Hempstead ISD reviewing superintendent's contract after principal's Spanish ban controversy

HEMPSTEAD, TX (KTRK) -- In the small town of Hempstead, some can not help wondering what's happening at the school district. Hempstead, situated about 50 miles northwest of Houston, drew national outcry last year.

Parents claimed former Hempstead Middle School principal Amy Lacey banned students from speaking Spanish. On Tuesday evening, the board planned to review the superintendent's contract. Members called it "routine." Parents and community leaders questioned the move.

"It's kinda of surprising how this comes after the first two people were fired," said parent Cynthia Zamora. "There was no further evaluation of the superintendent before all this happens."

Members of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) held a news conference Tuesday afternoon. They expressed outrage and confusion with Hempstead Independent School District. They feared board members might fire Superintendent Delma Flores-Smith after they said she made "tough choices." They claimed with Smith firing Lacey, an office manager, and the police chief, some want payback.

"There is a community perception that this is a form of retaliation by certain members of the board who are angry at the changes that this brave Superintendent has been making," said Agustin Pinedo with LULAC.

Some parents picking up their children at school Tuesday said they want the drama to be dropped soon.