A law firm found that allegations of misconduct against Round Rock ISD trustee Diane Cox concerning an alleged abuse of power were false, the firm announced Sept. 18.

During the public comment portion of the Aug. 21 board meeting, community member Christine Chittick alleged that Cox abused her power, committed a dishonest act and spearheaded a large contract between her employer, Tango Software, and RRISD. Attorneys for Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevio P.C., the firm that investigated the claims, interviewed 17 people, including trustees, district staff and others who may have had information regarding the subject, said Dorcas Green, an attorney with the firm.

"Our conclusion is that the claims that trustee Cox very likely abused her powers, perhaps committed a dishonest act and spearheaded a huge contract between her current employer Tango Software and Round Rock ISD are unsubstantiated," Green said. "The evidence does not support the allegations."

The firm asked Chittick to bring forth any evidence that Cox committed a dishonest act, Green said, but the firm did not receive any. Green said the firm discovered trustee Terri Romere assisted with the draft of Chittick's comments for the Aug. 21 meeting, but that Romere did not approve the final draft.

Romere said she did not help draft the comments but only answered Chittick's questions.

"Conflicts of interest, even the perception of the conflict of interest, should be avoided. Our policies need to reflect that," Romere said. "I think it is important to pay attention to our citizens' concerns and answer them. I do believe that this question had merit. I did not help write it; I answered questions, and that is my job as a trustee."

Romere said she plans to amend the report with the attorney to reflect she did not assist with writing the draft of the comments.

Tango Software and its parent company, Liberty Source, were added to the district's approved vendor list in 2012, a decision made by district administration and not trustees, said Vincent Harding, an attorney with Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevio. Being put on the approved vendor list means RRISD could do business with either company.

Harding said the district has not spent any money with Tango since Cox became an employee of the software company, nor had RRISD spent any money with Tango in the six years prior to her hiring.

Harding said Cox submitted an affidavit stating she had a "substantial interest" in Tango Software because more than 10 percent of her annual income came from the company, as she was required to under state law.

Cox requested that the investigation report be made public record and said this was the most publicly hurtful incident she has experienced.

"These false accusations sought to jeopardize my employment, damage my character and question my integrity after serving this community for such a long time," Cox said. "I started on this board in 2005 making this about the students, and as always, I intend to keep making this about the students. I also hope that my fellow trustee [Romere] and individuals wanting to be a part of this board stop this behavior and make it about the students."

Cox is running for re-election for her current seat, Place 3, in November.