New superintendent on BISD agenda
The Brownsville Independent School District could have a new superintendent of schools before the end of the year, according to Tuesday’s Board of Trustees agenda.
The agenda includes discussion in closed session — and an action item afterward — on the possible selection of a finalist or finalists for the superintendent’s position. Should the board name a finalist, state law requires a 21-day waiting period before that person could be offered a contract.
At its Oct. 6 meeting, the board voted unanimously to open the application process for 10 days to internal applicants. Trustee Dr. Enrique Escobedo made and board member Minerva Peña seconded the motion.
Tuesday’s agenda includes an item for "discussion, consideration and possible action to select a finalist for the position of superintendent and to give public notice of the finalist(s) pursuant to Section 552.126 of the Texas Government Code.
Section 552.126 says that the "board of trustees must give public notice of the name or names of the finalists being considered for the position at least 21 days before the date of the meeting at which a final action or vote is to be taken on the employment of the person."
The item on Tuesday’s agenda and its accompanying notice of discussion of the matter in closed session were placed there by Board President Rolando Aguilar, BISD sources said. Should trustees name a finalist, that person could be offered a contract 21 days later — on Dec. 8.
Trustees are to vote earlier in the meeting on postponing their Dec. 1 meeting to Dec. 8. The board normally meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
BISD has been operating with an interim superintendent ever since Brett Springston, the district’s assistant superintendent of operations, was appointed to the post on Jan. 16. The appointment followed a hearing at which trustees placed former superintendent Hector Gonzales on administrative leave with pay and ordered an investigation of him and BISD’s Special Services Department.
The investigation eventually resulted in Gonzales’ termination. The board voted to fire Gonzales on Sept. 18. Gonzales then appealed to the Texas Education Agency and state Commissioner of Education Robert Scott, who has until Nov. 27 to render a decision.
