Millsap ISD superintendent resigns after child abuse video

Millsap ISD Superintendent Dr. Edie Martin has resigned following her arrest related to alleged abuse of an autistic child. The announcement came during a school board meeting on Monday after days of public outcry. Martin, along with two former teachers, was arrested after a video surfaced showing a 10-year-old autistic boy, Alex Cornelius, being mistreated in a classroom. Martin faces a felony charge for failing to report the abuse. The other two former staff members, Jennifer Dale and Paxton Kendal Bean, are facing charges for their involvement, including injury to a child. The troubling incident took place on February 18, but the students’ parents were not informed until ten days later. The video was shared by Cornelius, prompting law enforcement investigations. Reports indicate that a witness informed Martin about the abuse the day after it occurred, but there were significant delays in reporting it to authorities. Investigators found that Martin sought an external investigation through the district's law firm but did not notify the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or law enforcement as required by law. The Cornelius family is now advocating for changes to improve safety for students in the district.