Spring Branch ISD trustees approve immediate termination of employee Billie Pollock

At a special Jan. 27 meeting, the Spring Branch Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the immediate termination for good cause of non‑Chapter 21 contract employee Billie Pollock in a 6‑0 vote.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Blaine recommended that the Board propose termination based "on the information contained in the notice letter provided to the employee," and said the employee would have a 15‑minute opportunity to explain why the proposed termination was improper if the Board chose to proceed. Secretary Walker Agnew Jr. moved that the Board propose the termination; Vice President Caroline H. Bennett seconded the motion, which the Board approved 6‑0.

Ms. Pollock did not appear for the scheduled hearing. Administration attorney Ellen Spalding confirmed that the employee had received proper notice of the proposed termination. President Shannon Mahan stated, "Ms. Pollock's absence constituted a waiver of her right to a hearing on this matter and that the Board would proceed with action regarding the proposed termination of the non‑Chapter 21 contract employee." With the absence noted, Secretary Agnew Jr. moved and Trustee Jennifer Hyland seconded a motion that the Board approve the immediate termination for good cause; the motion passed 6‑0.

The Board certified compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at the start of the meeting. No closed session was held, and President Mahan adjourned the special grievance hearing at 5:05 p.m. The minutes note Trustee Chris Earnest was absent from the meeting.