Longtime Brinker Elementary teacher booked after student outcry
Plano police arrested a longtime Plano Independent School District teacher Wednesday on a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, authorities said. The arrest followed an outcry by a student to a family member on July 4, which led detectives to seek and execute an arrest warrant.
Police identified the suspect as Paul Campbell, a teacher at Brinker Elementary School who worked in the district for at least two decades. He was taken into custody after arriving for a meeting at the Plano ISD administration building and was booked into the Plano City Jail.
Plano Police Department spokesman Jerry Minton said interviews conducted by detectives helped establish probable cause for the arrest. Investigators allege the abuse occurred during the 2025-26 school year and are now working to determine whether there are additional victims.
- Suspect: Paul Campbell, Brinker Elementary teacher
- Charge: continuous sexual abuse of a child
- Initial report: student outcry to a family member on July 4
- Location of arrest: Plano ISD administration building parking lot
"Even if you're over 18, 20, 30 years old, with him being there for so long and he taught in an elementary school, if you had any experience that was uncomfortable with Mr. Campbell, then come forward and let us know,"
The arrest has reverberated through the Brinker Elementary community. Parents described shock and disbelief over the allegations, noting Campbell's visible presence at school events and his long tenure at the campus.
Melissa Borovay, a parent whose children attended Brinker Elementary and whose oldest child was tutored by Campbell, said the news was devastating and shook the trust parents had placed in school staff. "It hit hard. Made you feel sick," she said. Borovay added that Campbell had been a familiar and smiling presence at school functions, which contributed to the community's sense of betrayal.
Investigators ask potential victims and witnesses to contact police
Detectives emphasized that, because Campbell taught elementary students for decades, some people with relevant information may now be adults. They are urging anyone who experienced uncomfortable interactions with Campbell to contact Plano police, even if the events occurred years ago.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Allegation reported | Student outcry to a family member on July 4 |
| Alleged time frame | 2025-26 school year |
| Arrest location | Plano ISD administration building parking lot |
| Booking | Plano City Jail |
The investigation is active. Authorities did not release additional details about the alleged incidents or say whether Campbell has entered a plea. Parents and community members said district communications and police outreach will shape immediate efforts to reassure families and pursue any other leads.
For Plano and Collin County, the case raises questions about long-term oversight, reporting channels and support for victims. State authorities have set procedures for handling allegations in schools, and local investigators must now determine the full scope of allegations while the district addresses community concerns.
