AUSTIN, Texas – An Eanes ISD employee is facing charges of improper use of district credit cards.

Kelly Ballengee was charged with credit card abuse, a state jail felony, after an investigation by the Eanes ISD Police Department following concerns raised by the district’s finance office.

The charges stem from alleged fraudulent use of district credit cards, including purchases made for personal gain, Eanes ISD says.

Ballengee was an administrative assistant at Hill Country Middle School but has since been fired, according to the district.

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Eanes ISD says the investigation is ongoing and Eanes ISD PD is working with the Travis County Prosecutor’s Office. Depending on the investigation, there may be additional charges.

The District is also reviewing and strengthening its credit card protocols and approval processes in light of this case.

Ballengee has a court appearance scheduled for Nov. 15, according to court records.

Read the full letter to Eanes ISD families below:

After a comprehensive internal investigation, Ms. Kelly Ballengee, an administrative assistant at Hill Country Middle School, was arrested and formally charged with credit card abuse. The investigation was initiated by the Eanes ISD Police Department following concerns raised by the District’s finance office. Charges to date stem from fraudulent use of District credit cards, including purchases made for personal gain.

This investigation is ongoing and the Eanes ISD Police Department is working closely with the Travis County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit. Additional charges may apply depending on the outcome of the investigation.

“It is unfortunate and sad when a well-known school district employee could betray the trust of colleagues, parents and students by stealing from them in such a covert manner,” said Dr. Jeff Arnett, Superintendent of Schools. “At a time when school districts are trying to address budget shortfalls and booster clubs are working so hard to raise funds, this is really disheartening.”

Eanes ISD takes this matter very seriously and is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the school district. As such, we are currently reviewing and strengthening our credit card protocols and approval processes to prevent any future misuse. We intend to pursue this case to the fullest extent and seek all possible restitution.

Ms. Ballengee no longer works in Eanes ISD.