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Judson ISD trustees vote to continue and to open investigations into two board members
Summary
After a closed-session discussion, the board voted to continue an investigation into allegations involving board member Monica Ryan and separately authorized a JCA attorney to investigate complaints against board member Jose Macias; voting records and scope were debated on the floor.
Following a closed-session consultation with legal counsel, the Judson ISD Board of Trustees voted on two separate agenda items related to employee complaints against trustees.
On agenda item 5a, Trustee Miss Conoyer moved that Walsh Gallegos continue an investigation into allegations that board member Monica Ryan abused her position "when requesting classes for her children." Mr. Macias seconded. Trustees debated whether the investigation had been inappropriately paused and whether the scope had been expanded beyond what the board originally authorized. Supporters of continuing the investigation said it was narrowly scoped to two complaints; opponents argued the pause had been warranted because of cost and apparent scope changes. The transcript records that the motion passed (the recorded phrase in the transcript is "Motion passes 4 2 3", which is ambiguous as transcribed; meeting minutes should be consulted for the precise tally).
On agenda item 5b, Trustee Miss Poteet moved that Tony Resendiz of JCA Law PLLC investigate complaints against board member Jose Macias; Trustee Miss Lee seconded. Mr. Macias stated he would abstain from that vote. The chair announced the motion passed with the tally reported in open session as "Motion passes 6 0 with 1 abstention from Mr. Macias."
During debate on both items, trustees raised questions about authority to pause investigations, the scope and cost of legal work (one trustee referenced an hourly rate of $360), and whether broad or limited interviews had been conducted before the pause. Trustee Miss Conoyer and others emphasized the need to complete investigations to resolve allegations; Trustee Miss Poteet and others emphasized fiscal stewardship and clear scope limits.
The board moved into closed session citing Texas Government Code sections 551.074 and 551.071 to consult with counsel; no final action was reported as taken during closed session. After returning to open session the board carried the two motions described above and then adjourned.
