La Villa ISD board adopts censure of Trustee Yesenia Morales, limits district duties for six months

The La Villa Independent School District Board of Trustees voted on June 2, 2025, to adopt a resolution formally censuring Trustee Yesenia Morales and restricting her participation in district-funded travel and events for six months. The board reconvened from a closed executive session at 6:51 p.m. and debated the measures before taking the vote.

Legal counsel Eden Ramirez read the proposed resolution aloud, identifying the board's authority and the factual basis cited in the text: “Trustee Yesenia Morales was arrested and criminally charged with Driving While Intoxicated on May 29, 2025-an offense that has drawn public attention and cast discredit upon the District.” Ramirez told trustees the resolution could impose measures including formal censure, restricted access to district facilities, limitations on district-funded travel and training, and direction to administration to implement the board's decision. Ramirez also advised the board that it cannot unilaterally remove an elected trustee but may adopt a censure to express its official position.

Trustees discussed public reaction and the evidence available to them. Trustees Noe Castillo and Eduardo Garcia Jr. said they had received calls and messages about the incident. Counsel stated the district's records included public jail records showing an arrest and that the arresting agency was the Texas Department of Public Safety; counsel said no further test results were on file for the district. Trustee Yesenia Morales disputed that the board had the full facts and asked that legal proceedings be allowed to finish before the board imposes sanctions.

Morales explained her version of the incident, saying she lost control after catching gravel on a curve and declined the breathalyzer. She told trustees, “I refused the breathalyzer. That's the reason I was taken in,” and said she had passed field sobriety testing. She also requested permission to attend the Class of 2025 commencement because of family members who would be graduating.

After discussion on scope and duration, President David Alaniz proposed a six-month time limit on the sanctions; counsel confirmed the board could set an expiration or revisit the resolution prior to that date. The board agreed the approved measures would restrict district-funded travel, limit attendance at district events in an official capacity, and direct staff to implement the resolution; it would allow Morales to attend the graduation with restrictions described by counsel.

Mr. Noe Castillo moved to adopt the resolution and Mr. Eduardo Garcia Jr. seconded. During the roll call three trustees—Noe Castillo, Eduardo Garcia Jr., and Sonia M. Lopez—verbally answered “I.” President Alaniz declared the motion passed. The meeting minutes record the motion as carried and do not note recorded 'no' or 'abstain' votes during the roll call.

The board directed administration to implement the resolution's restrictions and noted the board may revisit or rescind the resolution prior to its expiration. The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.