Robb Elementary principal reinstated after security review at the school

The Uvalde school district has reinstated Robb Elementary principal Mandy Gutierrez, who was suspended this week in the aftermath of the May 24 mass shooting. Superintendent Hal Harrell on Monday placed Gutierrez on administrative leave with pay pending a review of security measures at the school. Gutierrez was asked to respond to a Texas House committee report that found security lapses at the school that made it easier for the gunman — Salvador Ramos, 18, of Uvalde — to enter the facility and kill 19 students and two teachers. Gutierrez submitted a letter Wednesday to the committee defending her actions and clarifying that the lock of a classroom door the shooter used to enter Room 111 worked, contrary to reports that it did not.

She was reinstated Thursday after meeting with district officials as part of the review, her lawyer, Ricardo Cedillo, said via email. He said Gutierrez “will continue to discharge her duties and continue to serve all the families of the UCISD.” Harrell’s letter thanked Gutierrez for submitting additional information to the committee. “As a result of the review, you will be allowed to return to work effective (Thursday),” the letter said. “As was discussed today, with mutual agreement, you will continue to serve the district in an administrative capacity.” In a report released July 17, the committee investigating said Robb Elementary administrators handled school security poorly. Although the school had adopted security policies — including locking exterior doors and classroom doors — the report said, “There was a regrettable culture of noncompliance by school personnel who frequently propped doors open and deliberately circumvented locks.” One of the doors cited in the report was to Room 111, which was unlocked that Tuesday morning, allowing the gunman to enter the classroom. Employees said its lock did not always work, and school officials hadn’t issued a work order for its repair.