By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Michael Rodriguez
The events that transpired in San Benito this week exhibited the best and the worst of what this community has to offer. It appeared as though one day we were all jumping for joy in celebration of another appearance of the San Benito Lady ’Hounds in the Elite Eight regional finals, and the next day many of us wished we lived in a different city when the fallout of Antonio G. Limón’s suspension as San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools was nearly too much to stomach.
It suffices to say that there are some despicable and outright disgusting people in this town. Make no mistake, I don’t have a problem stating as much especially when considering the mean-spirited and downright vile things said about Limón, his daughter, SBCISD Board President Yliana Gonzalez and other trustees involved in Thursday’s 4-3 vote to place Limón on paid administrative leave.
Still, my question to the school board is no longer why the majority – four trustees that includes Gonzalez, Vice President Julian Huerta and his sister and fellow trustee Fatima Huerta as well as Secretary June Aguilera – suspended the superintendent. After all, Limón decided to divulge as much to the San Benito News on Friday based on the advice of his attorney. What remains to be seen is whether or not citizens believe that Limón attempted to obstruct the online solicitation of a minor investigation into former Berta Cabaza Middle School Choir Director Alfredo Hernandez, Jr. – as the now ex-superintendent informed was the allegation levied against him by the board and the cause for his suspension.
What I’m curious about is why these trustees couldn’t foresee the backlash that would accompany Limón’s sudden ousting, and if it was indeed expected (unless they forgot where they lived) did the board do its best to avoid it by opting for an amicable split? One way or another, the handling of this situation was a massive failure that has further incited an already-divided community on a scale not seen since…well, since the last superintendent was fired.
For argument’s sake, let’s just say the super’s suspension was warranted and has been for some time. Options available to school board members largely depend on the language in said administrator’s contract, not to mention the remainder of the term. Oh yeah, the pay is kind of important too, especially for a poor school district. Ya know…
Anyway, after taking these very practical matters into consideration and deciding whether it’s a matter worth addressing immediately or once the contract expires, school board members would then consult their attorney and eventually engage in severance package negotiations or a separation agreement of some sort with the unwanted superintendent. It may also be important that the outgoing employee help with the new administration’s transition.
In a perfect world, maybe.
But San Benito ain’t perfect, nor does it claim to be. Still, that doesn’t mean chaos should ensue. If waiting a week meant giving Limón the opportunity to hand his daughter her diploma at graduation and saving the board from the horrible fate of being branded bullies who victimized the poor superintendent and his daughter, then do it. Unless the man is under investigation for committing a crime of some sort and his mere presence puts the district in immediate danger, it’s difficult not to believe that this was personal.
I’m not necessarily agreeing with the notion that Limón’s suspension was as a result of a vendetta against him by the board majority. I’m merely pointing out the fact that this is how it looks. As leaders of an institution tasked with the education of the community’s children, setting the right example means everything. Considering as much, I’d like to conclude this with my own evaluation of the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s your duty to represent the district in a manner that advocates success, professionalism and transparency. In that regard, you have thus far failed miserably.
Thank God for the Lady ’Hounds. Were it not for the softball team, there’d be little to cheer about in San Benito.
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I was just informed that those 4 approved giving the interim the same salary as the Supt. Mr. Limon at last night’s board meeting. 1. Since when does SBCID have a board meeting on Friday night? 2. Where do these 4 expect to get the funds to pay TWO SUPTs? 3. Mrs. Rodriguez needs to REMEMBER that SHE is ONE OF SEVEN. 4. Telling everyone to say “NO COMMENT” when called by the newspaper is TOTALLY WRONG. 5. We elected you SEVEN. 6. Go ahead you 2 of the 4 and run for BOARD again, the people are just waiting for your decision… 7. The TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY is right around the corner when this district “goes up a stage in federal accountability”. 8. Become a register voter… May 2014 is right around the SB corner!
Those three controlling 90 million budget. May the Good Lord help all of SBCISD. This district will be more in the hole by the time school starts.
How in the world can this be allowed? Poor Ms. McCall… Who has to now explain everything about budgets to people who have NO BUSINESS being in a FINANCE COMMITTEE.
Praying for Mr. Limon’s return as THIS DISTEICT IS OUT OF CONTROL!!!
Thanks Mrs. Rodriguez.
Fatima, Julian, June on Finance Committee. How interesting! Puppets now control 90 million budget. That will make rodeo chuy happy.
Do you seriously believe they could even READ a budget?? Ship of Fools!
It is so sad to see how San Benito CISD has gained such a bad reputation. As a former SBCISD teacher, I cherish the days when it was ” For the Kids.” When there was “genuine’ interest for our children. The days when SBCISD was highly recognized for student achievement. I hope one day, we get to see those days again. Let’s stop making fun of each other and start making a change. God Bless SBCISD!!!
Filly – a young female horse (usually under 4 years of age)
We need Bob T. back in place!!!!
I’ve got a great idea…Don’t elect or re-elect\ ANYONE that currently holds or has formerly held any elected office in the City! At least we won’t make the same mistake twice…(IMHO, the SDBICD gang of four, and current city officials are mistakes), and the community deserves better!
