In the wake of allegations against Fort Bend ISD Police Chief J.L. Campbell that surfaced in a series of recent FortBendNow news stories, the FBISD WatchDogs organization is calling for an investigation by the school district and the Texas Ethics Commission.

The WatchDogs sent a letter dated Jan. 1 to all members of the school board and FBISD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Jenney formally requesting the investigation. The letter was also posted on the organization’s website, http://fbisdwatch.blogspot.com.

The allegations against Campbell include his conducting his two campaigns for Galveston County Sheriff from his FBISD police department office, as well as using district time and resources to run for office.

Campbell ran unsuccessful campaigns for Galveston Sheriff in 2008 and 2004. He was serving as FBISD police chief during both campaigns.

Campbell has also been accused of bringing pressure on school police personnel following the publication of the stories in an attempt to identify which employees were providing information to FortBendNow.

Campbell has not responded to requests for comment.

The only response given by the school district is that the district does not discuss “personnel matters.”

“As is nearly always the case, the school district will not discuss personnel issues,” FBISD Chief Communications Officer Mary Ann Simpson said in response to a request for comment. “However, we believe there is adequate opportunity and avenues of access for the public to raise issues of concern. In turn, the district will always consider those issues in a responsible manner.”

Calling the allegations a “very serious matter,” the WatchDogs group formally requested that school trustees and the Texas Ethics Commission investigate.

Below is the text of the letter in its entirety:

“Dear FBISD Trustees & Dr. Jenney,

“We just wanted to let you know how much FBISDWatch appreciates the hard work and dedication you all have displayed for much of this past year, realizing how little compensation you do receive for your efforts. Further, we are confident, that during this current budgetary crisis, you all will continue to honor and represent your constituents in your fiduciary obligations as our elected officials regarding educational over-site and restraint.

“This being said, it has come to our attention that during much of 2008 the FBISD police chief, J.L. Campbell, was reportedly absent from his job and may have been using district resources in an out of county political race. This quote was obtained from a local media source and has been verified.

“‘Following the election, several Fort Bend ISD police officers contacted FortBendNow and accused Campbell of using his school district office to run his campaign and district administrators of turning a blind eye to the use of district resources and time for a political race.”’ – FortBendNow

“Additionally, several internal sources reportedly have undergone unwarranted pressure from police administration after these stories began, this according to the same sources.

“It is our sincere hope that as our elected representatives and district administration, these allegations will be thoroughly reviewed by the board and later the Texas Ethics Commission. This is our formal request that the school board review and report to the public on this situation upon its earliest opportunity.

“We sincerely appreciate your attention to this very serious matter.”

Because district offices are closed for the winter break, a response could not be immediately obtained from school officials.