Godley ISD trustees extend leader's contract 6-1 after divided public comment on safety and leadership

Godley ISD trustees voted 6-1 to extend the contract of "Doctor Deere" from June 30, 2030, to June 30, 2031, after a public-comment period that included both sharp criticisms of district handling of a student safety matter and speeches defending the district leader.

During public comment, Molly O'Gorman, who identified herself as a parent, said, "My daughter was 12 years old last last year when this happened. She She was involved in a child grooming investigation connected to the school district." O'Gorman told the board she believed decisions during the investigation "did not prioritize her safety, her dignity, or her emotional well-being," and she said the person under investigation was allowed to continue working on campus during the early stages of the inquiry.

Other speakers urged greater accountability from the board, with one commenter asserting there have been "cover ups" and urging trustees not to renew the central leader's contract. Those criticisms included statements that leadership had not held individuals accountable and that the board had acted like a "rubber stamp."

At the same meeting several speakers defended the district leader. One community member who said she is a leadership coach praised his approach and local initiatives, saying, "I trust you as a leader," and crediting his decisions with creating opportunities for families and small businesses in the community.

After public comment and routine business, a board member moved "that the board's trustees extend the contract of doctor Deere from 06/30/2030 to 06/30/2031." The motion was recorded as moved by Salome and seconded by Terry. The chair called for a vote and announced, "Motion passes. 6 to 1." The transcript does not record individual board members' roll-call votes.

The public commenters framed two distinct concerns: allegations about how a student-safety investigation was handled and broader criticisms of transparency and accountability in district leadership. Supporters framed the leader's record as visionary and community-minded. The board's formal action — the one-year extension of the leader's contract — was the final, recorded outcome of the meeting.

The transcript excerpt does not specify next procedural steps for the implementation or public disclosure of any follow-up related to the allegations raised during public comment, and it does not include a detailed roll-call in the vote record. The dates cited in the motion mirror the contract dates announced at the meeting: the extension moves an existing contract end date from 06/30/2030 to 06/30/2031.

Officials and staff who may have additional documentation or formal responses to the allegations raised by public commenters were not quoted in the transcript excerpt. The board did not record any additional formal actions in the provided transcript portion about investigations, personnel discipline, or separate inquiries into the claims made during public comment.