Collinsville High School baseball coach Derrick Jenkins is not going quietly. The district confirmed yesterday that Jenkins has formally appealed a notice of proposed termination of his contract. He has been on paid administrative leave since October while law enforcement and state officials review allegations tied to his interactions with students.
The Collinsville ISD board voted on Jan. 19 to send Jenkins that termination notice, a move that formally kicks off the Chapter 21 process for term‑contract employees under Texas law, according to the district’s public agenda. The paid leave and referrals to outside agencies began last fall after a complaint. Local reporting indicates the district contacted the Collinsville Police Department, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Texas Education Agency in response. As reported by KXII, Jenkins was placed on paid administrative leave in October, and the trustees’ action is reflected in records posted on BoardBook.
What the District Says
Superintendent Matthew Davenport told KTEN that the district takes allegations seriously but said some of the claims are “baseless” and “defamatory.” He confirmed Jenkins has appealed the January notice and said Collinsville ISD is sticking to its established procedures while multiple investigations play out.
Investigations Under Way
Collinsville police have described their investigation into alleged grooming as active and say they are working with state investigators. The Texas Education Agency has also placed notations on several administrator certificates as part of its review. Texas Scorecard reports that the TEA is reviewing the superintendent, the high‑school principal and the athletic director while the Collinsville Police Department and the Grayson County prosecutor continue their inquiry. No criminal charges have been announced publicly.
How the Appeal Works
Under Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code, a term‑contract employee who receives a notice of proposed termination has 15 days from receipt of the notice to file a written request for a hearing with the commissioner. That step preserves the employee’s right to a pre‑termination hearing. The statute outlines how the commissioner assigns a hearing examiner, sets deadlines for a recommendation and frames the rest of the process. Those rules will guide the next phase of Jenkins’ appeal as it moves through the administrative system, according to the Texas Legislature.
Background
Jenkins joined Collinsville ISD in 2021 and led the Pirates to state championships in 2024 and 2025, local reporting shows. That rapid rise turned the baseball program into a high‑profile point of pride, which has only intensified the community’s focus on the case as parents, residents and officials watch for developments from law enforcement and the TEA, according to the Whitesboro News Record.
For now, Jenkins’ appeal shifts into the administrative docket, where any hearing would examine whether the district had cause to terminate his term contract. Collinsville police have asked anyone with information to contact the department, KXII reported.
