The Hitting Stops Here!

He is charged with injury to a child, a third degree felony. Police began their investigation February 3rd.

Bellmead PD told News Channel 25 the charges stem from a paddling incident. Paddling as a punishment is legal in Texas, but only with the guardian's permission. Police said in this case the school did have permission from the child's grandparents, which raises more questions about Borland's involvement.

Borland was in the news not long ago. He was fired from Bosqueville ISD because of budget concerns at the end of the last school year. He was not relieved of his job because of his conduct.

Borland bonded out of the McLennan County Jail around 5:15 p.m. Monday, posting a $4,000 bond. Phone calls to the Borland home were not returned and no one answered the door when News Channel 25 stopped by the home.

The La Vega ISD did not issue a statement Monday evening. Phone calls and e-mails to officials with La Vega were not immediately returned.

Dear Houston Chronicle Viewpoints, Re: Waco school principal arrested in paddling case

It's good that the La Vega Elementary School (in Waco) principal was arrested for injuring a child during a paddling because it will send a message to other schools that hitting school children with boards is wrong and can cause injuries.

This legalized child abuse in Texas schools must stop! The Texas legislature needs to stop this with legislation or courts need to stop it as a constitutional protection against cruel and unusual punishment. School paddling has been abolished in 30 states but Texas lags behind on protecting children from abuse so it is still legal here. Where are the candidates for Texas governor and legislature on this?

Jimmy Dunne, Pres. People Opposed to Paddling Students, 1306 W. Brooklake Dr., Houston, TX 77077 281.584.9707
www.nospankingzone.org