BREAKING: Trustees recommend reinstating Janie Gonzalez

NEWS Staff Report

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The San Benito CISD Board of Trustees voted Tuesday evening to recommend reinstating embattled risk-manager Janie Gonzalez after she was terminated this summer by Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón.

Limón fired Gonzalez on August 23 for allegedly lying about communication with insurance vendors which School Board President Yliana G. Rodriguez attempted to award district policies via a now infamous letter.

The letter in question was signed by Rodriguez in May and prepared by Gonzalez at the board president’s behest, the reinstated risk manager has claimed.

The recommendation to reinstate Gonzalez, which will be decided upon by the superintendent, came at a Level IV grievance hearing held in open session during a regular board meeting Tuesday night. Full details of the meeting, in which Gonzalez’s grievance hearing was one of four addressed, will be reported in the weekend edition of the San Benito News.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2012/10/10/breaking-trustees-reinstate-janie-gonzalez/

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    • so what you're saying is... on October 16, 2012 at 10:14 am
    • Reply

    So what you’re saying is… wait have you?

    “looking at this objectively”?

    The replies, although they do pertain to the whole insurance scandal, have wandered somewhat off subject; they usually do when things get personal, people don’t own up to their words, and politics come into play. I’m not saying one person is right or another person is wrong; but, if we go back to the topic of this news article, OBJECTIVELY, Janie Gonzalez shouldn’t be reinstated. It’s really that simple.

    Objectively, do you agree:
    Rodeo?
    Richard?
    Voice of Reason?
    Anybody else?

    • Richard on October 16, 2012 at 9:59 am
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    Voice, you make many good points to hang your hat on, but they haven’t been proven to work. They are just speculation at this time. What is a fact is that the district is self insured and lost some 3 million a few years ago. The district needs to be careful as to what it tries… As far as commissions go, that is how insurance agents make a living, just a part of life. As far as employees being honest, I think we all know right from wrong. I would hope board members would also know right from wrong.

    • voice of reason on October 16, 2012 at 8:45 am
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    Richard

    Thank you for respomding to my coments I will take yours now point by point.

    1. There is nothing wrong with a board member asking staff to consider a project one would hope that they would have some good input from time to time.

    My point on this is that some board members have misrepresented some items and remained quiet when they could have set some things straight.

    Anna Cruz asked for this plan it was created then brought to the finance comittee with Superintendents approval, and then they asked for clarification it was given then it went to bid…..what is so wrong with that process.

    2.Direct contracts from Hospital and providers is the best thing happening in healtccare. It is true Mr. Hyliar would have reviewed and set up some of the contracts, but they would have been ultimately reviewed by the Attorney Juan Cabrera, befor Mr. Limon executed them.

    3.It was partially evaluated and the savings shown in the bids was greater than the savings projected.

    4. You are correct, but my point is why would he stop it and why didn’t he let the board decide.

    5.agreed

    6. Stop loss lasers were never negotiated by Mr. Trevino. The District hasn’t had a laser in the past 5 years and the previous ones were negotiated by Mr. Hyliar with help from staff.

    7. Agreed

    8.A. Mr Hyliar made one error in inadvertantly missing a bid, but the bid was not the best offering, and he did admit to missing it plain and simple and he put the plan in for consideration and admitted his error.

    8.B The new stop loss that BCBS put in for the new plan was $15.00 that was $30.00 less than current. If your are going to hand your hat on this plan not being a cost savings issue you are going to be wrong. It would have been a great plan for the employees and dependents and the discounts, Stoploss savings and the administration savings and the agent no comission savings was projected to save $650,000 for a additional cost of $500,000, with way better benefits.

    I hope the good people of San Benito are reading this and looking at this objectively, and I apprecciate your response…but where is the last Rodeo??????

    • Kicker on October 16, 2012 at 7:34 am
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    Voice of reason: didn’t you LEARN anything at ALL those SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCE Out of town!!! You are PROHIBITED from TALKING ABOUT what was Said in EXECUTIVE. that is RULE NUMBER ONE. everyone knows that!!! Shame, shame, shame!

    • Ralph on October 15, 2012 at 9:39 pm
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    Richard: awesome points!

    • Richard on October 15, 2012 at 6:12 pm
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    Voice,
    1. Individual board member does not have the authority to request that.
    2. Plan was going to have all sorts of contracts written by Hyliar
    3. Yes it was bid out but not evaluated
    4. Until it becomes an agenda item the superintendent can stop it
    5. Don’t know
    6. Stop loss amounts called lasers were often lowered by agent
    7 I agree
    8 Hyliar made some serious mistakes in his evaulation
    District currently had a contract with BC/BS that required a stop loss, new plan also required a stop loss … Not only district losing half million but now must pay another stop loss?

