Lehman High School Baseball Coach Placed on Leave Amid Bullying Probe

Ten students also suspended as district investigates serious pattern of misconduct

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled baseball cap, the harsh flash illuminating the worn fabric and creating dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of the serious investigation into the allegations of bullying within the high school baseball team.The investigation into alleged bullying within the Lehman High School baseball program has led to swift disciplinary action and raised broader concerns about misconduct in school sports.Austin Today

The Lehman High School baseball program is under investigation for a serious pattern of bullying involving some varsity and junior varsity players. The district has placed the baseball coach on paid administrative leave and suspended 10 students as they gather evidence and conduct interviews to determine if criminal charges are appropriate.

Why it matters

Bullying and misconduct in high school sports programs can have serious consequences for student-athletes and the broader school community. This investigation highlights the need for strong oversight and accountability measures to protect students and uphold the values of high school athletics.

The details

According to the district, a video showed clear violations of student conduct and possible criminal behavior within the Lehman High School baseball program. Parents reported the concerns to a school resource officer last week. The district has not released details about the video or the specific students involved. In response, the district placed baseball coach Jacob Kaase on paid administrative leave and suspended 10 students pending the investigation. The district initially planned to forfeit the remaining games of the season for both varsity and JV teams, but reversed that decision after pushback from parents, allowing the season to continue with players not implicated.

  • On April 9, the district placed baseball coach Jacob Kaase on paid administrative leave.
  • Last week, parents reported concerns about bullying in the Lehman High School baseball program to a school resource officer.

The players

Jacob Kaase

The Lehman High School baseball coach who was placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation.

Dr. Eric Wright

The superintendent of Hays CISD, who stated that bullying of any kind is intolerable and that the district will not allow it, with serious consequences for those who engage in it.

Ami Glover

A public education advocate and parent who expressed concerns about the rise in violent crimes involving younger students and the lack of recourse for victims in situations like this.

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What they’re saying

“When I was in school, you wouldn't even think that you would do that or want to film it or, I don't know their reason, but there is an uptick for sure in violent crimes happening, and it's involving kids younger and younger.”

— Ami Glover, Public education advocate and parent

“Bullying of any kind is intolerable. It goes against everything we are about at Lehman High School and in Hays CISD. Our school district family protects and nurtures each other. We establish high expectations for ourselves - our staff and our students – because that is our character. Let our swift action on this case demonstrate that we will not allow bullying and that those who test that demand will meet with swift and serious consequences.”

— Dr. Eric Wright, Superintendent, Hays CISD

What’s next

The Hays County Sheriff's Office is actively working on the case, conducting interviews and gathering evidence to determine if criminal charges are appropriate. The Lehman High School baseball team returned to the field on Tuesday for its first game since the investigation began, with three games left in the season.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing bullying and misconduct in high school sports programs. It underscores the need for robust oversight, accountability measures, and a strong commitment to upholding the values of sportsmanship and student well-being.