TURN the PAGE!
The State will not over…get your facts straight right BOARD PRESIDENT, I mean Filli.
@Editor, I like the way you block the ‘reply’ for your and ‘Reform San Benito’ comments…. how childish. There are no ulterior motives except to keep Limon from being successful in a lawsuit, simply because I think he is ridiculous. Why don’t you ask him to give you all the recordings from every meeting he has had with parents and educators so you can see how truly vile he is. He hides them for a reason. And I don’t want to provide anything to the “media” cause the “media” is you, and you’re biased.
@ Reform, come on now, you really don’t believe that I am the school board president. Again, for the record, I am NOT the school board president. I think you’re being silly for making such an assumption. I am sure the interim superintendent has been following these threads and is aware of what is going on, if you were going into a situation like he is, wouldn’t you be following what is being said and asking questions, I have faith that he will. If not right now, then over the summer, nevertheless, he will know. I don’t follow politics so I don’t keep up with who is who’s love interest but if the attorney made a wrong recommendation, then its his job on the line. What people fail to realize is that more can be done if they are actively involved instead of leaving it up solely to the school board, citizens should speak up at school board meetings and not be afraid. Unfortunately, under Limon everyone including educators were afraid to speak up and stand up for what is right because of his retaliation. And retaliate he did.
Author
Filli, this website’s default setup allows 10 comments per thread. That’s not childish. That’s WordPress.
On another note, you seem to be convinced that I’m biased yet offer no reason or rationale. How convenient. Regardless of where you stand on these recent events, one cannot argue that the board’s handling of the superintendent’s departure has further divided this community. Yet here you are withholding information that could prevent further divide; information you claim justifies the superintendent’s suspension beyond what we already know. That doesn’t appear to me like you’re serving the best interest of the district or the community. It appears as though you’re serving the best interest of your ulterior motive: keeping Limon from being successful in a lawsuit because you “think” he is ridiculous. Your words.
What’s interesting is that such a divide will adversely affect the future superintendent’s ability to heal these wounds, whether it would be Alfonso Obregon in the interim role or the candidates reportedly being considered in a permanent capacity, such as Ray Saldana, Jr. and Sylvia Atkinson. You’ve simply misinterpreted my acknowledgement of as much: You call it bias. I call it accountability.
That board president with the new-old name was on the board when the “old board” was in charge. Let us not forget that. She’s not in the “new board”. That would be her three puppets and mrs Cruz. You seem to forget that
Thank you, sir. I agree, either the state takes over or privatization.
I can’t understand why Mr.Limon first gave the excuse that the reason for his suspension was about the DA’s investigation,then changed his story to it being about BC choir teachers investigation.before all this an announcement of new appointments to schools,and then before that the sympathy plea concerning giving out the diploma to his daughter,what gives ? Maybe the statements made by Filli have some merit,maybe more is to come.
Over the years education has become big bucks,now every Tom,Dick,and Harry are trying to jump in ,and fill their pockets,nothing to do whatsoever about your students,their secondary,in this battle,real professionals,professional educators,yeah,right.And there’s enough blame for both sides,so share.The school system will continue in shambles,doesn’t matter which group is in charge.I see the need in the future for more private schools,since it doesn’t appear that the public sector is able to handle the charge,of course along with this goes all your jobs,educators.
Well Said Mr. Editor, Now try to get a Comment, Answer or get them to return your calls and they will tell you “No Comment”!!!!
To: Filli, June Aguilera commented in one of the meeting that “Mr.Limon was doing a Fantastic Job” & that was no to long ago before Mr. Medrano had them Conner with all his finding with All the Wrong doing her and the President(Yliana Rodriguez where doing). As soon as he ended in the hospital the first thing they where try to do was to get him out as a Board Meember.
It’s Not about the Kids with this 4 Board Member, Filli, you said “They lack resources in the class room”…Whatever !!! Yiliana Rodriguez has been elected twice. So, what!! “are you saying she & her Puppets have Done NOTHING for the kids… Well, remember they had him under that he could Not spend any $$ plus they calling special Board Meeting ever week just to tell Mr. Limon on what he could spend & who he could hire. This four Board Member all they care for is “Who they want to hire” who they want to give Raise to which really is only been there own Familys members & followers. Then they Back stab each other in the back.
Huerta’s, you are the laugh and joke of your own “So call supporters” they laugh and talk behind your back, On how they use you both as puppets. Just wait for the stab in the back it will come…
If the school board is not doing their job, then elect people who will. As for the purchasing and hiring/firing, that happened recently so that’s not even a valid argument because Limon was in charge up until February of this year for purchasing.
You all are about back stabbing, anger, and hate. We all know that the school district is littered with the same families. As I see it, you want to turn the school board against each other but remember that they still have to provide a service to the school district and certainly with what people are trying to do, it’s not going to help students in any way.
You all are not going to be happy until the state takes over.