    • Jay Miranda on October 15, 2012 at 5:39 pm
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    Voice of TREASON, oops, I mean REASON, or should we call you June? I guess it’s safe to call you that since you give us the inside on what is said in EXECUTIVE SESSION, a BIG No-No by the way, and you continue to use your infamous, childish phrase or words “kill it”! lol! You are so obvious. Keep talking. You’re becoming infamous like someone we all know too well, and people are starting to tune you out.

    • Eliah on October 15, 2012 at 2:59 pm
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    Give it up Voice of Reason…..Rodeo put you to shame!!! Ouch!!! hahaha

    • Eliah on October 15, 2012 at 12:52 pm
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    BOYCOTT CHUY’S CUSTOM SPORTS!!! COUNT ME IN!!

    Thanks Lori for providing the numbers as to how much Chuy has made off the district along with his daughter June. Wow! This dude has made thousands from the school district and still has the nerve to bash the dsitrict in front of everyone and on television. No shame by this dude!! Hello!! I used to buy all my shirts there, but I will no more. I will call all my family and friends to do the same. His t-shirts were screened poorly and the embroidery was horrible anyway. One time he even gave me the wrong shirts and didn’t want to take them back. Isn’t it a conflict of interest for little June to be soliciting her Pappys business while she is on the board? Unbelievable!!! I’m taking my business to MJ’s!!! Chuy needs to give it up!!

    • Richard on October 15, 2012 at 8:23 am
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    To the voice of reason, the employee share of insurance cost is $69 a month. The new so called plan was going to cost $25 a month … The difference being the famous $ 44 dollars. Take $44 multiply by 12 and multiply by number of employees that would switch from regular plan and you have the amount the district would lose. Let’s say half a million in the hole for the district. How do make up that difference? Everybody goes to clinic and only sees doctors the clinic allows. Special pie in the sky contracts arranged by Hillyer and clinic? Wonder who would get a commission on those?

      • voice of reason on October 15, 2012 at 3:27 pm
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      Richard,

      The cost savings on the plan were made up from Stoploss savings and lower administration cost. There wasn’t an agent or comissions built in for this plan.
      That is one of the reasons it was killed if you ask me. The employees also could go to other doctors with llower benefits, but the list provided at the workshop was very robust.

    • Rodeo on October 15, 2012 at 12:02 am
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    Hey Voice of Reason: Again and as always you have your facts wrong. Let me enlighten you with the truth: Mr. Limon did not “KILL” as you call it ..any insurance plan. Interesting that you use the word “kill” since June Aquilera uses that word at the meetings. LOL Anyway, the plan presented was by the OWNER of the company who runs the current school district clinic. This guy happens to own TWO rural clinics in the Port Isabel Area and now he handles a $950,000 dollar operation which in my opinion is too much money for that clinic. Can you guess who this guy has connections to? Anyone? ….DRUM ROLE PLEASE……)))))))) This guy has direct connections to SIG…Salazar Insurance Group. This is the same company Yliana and her cronies wanted to bring in! In fact, this item never went out to bids. Janie Gonzalez, Hyliar, Garcia took it upon themselves to put this plan together. hmmm….I wonder who told them to do so? After the Janie scandal broke Mr. Limon made the right decision to not look at this plan. By then it was very difficult to trust Janie, Hyliar and Adrian Garca.
    And here is more……………………..
    Bids did go out out for the Cafeteria Plans but as we all know the credibility of the bids were questioned when Hyliar , Janie Gonzalez and Adrian Garcia neglected to provide the board crucial information on the bids. The bids had been manipulated to give Salazar Insurance the edge on all the plans. We all saw this in the now infamous Insurance Workshop Video where Janie admitted writing the letter for Yliana and cried! The board then voted not to accept the cafeteria plan bids as presented by Hyliar and Janie by a 4-3 vote.
    And now on to the Stop Loss Insurance where only TWO bids came in. One was SIG and another company. SIG’s bid was $800,000 cheaper and offered much better service. As mentioned at the meeting, the bid was reviewed by the Finance Committee (June, Fatima, Julian Hector, Ana). At that meeting the bid was presented yet Adrian Garcia never mentioned a fee that would be paid to the insurance agent. This was brought up at the regular meeting and written on a piece of paper for June Aguilera to shine. You see, the fee wasn’t the problem it was again the agent. They wanted the fee to go to SIG and not Trevino Insurance. DOES THAT SOUND FAMILIAR?
    The issue that Janie and Lucy did all the claims is false! Trevino Insurance for many years has provided the district with Insurance Agents who come to the district to meet with employees, file claims, and and answer questions. And now Trevino Insurance has fought for better prices from all the companies involved in the Cafeteria Plans. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT? nothing at all!
    And then we have the e-mails. The emails tell us that Janie Gonzalez lied and counted here chickens before they hatched. You see, Election day was May 12th where Yliana, Fatima and Ana Cruz won. By Monday, May 14th Glenn Hyliarr had already sent and e-mail to all his insurance buddies telling them that Salazar and Champion was taking over. That same day, Janie Gonzalez met with Champion to discuss the change and gave him confidential information about our insurance plans. On May 16th, Yliana Rodriguez releases the letter putting Salazar and Champion as the sole agents. WHAT DOES ALL THIS TELL US???? It tells us that deals were made in advance on the Cafeteria Plan Bid. Janie knew about it! Adrian Garcia knew about it! Yliana Knew about it!
    BOTTOM LINE: CAN MR. LIMON TRUST THESE PEOPLE TO CONTINUE DOING AN HONEST JOB?? I DON’T THINK HE CAN.
    It wouldn’t surprise me if Yliana and her cronies try again to bring in Salazar Insurance and Champion in to the district! THESE PEOPLE NEVER LEARN!!

