North East ISD Community,

Our community continues to struggle with the loss of a child. There are no words to describe the pain, sorrow
and grief that the parents, friends and staff are feeling right now. While we continue to provide resources
to help our community heal, misinformation is hampering our efforts.

First, there is an assertion that the Reagan administration, including the principal, has not allowed students
to have memorials on campus or other events they wanted to plan. This is not because anyone is cold or
callous about what happened. In fact, it is the opposite. We want to do everything we can to help students
get through this difficult time, but finding a balance between allowing students to show support or honor
the deceased, while protecting those students who are currently in crisis themselves is challenging. Research
shows that copycat actions are a real concern after a suicide. Suicide contagion is real. Indeed, many years
ago, students from another high school committed suicide during the course of a school year, with some of
them referencing the previous suicide.

We have had numerous counselors at Reagan all week for the students and staff and they will continue to
be there as long as needed. This morning, the campus principal provided students with information about
Alonso’s funeral service and reiterated that school staff is there to help students in any way they need during
this difficult time.

There has also been an assertion in the community that North East ISD is somehow ‘sweeping this situation
under the rug.’ We are not. In fact, an investigation began immediately and is still ongoing. We are
interviewing students, staff and anyone else who may have relevant information. We have reached out and
intend to work with Alonso’s mother and family to obtain any relevant information, recognizing and respecting
that this tragedy is still recent for them.

While the investigation is ongoing – at this point, much of the information being discussed publicly is either
incorrect, unsubstantiated or has not been provided to us.

Alonso, like any other student, has legal rights to confidentiality. The District is unable to provide all
information to the public that would help dispel some of the misinformation that is being spread. We will be
working with his family on that issue.

This is an extremely difficult time for everyone involved, but our continued collaboration and support will help
our community heal.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this emotional time.

Sincerely,

Sean Maika, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools