Mansfield ISD Board President Jandel Crutchfield is facing renewed scrutiny over her residency after tax records surfaced showing a Mansfield ISD property listed as nonhomestead while other records identify a residence outside the district as her primary homestead.
The questions follow the Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees’ election of Crutchfield as board president in a 6-1 vote on May 26.
Questions regarding Crutchfield’s residency first emerged during her 2024 campaign for the Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Mansfield resident Olivia Cruz alleged that Crutchfield may have claimed homestead exemptions on properties in two different states.
Newly surfaced records have renewed those concerns.
Tax records dated March 11, 2026, show Crutchfield signed a nonhomestead affidavit for a property within Mansfield ISD boundaries. The affidavit states the Mansfield ISD property is not her primary residence.
Other records reviewed by The Dallas Express identify a residence in Itasca, outside Mansfield ISD boundaries, as her primary homestead.
Texas law generally requires school board trustees to reside within the district they represent. The Texas Secretary of State also lists residency as a qualification for public office and outlines removal procedures for officials who no longer meet eligibility requirements.
Mansfield ISD confirmed that the matter is under investigation.
“The Board of Trustees recently received information alleging that Board President Dr. Jandel Crutchfield may not reside within Mansfield ISD boundaries, which is a requirement for service on the board,” the district said in a statement.
“After discovery of these allegations, the board referred this matter to district counsel last week. This matter is being thoroughly investigated by independent legal counsel on behalf of the Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees.”
The allegations have generated discussion among some Mansfield residents, including former supporters of Crutchfield.
“I voted for Dr. Crutchfield and hoped she would be successful in serving the district,” Mansfield resident Houston Mitchell told The Dallas Express.
“But public service comes with accountability. The issue is not who she is. The issue is whether the facts support compliance with the requirements of the office. The community deserves an answer based on facts, not assumptions.”
Mitchell also praised the district’s decision to seek an independent review.
“Public trust requires accountability. When questions arise regarding sworn statements made by an elected official, those questions deserve to be examined,” Mitchell said.
“I appreciate that Mansfield ISD has chosen to have the matter reviewed by independent legal counsel, and I believe the community deserves a complete and transparent explanation of the findings.”
The outcome of the investigation could determine whether the district or other authorities take further action.
The Dallas Express reached out to Crutchfield and Mansfield ISD for additional comment but did not receive a response by publication.