    As for steak dinners. I am sure YLIANA, JUNE, FATIMA AND JULIAN have their fair share. Just go check the check-in book at Fogo De Chao in Austin! But it’s okay, because last time I checked eating a steak dinner with someone was not a crime, but on the contrary BID RIGGING IS A FEDERAL CRIME AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.

    Be careful what you as for voice of reason!!

      • voice of reason on October 15, 2012 at 10:13 am
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      Rodeo,

      That hyliar is pretty funny stuff I like it.

      As usual you are off base so I am going to address your issues one by one in an effort to let the public sort out the facts.

      1. Richard Garza, Hyliar, and Janie Gonzalez were asked by Anna Cruz to formulate a plan that would back up her campain promises to the people that backed her election. Plain and simple that is why this plan was formulated. Mr. Garza had to be involved with this because the clinic was the hub of this plan.

      2.This Plan was designed and presented without an agent at all, SIG nor Bob Trevino was involved at this plan.

      3. Your assertion that the Plan was never bid out is completely false. In fact it is still up on the school website today it is RFP-0812.

      4. My personal opinion is that when a the board approves an RFP to go out and it is worked on by vendors and Staff, that it is wrong for the Super to kill it, without the Boards consent.

      5. The Bids were not manipulated by anyone, the reason that Mr. Hyliar presented the information to the comitee, was Mr. Limon him to. Mr. Garcia, Janie, and Mr. Hyliar can all confirm and Mr. Limon admitted it in executive session to the board.

      6. Mr Trevino agency never filed one Stop-Loss claim for the School District, theses services were handled by Janie Gonzalez…period end of story.

      7. I love this one about confidential information on the insurance…..Do you not understand that it just doesn’t exist.. Any information was provided in the bids and could have been accessed before by anyone anytime it is all public…..this may be my favorite……

      8.. As far as the insurance bid on the cafeteria plan, Mr. Trevino had some better products and SIG had some good ones…….fact is Mr. Hyliar never reccomended or even hinted at the agent issue. It was all done by the Board.

      So just so you are clear they voted to retain the current agent and benefits at significantly larger premiums, and two days later the Superintendent allowed Mr. Trevino to amend most of the plans and place the reccommended products, once again this was all without board approval……..no one compained a bit except for CHUY……thats what is wrong with it

      The Letter that Mr. Hyliar was not to his insurance buddies, it went to the current carriers and this is Standard operating procedure in the insurance business…..plain and simple

      please get your facts in order and respond!!!!!!!!

    • Sandra on October 14, 2012 at 11:22 pm
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    Wow, they’re sure are a whole lot of haters out there, you people need to look at yourself before you throw that rock against all these people that you so cruelly talk about. How can you live with yourselves, is this what you were taught by your parents? Think about it would your parents agree to your judgments, maybe, but Jesus does not. We are no one to judge, you are talking about people that have lives, family, ect. Shame on you!!!

    • Lori on October 14, 2012 at 9:48 pm
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    Total amounts paid by San Benito CISD to Chuy’s Custom Sports from May 2010 – May 2011 (before June was elected)- $34,680.70
    Total amounts paid by San Benito CISD to Chuy’s Custom Sports from June 2011 – August 2012 (after June was elected)- $68,800.24
    Hmmm…Interesting. Boycotting sounds interesting too.

