Rusk ISD parent says daughter was struck in class; family demands accountability

RUSK, Texas (TXAN 24) — A Rusk ISD parent says her 14-year-old daughter, Sophie, was slapped across the face by a classmate during sixth period during an incident the family says occurred in front of a teacher and left visible marks on the girl’s face.

The mother says this is the second time her daughter has been struck at school and that neither she nor the child’s father were notified by the campus.

“She was hit … again … and the school did not call us,” the mother said in a social media post. “Rusk ISD is a complete joke and a waste of time. I will not stop until someone is held accountable.”

According to the family’s account, the sequence began when a boy tampered with the girl’s desk and belongings; when Sophie pushed back after being provoked, the boy allegedly slapped her. The mother says Assistant Principal Laura Guidry spoke with Sophie but the family was not contacted by the school.

TXAN 24 News will ask Rusk ISD for comment.

Rusk ISD’s central office and Rusk High School list contact information and staff directories publicly.

The district’s student handbook outlines conduct and discipline policies for the 2024–25 school year.

We will ask Rusk ISD officials to clarify what happened, whether parents were notified, what disciplinary steps (if any) were taken, and what measures the district will take to protect students;

TXAN will update this story when the district responds. If you have additional information about this incident, email newsroom@txan24news.com.