Leander Independent School District is challenging proposed state discipline against its police department after regulators found the district failed to properly vet law-enforcement applicants. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has recommended suspending Police Chief Shā Rogers’ peace officer license for one year and imposing a $15,000 administrative penalty on the district’s police department. Leander ISD has appealed both proposed actions, according to TCOLE. The appeal could lead to negotiations between the district and the state agency. If the sides do not reach an agreement, the dispute would proceed to the State Office of Administrative Hearings, TCOLE spokesperson Cade Andrews said. Rogers remains on paid administrative leave as the district conducts its own review. Leander ISD said it has taken steps to address the problems identified in a TCOLE letter dated Aug. 7, but it did not disclose the specific grounds for its appeal, citing the personnel nature of the matter. “The safety and security of our students and staff remains one of the Leander ISD’s highest priorities,” a district spokesperson said in a statement. The district said it is strengthening its background-investigation process by requiring staff to obtain and review personnel files and employment records, confirm fingerprinting requirements and use documentation approved by TCOLE. The state’s proposed action against Rogers concerns background confirmation forms submitted between July and December 2025. TCOLE said Rogers made, submitted or caused to be submitted “false or untruthful” forms. According to the agency, the district did not properly request, obtain or review records from applicants’ previous law-enforcement employers. The agency also cited failures involving fingerprints and criminal-history records, as well as the use of a modified personal-history statement that did not meet TCOLE’s standards for officer appointments. A separate TCOLE notice to the district said an audit conducted around Sept. 5, 2025, found that 381 of 480 applicant personnel files and other department records received through TCOLE Secure Share had not been opened or viewed. The online portal is used by law-enforcement agencies to exchange documents during hiring. TCOLE also reprimanded a former department employee in connection with the investigation. The employee was warned that future violations could prompt additional action against the person’s license or administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per day for each violation. Andrews said the initial investigation has concluded, but additional findings could result in another investigation. Rogers has not publicly responded to requests for comment, according to the information available. Leander ISD said it is training staff responsible for background investigations and has established procedures intended to ensure future hiring complies with TCOLE requirements. The licensing dispute remains unresolved while the appeal moves forward.