    • Flower on October 14, 2012 at 9:43 pm
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    To Voice of Reason: You are no better than “those 4 board members”. It is pretty easy to throw stones from behind a wall. The education of the children of SBCISD and the welfare of the district employees is not a game, but by the TONE of your COMMENTS on this site, you think it is. Again, this is NOT a GAME!
    Your, and I repeat, your board president started this whole mess. Do not lose sight of that and try to turn the attention to others. It’s not going to work.

    • voice of reason on October 14, 2012 at 3:14 pm
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    Okay all of you Limon supporters, I have some questions that I would like you to answer for me and every one else that reads this board. I will make you a promise, that I will do my best to respond in kind with lucid direct answers.

    Why did Mr. Limon kill an insurance plan that was put out to bid by the District? This Plan would have saved the employees $44.00 per month, effectively giving all the employees who selected this plan a $528.00 raise per year. In addition it was going to provide 100% benefits to both the employees and all dependents. It also was going to reduce the deductible from either $500 or $1,000, depending on what plan was selected. So to recap, if you didn’t use the plan at all you save $528.00 , and if you did use it you would have recieved a much much greater savings via 100% coverage. WHY WHY WHY? I will tell you guys if no one can find the answer.

    Why did Mr. Limon allow Bob Trevino to implement new insurance plans that the Board Did Not Approve……..

    Why Did Mr Limon and Oscar Medrano argue so vigorously to retain the $104,000 Agent commission in the Stop Loss Agreement. They fought against the hired consultant’s recommendation to not use an agent for the Stop Loss Agreement. Bob Trevino is the agent who would receive this Stop Loss commission.

    Those are my legitimate questions to the people who take the time to write on this Blog.

    Okay ,

    Now I am going to prepare you guys in advance for the next issue so get ready.

    I cannot wait to see how people will argue about this one….At some point, the agent’s commission will be eliminated all together. Let me give you the argument that Mr. Medrano and Anna Cruz will likely use…..They will be very concerned that the employees will not be serviced, and the district will provide additional liability if the district votes to not use an agent for their health insurance plan. Actually, the agent who will be paid a $44,000 commission for the health plan is currently providing NO SERVICE for the health plan. Luce Garcia and Janie Gonzales service this plan and follow up with BCBS when employees have insurance questions. RIGHT…….get ready……….

    Now a few other tidbits that might make you go HUH!!!!!!!!!!

    Have any of you asked yourself why Anna Cruz flip flopped so fast?
    Oh I know, I know, I can hear it already…… she saw what was going on and she couldn’t condone it……….or maybe a certain agent paid off a campaign debt…..?

    I have another question…… Who did the new photo work in a certain agent’s Marketing Material?…. I am sure it isn’t Hector. No way nombre.

    And Oscar…….. I wondered if he enjoyed yet ANOTHER steak Dinner in Austin a few weeks ago………..or padre ……or a hefty donation by the same agent to the organization that is opposite the Touchdown Club……and who is also assisting with this on the board……Drum Roll Please…………..winner winner chicken dinner…….Oscar Medrano.

    Seriously people, I hope I get some real answers on this…….Thanks

    • Reforming San Benito on October 14, 2012 at 2:15 pm
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    People, if you are unhappy with June Aguilera’s politics and actions, boycott her father, Chuy Aguilera’s business. If you think you can’t influence her vote directly, think again. Boycotting Chuy Aguilera’s business will get her attention to start voting the way of the community. His business is supported by this community. If he can’t support what the community wants, the community needs to cut him off. Cutting his income will cut June’s income; June is his puppet, anyway. No better way to get her attention and get her to vote the way the community wants than to hit her where it matters.

    BOYCOTT CHUY’S CUSTOM SPORTS!

    • jade robertson on October 14, 2012 at 11:13 am
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    To Oscar – what is this?
    Anna Cruz with Robert Champion at Chilies in Weslaco after the elections? enough is enough and what’s fair is fair – lets all SUPPORT Mr. Medrano with his request of an investigation – but now on BOTH of these ladies.

