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Parents and teachers decry Rock Prairie principal reassignment as board approves construction and personnel actions
Summary
At the April 15 regular meeting dozens of parents, teachers and students urged the board to reverse a reassignment of Rock Prairie Principal Jeff Durand; trustees did not reverse the move and in executive session later approved two employee terminations for contract abandonment and several construction and facilities contracts.
Dozens of speakers addressed the College Station ISD Board of Trustees at the April 15 regular meeting, focusing much of public comment on recent personnel changes at Rock Prairie Elementary and broader concerns about teacher morale and district initiatives.
Multiple parents, staff and community members asked the board to reinstate Rock Prairie Principal Jeff Durand or to provide greater transparency about the personnel decision. Speakers described Durand as a visible campus leader with strong ties to students and staff; several described his reassignment as damaging to campus morale. "Principal Durand loves what he does," said parent Neil Jang. The room also included teachers and former teachers who raised concerns about implementation of professional learning communities (PLCs), use of external consultants and what they characterized as rising administrative demands, potential retaliation and growing teacher attrition.
Administrators noted personnel matters are managed through district human-resources processes and said the board is apprised of actions taken by administration. After a closed executive session, trustees returned and took several actions reported by board staff.
Votes at a glance (selected board actions taken April 15): - Consent agenda: motion to accept consent items G, H2, I1, J1–J5 passed 6–0 (motion by Mr. Ben; second by Miss Simmon). Details of those consent items were listed on the meeting agenda. - District improvement plan goals (2025–26): Board approved the DEIC recommendation to continue the existing strategic goals (motion by Miss Simmons; second by Miss Ege). Vote: 6–0. - Guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for CTE Phase 2 with Pogue Construction: Approved GMP amendment of $27,240,053 (including early-release package) and authorized Superintendent Tim Harkrider to execute the agreement using 2023 bond funds (motion by Miss Ige; second by Miss Simmon). Vote: 6–0. Staff noted anticipated substantial completion by summer 2026. - Replacement of chillers and pumps at Rock Prairie Elementary: Approved contract for $400,000 using an existing contract (motion by Miss Simmons; second by Miss Wilson). Vote: 6–0. Staff said the chillers are roughly 20 years old and the contract includes a contingency. - Personnel actions (executive session outcomes): The board approved recommendations to terminate two employees, Brianna Martin and Christie Mota, citing contract abandonment (motions made and seconded in executive session). Votes recorded by the board as 6–0.
What trustees said: Board members acknowledged strong public feeling and described the board’s role as being informed about personnel actions made by district administration. In response to public requests for greater transparency, trustees said personnel processes are handled administratively and the board is briefed on outcomes and any related concerns.
Public comment highlights: Speakers included parents, district alumni, community members and staff. Complaints centered on (a) perceived erosion of teacher planning time, (b) heavy adoption of district-wide programs with limited teacher input, (c) concern about retaliation and teacher departures, and (d) a request for the board to re-evaluate central-office decisions and communication. Speakers asked the board to restore trust by listening to teachers and providing clearer explanations for administrative decisions.
The board did not reverse the personnel actions during the meeting. Several trustees commended community involvement and encouraged continued dialogue; staff said they would continue to brief the board and follow policy in personnel matters.
