South San Antonio ISD teachers tell board policies violate state code and urge restoration of planning time

Valerie Rios, a reading teacher at DAP representing South San AFT, told the South San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees on Nov. 17 that teachers “have no rights, we have no autonomy” and described a pattern of harassment, reassignments and contract terminations she said followed staff who raised concerns. “This year has felt like teaching in the twilight zone,” Rios said, asking the board to “restore teachers’ legal rights, professional respect, and the freedom to do what’s best for our students.”

Tom Cummins, also speaking for South San AFT, summarized a teacher survey he said documents low morale, excessive workloads and widespread fear of retaliation. Cummins read a nine-point reform list the union is requesting, including reinstating an eight-hour workday, discontinuing mandatory cluster meetings outside planning time, ensuring lesson plans remain brief and teacher-focused, allowing grade-level planning at teachers’ discretion, and eliminating unpaid after‑hours trainings. “Teacher morale can be rebuilt,” he said, adding that the district is “top heavy with administrators” and recommending redeployment of administration time to classroom supports.

Both speakers alleged the district’s current practices conflict with state requirements. Rios explicitly referred to provisions of the Texas Education Code (as cited in her remarks) on planning time and limits on mandatory lesson-plan detail. The board did not take action on those specific allegations at the meeting; the public-comment period is for remarks and referrals only. Superintendent Dr. Hinojosa later described ongoing district initiatives and invited continued dialogue on teacher supports and compliance work.

Trustees and district staff acknowledged the concerns in the discussion that followed public comment. Several trustees thanked the speakers and encouraged continued communication between staff and administration. No formal board action addressing the union’s demands was taken during the meeting; the board’s next procedural opportunity would be an agenda item scheduled for a subsequent meeting or a staff referral for investigation.

What’s next: The district may refer specific allegations to the appropriate department for review, as the board stated at the start of the meeting. Union leaders called for policy changes that would require administrative follow-up if brought back as agenda items.

Sources: Public comments by Valerie Rios and Tom Cummins, South San AFT, at the South San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees meeting, Nov. 17, 2025.