      • Oscar on October 14, 2012 at 11:07 pm
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      To Jade- Mr. Medrano, hahaha I have another name for him

    • ART on October 13, 2012 at 11:58 pm
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    This is absolutely rediculous!! I can’t believe it! Mr. Limon do what is right and do NOT put Janie back as Risk manager or any other position AT ALL!! This lady does not deserve to work for the San Benito School District!! I wonder how many other unethical and maybe perhaps illegal things this lady did and got away with in the 18 years that she worked for SBCISD. I do on the other hand hope she sues or continues forward with her fight to clear her name because in doing so all her acomplices will be exposed and will ride the train down with her!!! People like this lady will never go down alone they eventually take everybody else down with them!! As for the board members that voted to recommend that she come back, you all are worthless!! My goodness!! We could build a large brick wall around San Benito and declare it a territory of Mexico, With board members like you four!! Then King Chuy and El Wise Peluquero can reign together and finish destroying this once great city!! Horrible!!! Horrible!!! WHAT A MESS!!

    • Kicker on October 13, 2012 at 7:04 pm
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    There is no room in SBCISD for the fired lady!!

    • Its plain and simple on October 12, 2012 at 7:36 pm
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    I hope MR LIMON .. READS these comments. Keep your word…and her fired!…..then u can move on..and do your job which is doing whats best for our students interest……and making our district EXEMPLARY!!!!….and when election comes around vote for a new president!…& board members.

    • Goldberg on October 12, 2012 at 1:51 pm
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    My understanding is that Superintendent Limon is in all his right to uphold his decision to terminate Mrs. Gonzalez. Politics should never play a role in making these decisions. Board members who were directly involved should always recuse themselves from these hearings. If the evidence is there, I am confident Mr. Limon will make a wise decision on this one. We all have to remember that Mr. Limon has to make these tough decisions in the best interest of the district.

    • Eliah on October 12, 2012 at 9:48 am
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    What is wrong with these people? The lady lied! Hello! And then June goes on tv and says this Gonzalez lady did nothing wrong and has done a great job? Hello! Earth to June!! We all read the emails in the newspaper except the 19 year old. I think these board rookies are trying to cover up the truth and get Iliana out of hot water. I can smell rats from a mile away!!!!

    • just a thought on October 12, 2012 at 8:34 am
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    Voice of reason –
    kudos to the school board president for what exactly? isn’t she the reason all of this happened to begin with? wasn’t gonzalez acting on what she was told to do by the president? kudos? really?

    • another thought on October 12, 2012 at 8:31 am
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    Voice of reason – kudos to the school board president for what exactly? isn’t she the reason all of this happened to begin with? wasn’t gonzalez acting on what she was told to do by the president? kudos? really?

    • senior analyst on October 11, 2012 at 10:59 pm
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    To Mandy:

    Am I embarrassed as to the boards lack of interest in the english teacher’s case? No, I am disgusted. I hope her attny. see’s how your ties to politics gets you a favorable decision. Janie LIED OVER AND OVER and those board members vote to have her re-instated. And her attny. I give her a 1 on a scale of 5 being highest.

    • Oscar on October 11, 2012 at 9:55 pm
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    Have to agree with senior analyst, spit it out June. I just want to know why the school superintendent is so gunho on keeping the agent that makes almost $200,00 and not save this money and could’ve kept the 4 year old program and bouncing babies. I hope he doesn’t disappoint us as well, he is a fine man but now I am starting to see red flags, let’s just hope that he didn’t terminate Ms. Gonzalez because she knew too much. What’s this that Ana Crus met with Robert Champion at Chilies in weslaco the day after elections, I don’t know but there’s something fishy going on, I sure hope that this is not true but if it is that’s what tax payers get for voting for her, don’t blame me I didn’t vote for that dumb group.

    • Oldtimer on October 11, 2012 at 9:32 pm
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    whose job is it to run the district, the supt or the board? It’s very simple… It’s the supt’s job, that’s who. I hope he decides to do what the lawyer advised, to fire her. Wy didn’t anyone FORCE yliana to recuse herself?
    And by the way, who was in charge of the maintenance dept when the Challanger sign was put up? Eduardo Benivedes, a 2nd grade educated man who was earning $70,000 a year under joe D. Gonzales. Lets let the highly educated professionals run the district, not the politicians.

    • Richard on October 11, 2012 at 8:14 pm
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    I saw the meeting and Janie kept giving out figures on commission the agent was getting. This is my question. Is that the same amount of commission she was trying to change to the SIG group when she wrote the letter for the president? If it was, she didn’t have a problem with the commission then.

    • Rodeo on October 11, 2012 at 8:05 pm
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    Just when I was having some respect for Julian and Fatima Huerta, they blew it!! I could understand this from Yliana and June but not from Julian and Fatima. I really thought they were smarter than this. This was a no brainer. You have an employee who lied to the superintendent and the evidence was all in the form of copies of emails. Didn’t you read the emails Julian and Fatima???? I am very disappointed in these two. You just lost my vote and all my families vote. It was evident that Cruz, Leal and Medrano did their homework. I applaud you guys!!

