Rampage at Uvalde School: Superintendent Dr. Hal Harrell Retires, School Board Discusses Next Step

UVALDE, Texas– The Uvalde School District Board will meet on Monday to discuss the retirement of Superintendent Dr. to speak to Hal Harrell.

The announcement of Harrell’s resignation came on Friday, just hours after the district suspended its police department over criticism of its response to the May 24 shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.

In a statement shared to Facebook late Sunday night, Harrell wrote: “My decision to retire was not taken lightly and was made after much prayer and discernment. My wife and I love you all and this community that we both grew up in. So this decision was a difficult one for us. I am blessed to work with amazing educators and staff who have believed in education for more than 30 years and who all live in our beautiful community. These next steps for our future are being taken now, with a lot of thought and entirely my choice.”

The board will discuss the transition in a closed meeting on Monday, but Harrell plans to remain in the district throughout the year until a new superintendent can be appointed.

Meanwhile, the school district’s move to suspend all police force came a day after the firing of Crimson Elizondo, an officer hired by Uvalde’s school district despite being investigated for her conduct as a DPS soldier during the massacre.

The length of the school district police department’s suspension was not immediately clear.

The school district police chief, Pete Arredondo, was fired in August.

The aftermath of the deadly gunshots has continued, but sports organizations have offered various gestures in recent months to help the community in their attempts to heal.

On Saturday, the San Antonio Spurs held an open practice in support of the elementary school students.

“It’s extremely sad,” said San Antonio warden Tre Jones. “We wish everyone was with us and could still enjoy this moment. We’re just trying to bring joy to the families and any children who were friends with the children who died and also to help the teachers bring that moment of happiness back into their lives and try to just put a smile on their faces.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.