SAN ANTONIO, Tx — Judson ISD winning big in court today. A judge sided with the school district, saying they did not violate the Texas Open Meetings Act when they voted to remove their superintendent for reasons that remain unknown.
The Judson ISD school board meeting in question occurred on Jan. 10. The plaintiff Lisa Butler claims the school district attempted to cover up their plans for the superintendent’s future with the school district.
“My stance was yes, it was posted but the verbiage they used in 3A about the discussion and possible actions taken against the superintendent was vague,” Butler said.
Butler argued that the school district violated the Texas Open Meetings Act that requires board meeting agendas to be posted at least 72 hours in advance. It also states agenda items must be detailed enough for the public to understand. Butler alleged Judson ISD’s agenda item 3A didn’t meet that threshold when it stated, “Discussion and possible action regarding the superintendent’s employment and duties.”
“They also use that same agenda item when they are going to give him a raise, or to discuss anything,” Butler said. “So, I feel that the public didn’t that there was an adverse reaction.”
Judge Nicole Garza who heard the case disagreed. She says the school district provided the list of 29 people who signed up for public comments at the January 10th meeting, all stating they want to discuss the superintendent. Lisa Butler was one of those public speakers.
Dr. Milton Fields was subpoenaed in court as witness, but he did not speak. We reached out to the former Judson ISD superintendent and Judson ISD’s board president Monica Ryan, and we have not heard back.
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Dr. Fields was replaced by Judson ISD’s interim superintendent Robert Jacklich for reasons that remain unknown.