The district’s attorney said Valdez broke a policy but not gaining authorization for the interview. This is the second time the trustee has been sanctioned.
SAN ANTONIO — An Edgewood ISD board trustee has been sanctioned by his peers following comments he made during an interview with KENS 5.
In the interview, Trustee Michael Valdez claimed the district broke policy during the arrest of a mother at a board meeting on August 19. While the Bexar County District Attorney later dropped the charges, the district stood by its actions.
On Monday night, the board voted to sanction Valdez. All trustees except Valdez supported the measure, arguing that he violated policy.
The district’s attorney said Valdez failed to clarify in the interview that he was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the district. He added Valdez was not given permission from the board president to do the interview.
The meeting began with public comment, where about 20 people signed up to speak—most in support of Valdez.
“If this board chooses to sanction an elected official simply for being outspoken, you send the message that accountability is unwelcome,” said Melody Herrera.
But others criticized Valdez.
“You have provided and fostered a very hostile environment for your other board members and community,” said Lisa Owens.
Valdez defended himself, saying his comments were made in his role as an advocate, not as a spokesperson for the district.
“I think they’re just coming in a form of retaliation for speaking up and really being an advocate in my role as a trustee,” Valdez said.
Board President Dr. James Hernandez countered, saying Valdez has a pattern of violating board policies. He noted that Valdez had previously been sanctioned in January 2024.
“Since Michael started on the board, he has received at least five warning letters that something like this would happen,” Hernandez said.
As a result of the sanction, Valdez is now ineligible to serve as a board officer through 2026, cannot travel with the district, will be removed from all board committees and must complete ethics training by October.
When asked if he regretted speaking to KENS 5 after the August arrest, Valdez said:
“I don’t regret speaking at all.”
The board president declined an interview after the meeting. A district spokesperson said a statement would be released, but as of 10:30 p.m., no statement had been received.