Former Groveton ISD employee arrested in connection with student record alterations

GROVETON, Texas (KTRE) - A Groveton ISD employee was fired in January after allegations of altered student records.

According to a press release from the district, administration was made aware of certain educational records being altered without authorization on Jan. 23. The release said the allegations were confirmed, and the employee suspected of the tampering was terminated on Jan. 29.

According to Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace, Breanna Faye Abshier, 35, was arrested around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in connection with the allegations. According to Wallace, Abshier was an office aide at Groveton ISD.

Following the discovery of the alterations, the release said the superintendent ordered the immediate investigation into the potentially affected records of all students in grades 6-12. They said they are working to correct any discrepancies caused by the former employee.

According to an arrest affidavit, Abshier made these alterations beginning in the 2021-2022 school year through the current school year and were done without the consent or authorization or knowledge. The alterations were made in favor of a family member, pushing them into the top 10 percent of their class ranking. The adjustments made also pushed deserving students out of the top 10. The investigator noted that without alterations, the family member would have placed in the top 15 percent.

Upon reaching out for comment from the district, they were unable to provide additional information about the incident until the investigation concludes.

Abisher has been charged with tampering with a government record, which is a third-degree felony.