COMFORT, TX -- Comfort Independent School District on Monday confirmed that it is investigating a third-grade teacher after complaints that she served coffee to some of her students earlier this month.
Two parents, who spoke with the I-Team on the condition we not name them or their children, said the incidents happened at Comfort Elementary School the week of May 2.
One of the parents said her child suffers from a medical condition that keeps her from being able to drink caffeine.
A teacher, who also asked that we conceal her identity, said she was appalled after seeing eight-year-old and nine-year-old students given coffee inside the classroom on more than once occasion.
"A stimulant, basically a drug, in their hands, just to take and use as they feel necessary. I just think that's a very dangerous thing for the heart, kidneys," certified family nurse practitioner Stormy Valdespino said Monday.
"[Coffee] has no business being given to a child. I would be livid," added Valdespino, who is also the CEO of Healing Hands House Calls PLLC.
Valdespino noted that caffeine reacts differently once inside the body and can actually cause the heart rate of some people to slow down.
The Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which set federal science-based nutrition standards, mandates elementary school and middle school children only be served plain water, unflavored low-fat milk, flavored or unflavored non-fat milk and 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices with no added sweeteners.
The USDA does not currently restrict the serving of caffeinated beverages to high school students.
Comfort ISD Superintendent Leslie Vann agreed to an on camera interview on Monday, then abruptly canceled when the I-Team showed up at the district's administration building.
Vann, who agreed to speak with the I-Team behind closed doors without a camera present, repeatedly called the investigation a "personnel matter," even after we pointed out the incident happened on campus and involved multiple children.
He confirmed that the teacher remains in the classroom.
"When it comes to personnel, you don't get to know what action is taken," Vann said via telephone last week, when first questioned by the I-Team.
He made the same statement to a parent who complained in person last week.
Vann, after pointing out that he is in charge of both human resources and media relations for the 1,150 student district, said that the district will release a statement after the investigation is completed.
Vann noted that the elementary school's principal is conducting the probe.