Los Fresnos school board works to overcome turmoil

BY KEVIN GARCIA

The Brownsville Herald

April 7, 2005 Turmoil within the Los Fresnos school board prompted its members to hold a team-building workshop Sunday to improve relations and productivity.

We have had some wonderful training, said Board President Rosi Amaro-Galarza. Now its incumbent upon us to use that information and make it serve our children and our district.

Among the issues dividing the board is the status of Superintendent Sylvia Atkinson.

Atkinsons mid-school year evaluation was held in January, and some board members suggested extending her three-year contract beyond its two remaining years, but that option was voted down.

There was no discussion of any relevancy, either for or against the agenda item, said board vice president Jackie Kyger, adding that he voted against the extension because not enough information was available at the time.

Board member Juan Mendoza Jr., who voted for the extension, said, The board felt that she still has two years, so they wanted to wait on that. In my opinion I think there are personal issues (with some board members) there, too.

Atkinson would not comment on those issues, but did say her contract could be extended during her summative review in July.

Usually contract extensions are considered at the time of the summative (end-of-the-year) review, she said. My evaluation was very good, but it was a formative (mid-year review) and they want to make the decision with the summative.

Atkinson added that she hopes to remain with the district as long as possible.

One of my nieces will be a senior in two years and I want to give her the diploma, she said.

Since January, other problems have arisen.

Amaro-Galarza said the special-called meeting on March 21 had to be cut short when the board lost its quorum. Three board members A.N. Vallado, Eddie Abrego and Mendoza left at various points in the meeting.

I am very concerned about what happened, Amaro-Galarza said, adding that there were conflicts prior to the board members departure.

Abrego left a note for board members prior to the meeting to inform them he would leave early for business reasons.

Vallado left after an item he placed on the agenda regarding administrative hiring was voted down. He said his son called from Sarita in need of a ride home.

There was no one else to take him, so after the vote was taken, I left, Vallado said, adding that he too left a note with Amaro-Galarza. I did not know until afterwards that she did not read my note to the public.

Mendoza said he was needed in his position as chief of the Cameron County Park Rangers on South Padre Island where Spring Break had increased traffic concerns.

Im not going to sit there and hear board members go back and forth when I have other duties to attend to, Mendoza said Friday, adding that arguing between members was not productive.

They have a split board there, and you have problems when you have a board like that. I think they need to all work together to achieve what we need to for the children.

The positions of Amaro-Galarza, Vallado and Mendoza will be up for election in November.

The board next meets for a regular meeting on April 18.

kgarcia@brownsvilleherald.com