Judson ISD trustees are considering investigations into complaints against board leaders as tensions rise over school closures and governance disputes.
SAN ANTONIO — Internal conflict continues within Judson ISD as the school board faces new complaints and growing division following heated debates over campus closures.
After a contentious special meeting Saturday, trustees voted to discuss and potentially investigate complaints involving the board president and one trustee — including whether any actions may have violated the Texas Penal Code.
The latest developments come after earlier board discussions surrounding the possible firing of Superintendent Dr. Milton Fields. Trustee José Macias repeatedly raised concerns about how that process was handled, calling the recommendation to remove Fields “bogus” and arguing that a grievance hearing should have taken place before any decision.
Macias and another board member also questioned whether the board may have violated the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Macias was also the only trustee to vote against the decision to close four schools by the end of the academic year as the district works to address budget and enrollment challenges.
Following Saturday’s meeting where families spoke out about the proposed closures, trustees entered a closed session to consider a complaint filed by board president Monica Ryan, which could lead to an investigation into Macias.
Another agenda item involved a separate complaint filed by Macias and another trustee, requesting an investigation into alleged retaliation by Ryan.
Macias also asked for a review into whether any actions connected to the complaints may have violated state law.
“The only way to address the dark is by shining light on it,” Macias said after the closed session. “So I’m going to expose everything I possibly can to make sure the community knows how chaotic and dysfunctional and toxic things are right now in this district.”
Ryan did not comment publicly on the retaliation allegations Saturday.
The board is expected to finalize which four campuses will close during its meeting Monday. Macias said he will not attend due to a work obligation.