as an adult," Hindt wrote. "When I was young and dumb - I did dumb things. Because of great teachers, coaches, administrators and mentors in my life, and the unconditional love of my parents, I was able to overcome, learn and grow from my childhood mistakes."

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The letter comes on the heels of an online petition, since signed by thousands of people, calling for Hindt's firing from the district.

The petition was started by a former student who called Hindt "a playground bully."



Earlier this month, Hindt was accused of bullying a man when they were younger.
Then, a 1983 lawsuit was discovered alleging Hindt beat a man into a coma after a drug and alcohol fueled party.

Hindt never faced any charges.
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Here is the full text of Hindt's letter to Katy ISD employees:

Dear Staff,

This note is to share my reflections on recent events.



Have you ever had a defining moment in your life when you knew everything would change? Mine occurred in 1992, while listening to a sermon by Dr. Ed Young with my girlfriend (and future wife). It was at this time that I decided I wanted a personal relationship with my lord and savior. Knowing that my past had been washed away and I was a renewed person, I hitched a ride on a wonderful journey that has led me to where I am today. In between, I married my rock, my best friend, my beautiful soulmate - Kathryn. We have two dynamite kids, now young adults, Zach and Alexis. And now, I am living a dream by coming home and giving back to a community that gave so much to me, a community that helped mold and shape the person, the man, I am today.

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Along this 27 year journey, I have dedicated my passion, my love and my commitment to my family, and to the students, the staffs and the communities I have been blessed to serve. As an adult, I believe and I hope that my impact on others has been positive. But I recognize, I am not a perfect person; none of us is. I certainly wasn't as a teenager, and I am not as an adult. When I was young and dumb - I did dumb things. Because of great teachers, coaches, administrators and mentors in my life, and the unconditional love of my parents, I was able to overcome, learn and grow from my childhood mistakes. Isn't that what life is all about? Growing. Learning. Changing. Maturing. I believe it is my adolescent years that has provided me with a better understanding of the realities of today's students and helps me lead our phenomenal school district.

To our Katy ISD superstar staff, I am so sorry for the negative attention brought against our school district and town. It is unfortunate that half-truths, viral videos, edited tape, false statements, and gotcha moments are a part of our modern mainstream news and social media culture. These frenzied attacks lack context and certainly distort the truth. As I have seen, there is evil among us, those that will do anything to destroy someone's good reputation and 27 year career. I will continue to fight the good fight, and proudly lead Katy ISD. However, as difficult as it has been these past couple weeks, I also choose to pray for the individuals who have brought this district harm, and I ask that you do the same.
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Although I do not believe the attacks on our great school district, our school board or me are over, I remain steadfast in my commitment to Katy ISD. Please know, when I awake every day, I pray for guidance and I also pray that I make a positive impact on your lives, our students' lives and on the community that we serve.

I trust that you will judge me based upon who I am today, not the allegations of more than 30+ years ago.



Thanks for listening. I continue to believe - All things work together for good!

Lance Hindt
Lance Hindt, Ed.D.
Superintendent

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