Dallas

Departing Deputy Superintendent at DISD Accused of ‘Employee Misconduct'

Israel Cordero resigned after 21 years with the district

NBC 5 Investigates has learned that the abrupt resignation of Israel Cordero, deputy superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, came after he was accused of workplace misconduct.

Prior to his resignation, he had been placed on administrative leave, according to several sources.

One source with direction knowledge told NBC 5 Investigates the misconduct allegations involved sexual harassment claims.

Multiple attempts to reach Cordero for comment – by phone and at his home – went unanswered.

In a statement, DISD said Cordero "was placed on administrative leave by superintendent (Michael) Hinojosa following allegations of employee misconduct...

"Immediately, per board policy, the matter was assigned to outside legal counsel to investigate," the statement continued.

Cordero's departure, after 21 years with the district, came as a surprise to Rena Honea, president of the teachers' union, Alliance AFT.

"Very, very shocked," Honea said. "He's been an integral part of the growth and the leadership in Dallas ISD … Always professional, and I always got the sense that he never forgot where he came from."

While Cordero could not be reached for comment, NBC 5 Investigates obtained his resignation letter in which he said, "Following our meeting yesterday, I have thought and prayed…

"I have decided to resign … to pursue other career opportunities and to work on my dissertation."

He also wrote, "I will carry with me fond memories of working with the district's talented employees."

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