    • senior analyst on October 11, 2012 at 7:01 pm
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    To voice of reason:

    Your right, Mr. Medrano, was not himself that night. He always has very good questions and speaks very well. You do have to admit that. Unlike June Aguilera with her continuous quote “you know” says something, “you know”
    says something else, “you know” “I mean” “You know” I mean. I’ll coment on your lawsuit statement and 3 proud board members at a later space. But if there were a lawsuit “voice of reason” don’t blame me. I voted for Bob, Llanes, and Smetter. Blame the Board President. See Ya!!!!

    • DRamirez on October 11, 2012 at 6:38 pm
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    Mr. Medrano has my full support. Voice of reason forgets that if it wasn’t for Mr. Medrano asking all the right questions we wouldn’t have discovered all this mess. I saw the grievance on tv and it looks like the 4 board members had already made up their mind. Mr. Medrano, Mr. Leal and Ms. Cruz were professional and didn’t grandstand the grievance hearing unlike the others. The weird looking attorney lady for Janie Gonzalez came across as arrogant and sergeant looking. The one that really looks silly at all the meetings is the 19 year old who never makes any sense whatsoever. Ouch!!! I really do hope Janie sues, so this way all the skeletons on Yliana Rodriguez will finally come out. If Janie sues, I guarantee she will lose! Don’t put her back Mr. Limon!

      • For Sure on October 11, 2012 at 10:10 pm
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      That’s right…. Do not put her back.

    • voice of reason on October 11, 2012 at 4:44 pm
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    Well, I wondered when chonito would rear his ugly head again. I hope that they don’t reinstate Janie either, I hope she sues the District for this then we will see how proud of your three members that voted no.. I will tell you this when Emma Mc Call is asked the same question in a deposition she will have a different answer. Not that I blame her , there is a long list of carnage that has be left By Mr. LImon. Haven’t you noticed how the employees act around him. Adrian clearly couldn’t answer a simple question that he was afraid to answer about savings on stoploss. The same people who are roasting Janie here are the same that will be dismissing Chuy next month when he talk about all the sexual misconduct going on. Mr. Limon stood up for the agent and was willing to THROW away $100,000 on savings and AGAIN as soon as Janie voiced her opinion on the Voluntary program …….going going gone……Consultant stands up and says the District Should save $100,000…….going going gone……Who Is next……..I say Kudos to June, Illyiana, and the Huertas good job……BTW I bet this contingent was even impressed with Oscar and his line of questioning at the meeting. …..er i would like to ask aquestion…..go ahead….you know the question asked before…..what question Mr. Medrano……er er you know the previous question that had been asked…….he is better than honey boo boo for entertainment….

      • Gilbert on October 11, 2012 at 6:49 pm
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      Sue the school district? For what?! She’s an at-will employee. She has no case. Since you enjoy making fun of that board member, medrano, for not repeating the question word for word, SURELY, you heard the school attorney’s legal advice. Even Mrs. Gonzalez’s attorney was at a loss for words. And speaking of Chuy…How much has he made since his daughter has been on the board? He loves putting others out there, he should put his numbers out there as well.

        • We are listening on October 11, 2012 at 10:08 pm
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        So very true, Gilbert. Sure like to know how much he has made….speak up “mr. I got calls” business man… You have our attention now.

    • concerned on October 11, 2012 at 4:23 pm
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    Only In San Benito!

    • Just a thought on October 11, 2012 at 2:21 pm
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    ““It is apparent that there has been a witch hunt to disparage my reputation and remove me from a position I’ve held with the school district for over 18 years,” Gonzalez wrote in her Sept. 10 grievance hearing request. “I have served the school district and its employees with honesty and integrity at all times.”” (Valley Morning Star) … A witch hunt? So are you denying the email(s) that was/were sent? Are you denying what you were accused of? Either you did do it so toughen up and suck up the consequences of your actions or have the ‘integrity’ and say state that you didn’t do what you were accused of instead of hiding behind a lawyer. The truth shall set you free. … “the Texas Education Agency told district officials that Rodriguez was not authorized to hire the insurance company without school board approval.” (VMS) … Lost in all this is the fact that Rodriguez allegedly advised her (or did advise her) to do what she did and yet Rodriguez was never punished or held responsible for her wrongdoing. … I’m kind of shocked and disappointed the San Benito community and SBCISD school board have let this aspect of the whole story slide.

