Counselors provided support at George Junior High School in Rosenberg on Monday following the tragic killing of a staff member over the weekend, reportedly by her husband.
Deputies from the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office have reported that Iona Pollard, aged 52, was discovered deceased with an apparent gunshot wound. In connection with this tragic incident, her husband, David Pollard, aged 47, has been taken into custody.
David is facing charges of murder and has been assigned a bond of $300,000.
Iona was described by Lamar CISD as a beloved instructional coach.
In a heartbreaking incident, Iona and David Pollard, both associated with our school, were involved in a devastating incident. Iona Pollard, a beloved instructional coach at George Junior High School, lost her life in this tragic event, which took place outside of school premises. The authorities are currently investigating the incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Pollard family during this difficult time.
Iona, who was a part of the Lamar CISD family, sadly leaves behind two children.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of their mother and the tragic circumstances surrounding this event. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the Pollard children, their families, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing Iona. We especially think of her colleagues and students at George Junior High during this difficult time,” expressed the statement.
The district emphasizes the importance of community support in these challenging times. They encourage everyone, including students, staff members, and families, to come together and offer assistance to one another. Additionally, counseling and support services are readily available for anyone in need.
According to a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office, the motive for this incident has not been revealed. The spokesperson further added that there were no previous calls for service at the residence of the Pollards.
Erica Alvarado, a parent from Lamar CISD, believes that individuals, especially women, should have a greater awareness of the issue and actively seek assistance when needed.
According to Vita Goodell, CEO of Fort Bend Women’s Center, navigating through challenges is not always a straightforward task.
According to Goodell, there is no requirement for individuals to physically go to a shelter or seek counseling. However, if needed, these resources are available. The main objective is for individuals to reach out to the hotline, as this will provide them with the necessary support to develop a safety plan.
The agency is witnessing a significant increase in the number of survivors seeking assistance.
In the previous year, the organization provided assistance to 3,300 survivors, which was an increase of 1,000 compared to the previous year.
Goodell emphasized that these issues are not limited to women but can also affect men and anyone else.
David, who had years of experience in law enforcement, was known for his role as the safety coordinator in the Lamar CISD police department.
The district is currently grappling with the devastating loss of Iona and the shocking murder charge against David, all while trying to develop a plan to protect students and staff.
“It affects individuals from all walks of life – the wealthy, the poor, and everyone in between,” Goodell elucidated. “If only we could identify the underlying cause, perhaps we could find a remedy. Unfortunately, that remains a mystery to us.”
If you require assistance, you can reach out to the county’s hotline at 281-342-HELP.
