By Edmond Ortiz
The Judson Independent School District board voted 5-2 April 24 to censure trustee Jose Macias for allegedly violating a section of state government laws pertaining to the behavior of an elected official.
Macias’ reprimand is the latest development in a tumultuous period for Judson ISD, where the board earlier this week voted to terminate Superintendent Milton Fields, who later commented that his firing was political, and reasons given by the district for his removal were “fabricated.”
Reprimand of a board member
Board President Monica Ryan briefly shared the findings of an internal investigation prompted by complaints filed against Macias. Ryan said Macias allegedly violated state law regarding coercion of a public servant, obstruction or retaliation, abuse of official capacity, official oppression, and misuse of official information, including district policies.
Macias and trustee Suzanne Kenoyer voted against the censure. Macias claimed Ryan and some fellow board members targeted him for a reprimand after he called for an investigation into allegations that Ryan used her official position to address her child’s placement in a language course.
Discourse has arisen over Macias’ use of social media to offer information about JISD board actions, or perspectives on discussions among trustees about key issues, such as the effort to oust Fields, and recent decisions to close campuses and slash hundreds of positions in a cost-cutting measure.
According to Ryan, district officials allege some information or remarks that Macias has given online is wrong, biased, or even not privy for public disclosure. Macias denied such allegations, but acknowledged that some community members may misconstrue what he is saying.
Covering another allegation, Macias acknowledged he may not have been clear in an attempt to explain some issues to another board member, Lesley Lee – an action that some people saw as coercion. He said he should have been clearer in his intent to communicate with Lee.
“I want to make sure that people understand what my position is and why, more importantly, when my community sees my vote, why I vote in a certain way,” he added.
Another allegation was that Macias threatened to bring criminal complaints against other board board members.
“It’s my duty and responsibility to voice some serious concerns about what I feel may have been violations of the (Texas) Open Meetings Act, and even a walking quorum,” Macias said, referencing a Jan. 10 meeting where the board voted narrowly to suspend then-Superintendent Fields, a step that eventually led to his ouster.
“This is all political, 100 percent,” Macias added.
Other trustees such as Ryan said the allegations brought against Macias were substantiated, and a reprimand was warranted to ensure that all district leaders are held accountable for their actions and words.
Fields responds to firing
Local media outlets reported on Milton Fields recently issuing a statement in response to his termination, which district officials said was for “good cause” based on several claims, including that he created a hostile work environment, and that he failed to ensure all JISD job applicants adhered to background checks.
Fields, in his letter, claimed his removal was the goal of a board majority led by Ryan. Fields also said the investigation into allegations filed against him was neither fair nor transparent, and that witnesses who supported the complaints were employees that he had counseled for poor work performance.
Fields also said he was not given a chance to formally, comprehensively address the allegations. Ryan, in the April 21 open meeting where the board finalized Fields’ termination, said Fields was offered and declined such an opportunity.
From the moment the new board members were elected, it was clear that I had been targeted for dismissal,” Fields wrote. “While I did not anticipate being treated fairly by the board president, I did not expect the lengths to which she and others on the board would go to fabricate reasons for my termination.”
While he did not go into detail, Fields indicated he would be mounting an official response to his firing.
“I look forward to addressing these matters in greater detail in the coming weeks and months. One of the great things about no longer being a public figure is that I don’t have to take lies and character assassination laying down,” he added.