      • Kicker on October 13, 2012 at 7:01 pm
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      Just a Thought: you are very right! Y. Rodriguez told/encouraged Janie what to do. That Janie did not tell the superintendent is just UNBELIEVABLE!! She knew exactly what she was doing. How is it that the BOARD PRESIDENT RODRIGUEZ can GET AWAY with this …. Makes NO SENSE. She surely didn’t get the KNOWLEDGE in ALL those SCHOOL BOARD CONFERENCES TRAINING she attended like in Chicago!! ELECTION TIME is COMING and WE WILL NOT FORGET those board members actions and how you 4 have continue to make SBCISD the laughing stock of the Valley. NO CLASS or Dignity AT ALL!

    • Lisa G. on October 11, 2012 at 1:20 pm
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    It is clear that Ana Cruz, Hector Leal and Oscar Medrano are the only board members with common sense! Yliana is trying to cover her behind!

      • Tom on October 11, 2012 at 10:03 pm
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      She sure is!!! What is she hiding?? Investigation is a coming!!!

    • Watch Dog on October 11, 2012 at 11:56 am
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    This was a split decision not unanimous. Yliana, June, Fatima and Julian are wrong! Mr. Limon needs to buckle his belt and do what is right and not reinstate Janie Gonzalez. As the SB news reported the e-mails discovered clearly showed that Janie Gonzalez lied when she was asked about the letter and went around Mr. Limon without informing him. She listened to the board president and got caught with her hands in the cookie jar! This BS that she was told not to talk to anyone is ridiculous! 18 years experience and it didn’t occur to her to tell the truth and tell Mr. Limon about her dealings? Sorry Janie, but I don’t buy your story! As taxpayers we demand for an investigation in to this matter. If Mr. Limon puts Janie Gonzalez back it will send a bad message to all the employees of SBCISD that its not about accountability but its about “who you know.” These four board members who voted should be ashamed of themselves! We all can see on tv how they enjoy hearing their saviour “Chuy Aguilera” speak in every meeting. This guy is wrong too!! This man should give it up and dedicate himself to his business which I am sure is making millions off the district. I wonder how much too? My message is loud and clear: Janie Gonzalez lied and deserved to be fired! Mr. Limon needs to do the right thing!

    • Lizzy on October 11, 2012 at 9:50 am
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    Okay let me get this straight. 4 board members out of 3 voted against their own policy? What is wrong with these people! They are either naive or just plain ignorant! I’m sorry,,but that is the truth!!! So if this is only a recommendation, I would tell the super to stick to his guns and don’t bring her back. After all, he is the one responsible in hiring and firing at-will employees. It is obvious that the four board members who voted to bring her back want to cover up the truth. This is all a cover up!!!

    • Dallas on October 11, 2012 at 9:17 am
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    Sick.

  1. Thanks to Correction and Richard for correcting us on the recommendation. That was our bad.

      • Denny Crane Jr. on October 11, 2012 at 5:49 pm
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      Congratulations to Editor!…..It takes a real editor to admit a mistake and not try to spin it.

      In regards to this mess, the next election couldn’t arrive any sooner to give those with voter’s remorse an opportunity to correct the mistake made at the last election, including myself.

      Deal with the problem, make a decision, live with it and move on!

      Go Hounds!

        • Amy on October 11, 2012 at 10:00 pm
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        Sooo right Denny!! But do not blame me. I didn’t vote for any of those “4”. Mr. Leal, Ms. Cruz and Mr. Medrano are the only board members with class.

    • Chonito on October 10, 2012 at 10:59 pm
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    This was small town politics at its best! Los Huertas, Yliana Rodriguez and June Aguilera all were in it with Janie Gonzalez to re-instate her. Yliana should have recused herself, but we all know this was all a done deal!! To them, who cares if Janie lied and made deals with insurance agents. To them, who cares about what message they are sending to the rest of the district’s employees. To them, who cares about the opinion of the taxpayers and voters who put them there. Why doesn’t June tell us how much money her “pappy” makes from the school district selling t-shirts? Why doesn’t Yliana tell how much over time her daddy and mommy make working for the district? Why doesn’t Yliana tell us where she really lives? Why doesn’t Yliana tell us how was it that her parents voted in the May election knowing they live in Harlingen? Why is it that Los Huertas don’t tell us how many relatives and compadres they have hired since getting on the board?? It seems to me that the change they promised during election time was just a bluff and a lie. They have made of this board a laughing stock! Kudos to Ana Cruz, Leal and Medrano for standing for what is right. Janie Gonzalez is not to be trusted in my opinion and I hope Mr. Limon DOES NOT reinstate her!

