Parent sues coach, allege sexual advances
Posted/updated on: May 4, 2026 at 3:10 am
FRANKSTON — A Frankston ISD parent has filed a federal lawsuit accusing a high school basketball coach and teacher of sexual harassment and retaliation, alleging her son’s playing time and grades were impacted after she rejected the coach’s advances. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, names head basketball coach and economics teacher Vance Dallas and Frankston ISD as defendants, according to our news partner KETK.
According to the complaint, the student’s mother alleges Dallas made repeated unwanted sexual advances toward her during the school year and tied her son’s athletic opportunities to her compliance. The lawsuit claims that in December, Dallas asked her to share an adjoining hotel room during an out-of-town basketball tournament, allegedly implying her son would receive more playing time if she agreed.
In another instance, the complaint alleges Dallas asked her in November 2025 to model a basketball uniform “wearing only the uniform,” again tying the request to a potential starting position for her son.
The plaintiff says she repeatedly rejected those advances. Afterward, she alleges her son experienced a sudden drop in playing time despite previously holding a starting role.
As Dallas also taught the student’s economics class, the lawsuit further claims the student’s grade dropped from a 95 to a 75 within two days after the family filed a formal complaint in February.
“He is grading differently now than he has graded all year long,” the student’s father said in the complaint. “Our formal complaint was one of retaliation; now he’s retaliating with grades.”
School response and broader claims
The lawsuit states that Frankston High School Principal Edgar Rodriguez reviewed the student’s gradebook in March and acknowledged a change in grading patterns but did not immediately correct the situation.
The complaint also alleges Dallas engaged in similar inappropriate behavior with other parents and young women, citing a pattern of misconduct dating back to 2024.
Claims against the district
Frankston ISD is accused of failing to take appropriate action despite being provided with what the lawsuit describes as evidence, including screenshots, photographs and witness accounts.
“Despite receiving this information, the district failed to take prompt, effective and meaningful action,” the lawsuit states.
The plaintiff argues the district’s inaction amounts to violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding.
Legal claims and requested relief
The lawsuit includes claims of:
Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment
Retaliation
Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection)
Violation of the Department of Education and Department of Justice Regulations
Gross Negligence
The plaintiff is seeking damages to be determined by a jury, as well as a permanent injunction barring Dallas from contact with students and requiring Title IX training for district staff.
The lawsuit also asks the court to correct the student’s academic record.
KETK has reached out to Frankston ISD for comment and has not yet received a response.
