According to the lawsuit, the teacher repeatedly sexually abused an 8-year-old second-grade student during the 2025-26 school year.

PLANO, Texas — A newly filed lawsuit accuses Plano ISD and a Brinker Elementary School principal of failing to act on warning signs before former second-grade teacher Paul Campbell was arrested on child sex abuse charges.

Campbell, who remains in the Collin County Jail, was arrested July 8 and has since been charged with one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child and three additional counts of indecency with a child after more alleged victims came forward.



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Now, the family of one alleged victim has filed a civil lawsuit against Campbell, Plano ISD and Brinker Elementary Principal Jennifer King, claiming school officials failed to protect students despite receiving reports about Campbell’s alleged conduct.

“I think it’s a parent’s worst nightmare that someone could take advantage of an 8-year-old girl,” attorney Zeke Fortenberry said.

Fortenberry represents the family of one of the girls Campbell is accused of abusing.

“One, we want the bad guy to go to jail because that’s where he belongs, but we want the school district to be held liable,” Fortenberry said.

According to the lawsuit, Campbell repeatedly sexually abused an 8-year-old second-grade student during the 2025-26 school year.

The lawsuit also alleges Principal Jennifer King received reports of inappropriate touching by Campbell before his arrest but failed to investigate the allegations. It further claims another parent asked to have their child removed from Campbell’s classroom, but that request was denied.

Those allegations are contained in the civil lawsuit and have not been proven in court.

“These principals need to pay attention,” Fortenberry said. “When there’s red flags, they have to address them at the time and they can’t just ignore them and move past them.”

The lawsuit seeks damages from Campbell and Plano ISD, alleging the district failed to protect students and allowed Campbell to remain in the classroom despite warning signs.

“I think each girl has the opportunity to sue the school district,” Fortenberry said. “These girls are going to have damages for the rest of their lives.”

When reached for comment, a district spokesperson sent WFAA the following statement: 

“Plano ISD is unable to comment on pending litigation or confidential personnel and student matters. The district has shared all information legally permitted at this time, and its position remains unchanged. The alleged conduct is serious, unacceptable and wholly inconsistent with the standards and expectations of Plano ISD. Our focus remains on supporting students, staff and families while the appropriate legal and administrative processes continue. Any additional information will be shared as permitted by law and consistent with the district’s legal obligations.”

Earlier this week, the district issued a statement saying in part, “Any conduct that threatens student safety is unacceptable.”

WFAA also reached out to King for comment and had not received a response as of publication.

As the criminal investigation continues, Fortenberry believes additional victims could still come forward.

“These child predators, they just don’t turn into predators overnight, so it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s more victims,” he said.

Fortenberry said his clients hope the lawsuit not only holds those they believe are responsible accountable but also encourages anyone with information about Campbell’s alleged conduct to come forward.