Little Rock School Board spares longtime security captain from firing after hearing on student restraints

The Little Rock School District Board on Feb. 12, 2025 voted 3–2 to modify a superintendent recommendation to terminate Captain Donald (Don) Allen, issuing a written reprimand and requiring trauma‑informed training instead. The action followed a public personnel hearing that examined two security‑related incidents at Hamilton Learning Academy dated Sept. 19, 2024, and Oct. 2, 2024, and testimony about whether district staff properly preserved and reported video evidence.

The hearing centered on the superintendent’s recommendation that Allen be fired for failing to notify appropriate officials about a Sept. 19 incident, for refusing to cooperate with investigations that followed, and for actions the district called “serious misconduct.” District witnesses and staff said video of the two incidents showed a security officer using force that merited investigation; witnesses also testified about confusion over who in safety and security and human resources was responsible for reporting and investigating. Kelsey Bailey, the district’s chief deputy finance and operations officer, summarized the administration’s concern, saying the district had “to protect our students” and that the chain of events left students exposed.

Captain Donald Allen, who has worked in LRSD safety and security for more than three decades, disputed parts of the district’s account in sworn testimony. Allen said he provided statements to investigators by text, email and verbally and defended his conduct. “I did everything according to the district policy and procedure regarding the aforementioned incident and date,” Allen told investigators, according to the hearing record. Allen also said he had filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charge in October 2023 and received a May 20, 2024 EEOC right‑to‑sue notice; he told the board he experienced retaliatory changes to his duties after that.

Assistant Director of Safety and Security Liz Hoffman testified she reviewed the Oct. 2 video and said of what she saw, “that’s not how we treat people. First of all, it’s not how we restrain children.” Hoffman said she immediately contacted human resources after reviewing the two videos and directed investigators to open formal inquiries into both incidents. Investigator Kamisha Washington, who led the personnel probe, emailed and later sent formal questions to several employees; the record shows some witnesses supplied written or recorded statements while others declined recorded interviews and provided written responses.

Lieutenant Michael Green, who supervises camera systems and works in the same office as safety leadership, told investigators he preserved a copy of a Sept. 19 recording after receiving direction to do so. Officer Paris (or “Star”) Starr, the security officer shown in the videos, was placed on administrative leave during the investigation; Starr later resigned, according to hearing testimony.

District counsel presented the superintendent’s recommendation and argued the combination of the two incidents, and the district’s contention that the earlier Sept. 19 episode was not handled so it could prevent the Oct. 2 episode, warranted termination. Allen’s attorney, Austin Porter, argued the record showed gaps and inconsistent handling across multiple staff members and that Allen had cooperated in the investigation and was not the person who used force in the videos.

After several hours of public testimony and attorney argument, the board retired to executive session, then returned and voted to modify the superintendent’s recommendation. The board’s motion, approved 3–2, directed a written reprimand be placed in Allen’s personnel file, required the district to provide trauma‑informed‑care training, and allowed Allen to return to work immediately with full pay and benefits.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Modify the superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Captain Donald C. Allen; instead issue a written reprimand, require trauma‑informed training and permit immediate return to work. Outcome: approved. Vote tally: 3 yes, 2 no.

What the hearing covered and what it did not The hearing combined witness testimony, document evidence (text messages, emails, personnel records) and video review. It focused on whether LRSD staff followed internal reporting and investigatory processes after two incidents in which a security officer restrained students. The board and district leaders described gaps in notification and follow‑through; Allen described providing statements and said supervisors and HR had not followed up consistently. The hearing record does not show the board or staff asserting legal findings beyond personnel policy violations; the board’s action was a personnel decision, not a criminal judgment.

What comes next The board’s written action directs the district to implement the reprimand and training. The board indicated no further penalties were imposed on Allen at this hearing. Members said they will monitor implementation of the training and expected the district to clarify reporting and investigatory procedures for school safety staff.

The hearing began at the Little Rock School District personnel hearing on Feb. 12, 2025 and continued through late evening; the board announced its decision after retiring to executive session and returned to public session to record a 3–2 vote.

Ending note Board members and district leaders said their priority was student safety and that the hearing — which included testimony from multiple LRSD employees and outside counsel — underscored the need to tighten reporting and investigative processes for incidents involving school safety staff.