The Mercedes ISD Board voted unanimously to move into an executive session to consult with legal counsel on matters related to the superintendent’s employment and to continue work on an RFQ for legal counsel services. The motion to deviate from the posted agenda and enter closed session was made by Mister Hernandez, a board member, and seconded by Mister Howard, a board member.

The vote was taken by roll call, with Mister Ria, Mister Norza, Mister Rodriguez, Mister Hernandez, Mister Howell and the chairman each voting “aye.” The chairman later stated the motion passed unanimously. The board entered executive session at 8:03 p.m., after the chair read the portions of the Texas Government Code that allow closed deliberations (Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, subchapters D and E; specifically sections 551.071 and 551.074 were cited as the legal basis).

Board members briefly identified the public agenda item immediately before the motion as “a discussion of possible action to approve the RFQ for legal counsel services for Mercedes ISD.” No public action on that RFQ was recorded before the board recessed to closed session. The stated executive-session topics were consultation with legal counsel regarding issues related to the employment and contract of Dr. Benjamin Clinton, superintendent (person named in the agenda item) under Texas Government Code section 551.074, and attorney consultation under section 551.071. Because those deliberations occurred in a closed meeting, the transcript does not contain the substance of the board’s discussions or any decisions reached there.

The board returned the meeting to closed executive session as allowed by the Texas Open Meetings Act; any formal actions or votes arising from that closed deliberation, if taken, will be reflected in meeting minutes or future public minutes as required by law.