During a recent Del Valle Independent School District board meeting, several educators and community members voiced their concerns regarding the treatment of staff and the overall educational environment within the district.

One poignant testimony came from a former teacher who expressed pride in her niece, a dedicated educator at Popam Elementary. She highlighted her niece's commitment to her students and the community, but also raised alarm over alleged bullying and retaliation within the district that has affected teachers like her niece. The speaker urged the board to address these issues transparently and to ensure that educators are not pushed out for speaking up.

Another speaker, Ms. Flores, recounted an incident involving Principal Hayes, where staff were reportedly removed from his office in an unprofessional manner while packing his belongings. She advocated for Hayes, emphasizing his dedication to the school and urging the board to reconsider their decision regarding his leadership.

Sean Cheek, a former educator at the Ojeda campus, praised Principal Hayes for his support and resources that contributed to significant student growth and engagement. He shared his positive experiences under Hayes' leadership, reinforcing the call for stability in school administration.

Amina Dosani, a counselor and secretary of the Del Valle Education Association, commended the board for their recent decisions on employee compensation, which included raises and bonuses for staff. She expressed concern over potential threats to public education, particularly regarding state-level initiatives that could privatize education, and emphasized the importance of public schools in the community.

The meeting concluded with the board moving into a closed session to discuss compensation matters, reflecting ongoing efforts to address staff concerns and improve the educational landscape in Del Valle.