Judson ISD trustees vote to 'proceed as discussed' after closed-door consultation on superintendent

At a special Saturday meeting largely devoted to public comment, the Judson ISD Board of Trustees voted 6–1 to "proceed as discussed in closed session" on personnel action relating to Superintendent Milton Fields and later authorized board officers to hire outside legal counsel.

Dozens of staff, parents and longtime community members filled the board room and urged trustees to preserve leadership stability while the district navigates a multi‑million‑dollar budget shortfall. "Serious questions about fiscal stewardship, transparency and leadership" and concern about morale were common refrains among commenters, but the dominant theme in public testimony was support for Dr. Milton Fields. Ed Patch told the board the issues "affect classroom resources" and urged trustees to "put away your petty differences." Several educators and principals said removing the superintendent now would accelerate staff departures and impose buyout and interim costs the district can ill afford.

Board member Miss Lee introduced a motion in open session to relieve the superintendent of his duties and place him on administrative leave pending investigation, with pay effective immediately, and to authorize the board president to provide written notice. That motion prompted immediate debate among trustees about process: several members said personnel matters are typically addressed in closed session and asked for legal consultation and documentation of any alleged misconduct before taking action.

After an initial attempt to go into closed session failed, trustees later voted to consult with the board attorneys under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.071 and then reconvened into an extended closed session under Secs. 551.071 (attorney consultation) and 551.074 (personnel matters). The board returned to open session and Miss Lee withdrew her original motion before making a new motion to "proceed as discussed in closed session." That motion passed 6–1.

The record in open session does not include the substance of what was discussed in closed session; trustees said their consultation with counsel was necessary to understand legal and personnel implications. Board member Mister Macias called the public process "absolutely disgraceful" and repeatedly urged postponement so the full board could consult legal counsel and review documentation. Other board members said attorney consultation had occurred and that some trustees had been included in related communications.

Following the personnel vote, trustees considered agenda item 3b and voted 6–1 to authorize board officers to hire and engage outside legal counsel "to assist and advise the board with legal matters." The meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.

Authority and process: During debate trustees cited district policy (RBE Local/BE Local) and Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 551.074 on attorney consultation and personnel matters. Public commenters and several trustees raised the fiscal implications of a midyear termination, noting that contract buyouts or interim appointments typically carry substantial costs and can worsen a district deficit.

What comes next: The board did not disclose specifics of the closed‑session discussion in open session. Trustees said further consultation with legal counsel remains possible; the motion to "proceed as discussed in closed session" indicates the board intends to implement whatever next steps were agreed during the attorney–personnel consultation. The district did not state in open session whether the superintendent was immediately placed on leave, whether written notice had been provided, or what, if any, follow‑up timeline applies.

Quotes from the meeting: "These aren't abstract issues. They affect classroom resources," said Ed Patch, a member of the public who urged trustees to consider classroom impacts. "He needs to not be removed. He needs our support," said Amber Gonzales, who identified herself as a Judson ISD employee. "This is absolutely disgraceful in every way," said Mister Macias, a trustee who urged postponement and further legal consultation.

Context and budgetary notes: Multiple speakers warned that a contract buyout or leadership turnover would drain limited dollars from classrooms. Community members cited examples of other districts' buyouts and urged trustees to pursue revenue and savings measures instead, including bond refunding and solar projects.

Reporting note: The board referenced attorney consultation and personnel statutes in open session; by law, the board is not required to disclose privileged closed‑session details in public minutes. The specific steps the board intends to take were discussed behind closed doors and were summarized in open session only as the board's decision to "proceed as discussed in closed session."