A former Denton ISD employee has been arrested in connection with an alleged injury to a child at Strickland Middle School, heightening concern among families across the district. Denton police say 22-year-old Alexis Ray turned herself in on Friday, was booked on a charge of injury to a child, then released after posting a $1,500 bond. The district confirmed Ray no longer works for Denton ISD. Officials have not released any details about what is alleged to have happened.
District response
In a statement to The Dallas Morning News, Denton ISD spokesperson Nick Petito said campus leaders moved quickly once the situation surfaced. “Campus administration worked with the district to address the matter in accordance with district policy,” Petito said.
He added that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and the actions of this individual do not reflect the values of Denton ISD. The district said its administrators are cooperating with police investigators.
What the charge means
Under Texas law, “injury to a child” is a broad charge. It can involve conduct that “intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence” causes serious bodily injury, serious mental deficiency, or bodily injury to a child who is 14 or younger. The exact degree of the offense and potential penalties depend on both the outcome for the child and the accused person’s mental state at the time.
The full statutory language and definitions are laid out in Tex. Penal Code § 22.04.
Next steps in the case
Ray turned herself in on Friday and, according to online jail bond records cited by The Dallas Morning News, posted a $1,500 bond and was released the same day.
The Denton County District Attorney's office will now review the case and decide whether to file formal charges and set court dates. Those decisions, along with any future hearings, should appear in public court records as the case moves ahead.
As with any arrest, prosecutors must prove any alleged offenses in court, and Ray is presumed innocent unless and until convicted.
What parents should know
Parents at Strickland Middle School and across Denton ISD can expect updates from the district and from law enforcement as officials are legally allowed to share them. When a reported incident involves students, districts typically follow both internal policies and state reporting rules.
Denton ISD has said it handled this situation in line with district policy and that it is cooperating with investigators. This story will be updated as more information is released and as court records provide additional details on how the case proceeds.
