Agenda: Katy ISD to consider defamation suit in support of superintendent

The Katy ISD board of trustees will discuss a possible defamation suit on behalf of Superintendent Lance Hindt, other school officials, and/or staff on Thursday, May 10, according to a meeting agenda. The Katy ISD board of trustees will discuss a possible defamation suit on behalf of Superintendent Lance Hindt, other school officials, and/or staff on Thursday, May 10, according to a meeting agenda. Photo: Karen Warren, Staff / Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Staff / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close Agenda: Katy ISD to consider defamation suit in support of superintendent 1 / 27 Back to Gallery

The Katy Independent School District Board of Trustees will vote Thursday whether to hire "special outside counsel" to pursue a defamation case in support of Lance Hindt, the district's embattled superintendent, along with other Katy ISD officials and staff.

While the agenda item for the Thursday meeting doesn't state the reason for the district's decision to contemplate the legal action, for several weeks the district has been rocked by public allegations that Hindt had bullied a former classmate more than 30 years ago.

MEETUP: Katy superintendent wants to talk with former classmate who accused him of bullying

During the public comments portion of the Katy ISD's March 19 work study board meeting, Katy businessman Greg Gay went to the microphone and stated Hindt had attacked him in the boy's bathroom while they both were students at West Memorial Junior High School. At least one other former student has come forward to back up Gay's allegation of what happened that day.

Hindt has denied taking part in the bullying incident at West Memorial Junior High but acknowledged that when he was young he did "dumb things." He also apologized for the negative attention the allegations have brought to the community.

Circuit Court Judge David Carpenter of Alabama's 10th district late came forward to accuse Hindt of being a bully when they were classmates at Katy ISD's Taylor High. Hindt was also accused in a civil lawsuit of beating a man in a traffic incident when he was 18. That lawsuit was later dismissed.

Both Hindt and Gay have stated that they would like to meet in a private, one-on-one meeting.

The school board will also discuss and consider voting on an amendment to Hindt's contract during Thursday's meeting.