  2. Senor anylist and Mandy bring a very important point of two similar topics reguarding the decision to give two employees a consideration to return to work Here is a clear cut case on the matter of righteouness. One must use and research justification to make a decision if the employees should be allowed to return to work or not.

    • Ray on October 10, 2012 at 10:40 pm
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    Mr Limon , I think “all of city” ,have more respect for you if you just followed your first impression and “not reinstate” mrs Gonzalez . She lied about her activities and really didnt have to, ,,but seems there are alot things she doesnt ask for clearance, before doing them . Did anyone audit her office about any other incidents? Board cant be looked to lead . They just washed their hands and took step back and left you to “hang! ” Your the Supt. !! Lead! !!!

    • October on October 10, 2012 at 10:40 pm
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    To Richard: Mr. Limon is an experienced superintendent. I am confident that he will show his character and not bring “that person” back. If he brings “that person” back, the climate of the district will most certainly change. The parents of this district support him and know that he will not take any action on “that person”.

    • Its plain and simple on October 10, 2012 at 9:33 pm
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    So much BS!!!!!…..for this outcome!……its so obvious she threatened a major lawsuit…Im assuming!…..I dont blame her in these bad economic times….Mr Limon should get rid of the source of problems……that principal/president!…I wonder who advised thim to fire gonzalez in the first place?

    • Richard on October 10, 2012 at 9:25 pm
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    The board recommended to Superintendent on a 4 3 vote to reinstate her. It is still the Superintendent’s call. Wouldn’t want to be in his shoes!

    • Correction on October 10, 2012 at 9:17 pm
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    Correction…They voted on a motion to “recommend” to the superintendent to reinstate her. The board could not reinstate her, otherwise they’d be in violation of their own policy. It’s now up to the Superintendent to reinstate her or not. Hope he upholds his previous decision. With all due respect, Ms. Gonzalez knew what she was doing and should be held accountable. Also, shame on Yliana for voting on the motion. She should have stayed out of it since she was responsible for the whole mess to begin with. That woman has no shame.

      • Ray on October 10, 2012 at 10:29 pm
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      That is exactly right! Why didnt she excuse herself from that vote And/or another board member or attorney for school district suggest that?

        • Alvin on October 11, 2012 at 9:55 pm
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        Ray: you are right. How in the world could she, the board president, sit there and vote. She needs to remember that everyone and I mean everyone can see right through her smile. Get a clue lady. Election time cannot come soon enough. And does she “really” live in San Benito?

    • Ralph on October 10, 2012 at 9:03 pm
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    Thank you to board member Hector Leal, Anna Cruz and Oscar Medrano for doing the right thing last night. As a taxpayer, I respect you. Sure wish those other board members could explain to the voters, what in the world were they thinking. Can’t wait for election time on San Benito.

    • senior analyst on October 10, 2012 at 9:01 pm
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    There was a teacher there who was on level 4 grievance before board. Apparently she had been out on family leave and when she comes back she is told by the SECRETARY she no longer has the position. More details in the SB newspaper will be given. But when it came to vote, none of the board members had any questions or made a motion for her to have her job back. This is a language arts while female teacher. But when Mrs. Janie Gonzalez grievance was heard, the board took quite a bit of interest in the case. Even Julian Huerta asked a couple of questions. If I were that teacher maybe I would ask my attny look into why does a board in favor of re-instating someone that is hispanic and lies to the superintendent but does not re-instate a while famale that more than likely has no whatsoever political ties to the board members like Mrs. Gonzalez does. She did write a letter for the board president. Her atty said it herself, she serves two masters, she does what the board president tells her to do.

      • Mandy on October 10, 2012 at 9:32 pm
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      Mr. or Ms. Analyst,
      She hasn’t even come back to work. She only knew about the change because the secretary gave her a courtesy call. I’m so embarrassed that the board took the dishonest employee’s grievance more seriously than a passionate English teacher’s. Politics alive and well in San Benito! Janie can come back but she will ALWAYS have a dark cloud over her, and people will always wonder what she’s up to.

        • Ralph on October 12, 2012 at 10:53 pm
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        It is very clear how much “those 4 members” think of teacher.
        The voters got exactly what they wanted.
        ALL Teachers need to be concerned.

    • Don on October 10, 2012 at 6:13 pm
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    Perfectly said!!!

    • Think About It on October 10, 2012 at 3:48 pm
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    First your fired then your not? What turn will the saga take next. A flat out lie about not doing something you actually were caught doing is still not enough to get you fired in San Benito. Think about it, what message is being sent to the very same parents, taxpayers, and students this board represents. Integrity is not a very much used word in San Benito.

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