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Votes at a glance: Midway ISD board approves consent agenda, finds two teachers abandoned contracts and authorizes TEA notification
Summary
Trustees approved the consent agenda (with library-materials item pulled for comment) and unanimously found two staff members to have abandoned their contracts, authorizing the superintendent to notify the Texas Education Agency for certification sanctions in both cases.
At its October meeting Midway ISD trustees approved routine business and took formal actions on two personnel matters, directing the superintendent to notify the Texas Education Agency (TEA) about alleged contract abandonment.
Consent agenda The board approved the published consent agenda, which included minutes from recent meetings, early graduation requests, a recommended engineering course, and other routine items. A library‑materials item (poll number 4) was pulled for comment by a trustee and later approved. Trustees approved the consent agenda as amended by voice vote.
Findings of abandonment and TEA notification The board considered two personnel items involving resignations that administration characterized as contract abandonment because the employees resigned without documentation of a qualifying reason and without allowing sufficient time to secure replacements.
- Sandra Bolin: The board voted to find that good cause did not exist for Sandra Bolin to abandon her employment contract and that her actions failed to comply with Texas Education Code provisions regarding resignations. The board then authorized the superintendent to send a letter to TEA seeking sanctions related to educator certification. The motions passed unanimously.
- Thomas Eckenrode: The board voted to find that good cause did not exist for Thomas Eckenrode to abandon his employment contract and that his actions failed to comply with Texas Education Code provisions. The board then authorized the superintendent to notify TEA and seek appropriate sanctions related to certification. Those motions also passed unanimously.
Procedural notes Board members explained the seriousness of contract abandonment because it disrupts student schedules and staffing at the start of the school year. Trustees emphasized the board’s expectation that employees who commit to a school year provide adequate notice or substantiating documentation if leaving for a qualifying reason.
Votes summary (as recorded at the meeting) - Consent agenda (as amended): approved (voice vote; motion carried) - Sandra Bolin — finding of abandonment: approved (unanimous) - Sandra Bolin — authorize superintendent to notify TEA: approved (unanimous) - Thomas Eckenrode — finding of abandonment: approved (unanimous) - Thomas Eckenrode — authorize superintendent to notify TEA: approved (unanimous)
The board’s actions were procedural and administrative; administration will transmit required documentation to TEA and continue to report staffing impacts to trustees.