School board pres quote in another newspaper was “he was suspended for reasons that need to be investigated” that quote alone seems to lack common sense. Wouldn’t you investigate before you suspend him with pay? Now that would make sense
Anybody can be suspended during an investigation, not only in school but any agency or company.
SHe is quick to launch an investigation EXCEPT when it’s on her.
the leaders of san benito school board are an embarrassment….damn…i wish the people of san benito would vote for people who have some brains rather than them being their friends or cousins….why dont you do something good for the sake of the kids for once and help with their education…like extra teachers…im sure lots of other cities around the valley are laughing at us again…
GO LADY GREYHOUNDS…WIN SB A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP….AND DONT ACCEPT A CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD
That’s right, Filli is the “no comment” trustee. Seems that way. So I am challenging FILLI! And when I run FILLI its not so I can loose.
What? That’s ridiculous, I am not on the school board, whoa, really? You all really think that! Amazing, explains why the school district and our community are in the shape they are in. :/
Mr. Editor, you are 100%, absolutely RIGHT!!!
“Filli” if you want us to believe you…then tell us who you really are??
I can guess who you are if I am right…then you are simply trying to justify what YOU did on the school board!!
along with your puppets!!
🙂
@ Art, I have nothing to do with the board, but that’s an idea, maybe I can run for the school board next time around. Oh my gosh, your comments are truly funny, thanks for the laughs. 🙂
San Benito is a poor school district because of the poverty in our area based on families incomes but the school district has enough money to pay for an interim since it is in the best interest of our children’s education.
Remember your 12/24/12 issue in which Limon said “….In addition to having a surplus of $16.9 million in savings and enough to award $1,000 bonuses to qualifying school district employees, to the total amount of $1.5 million.”
The students are short changed in their education because the school district, under Limon, has made choices that do not put Students First! like hiring the already school district employed tax assessor in the Assistant Director position for Safe Schools, Healthy Students program (why was he getting paid two checks from the school district when he was already employed during the same hours in one job) or like ordering $11,000 of supplies that remained unused for years because the principal wanted them instead of what was the best way for students to learn, not to mention the top heavy administration, Departments need to be streamlined to work in a smooth flowing operation.
Under Limon’s leadership, students were underserved…. they lacked the resources in the classroom. He was well aware of what was going on but chose to underserve our students.
The students and our community will continue to struggle in building a strong educational foundation. The focus should be on students’ education and how they are going to get the best possible education while leaving out all the favoritism that is ongoing in the district because Limon condoned it. Whether anyone feels it is the right time to replace Limon or not, it has happened and its time put Students First!
I can’t believe you really want to use his handing the diploma to his daughter as an excuse for his unjustifiable actions. I know first hand that Limon is capable of lying about facts, so if it was deemed he was obstructing the investigation then there must be justification for doing so. After all, it’s not the first time Limon has lied to cover up his mistakes.
P.S. Limon is one of those vile, despicable persons and he is the one who brought up his daughter first. That’s sad. I think we all have some of those qualities at one time or another, even if its a fleeting thought, in our lives… that people can’t see it in themselves is what brings all this upheaval in our community. We tend to look at things subjectively (feelings) instead of objectively (based on facts). So you don’t like the school board, then make more informed choices based on what they can contribute to the school district instead of voting for your friends or what you can get out of it.
Author
Unjustifiable actions? If this is true then proof must exist that Limon committed some sort of wrongdoing in the handling of the Alfredo Hernandez, Jr. case. If so, spill it. Otherwise you and the board are covering up information. If it’s not true, then you’re basing an argument on assumptions and speculation.
The point of my column is just that. The board has done more to hurt its own reputation by orchestrating circumstances that have only served to victimize Limon and brand the trustees as bullies, choosing to remain silent in the process which only creates more suspicion. You can argue about whether this is true or not, but the fact of the matter is that people believe the board is in the wrong as a result of the trustees’ own ineffectiveness in mishandling the matter, a point you inadvertently made by calling into question Limon’s leadership and your belief that the district and the students it serves have suffered under such leadership. Much of this has not been shared by board members as to the cause of the superintendent’s suspension; such words haven’t even been uttered when asked why Limon has been under fire for months. We’re hearing it from “Filli” on sbnewspaper.com.
So again, if what you have claimed here is true, all it proves is that this board has (once again) failed miserably in resolving important issues in a timely and proper way. What the board has instead accomplished is suspending its superintendent on accusations of blocking an investigation without first holding its own in-house probe to decide if the charges were even true. The result? Strategically speaking, the board has effectively made a martyr out of a man who, according to you, is a vile and despicable person.
Bravo.
Editor: From everything I said, that’s all you took from it… unjustifiable actions? (shaking my head) By unjustifiable actions, I meant everything Limon has done in the course of his leadership to under serve students. Unfortunately, it has come down to one single action to get him suspended. Limon himself said that the board had to make a decision soon because of the deadlines imposed on the school board for action. Yet when they finally took action, everyone is so surprised. Its been ongoing for weeks and weeks. Keep in mind that the board took such action after seeking legal advise and when an attorney is involved a school board will not make a decision based on a vendetta as you all proclaim but rather on facts.
Limon is of the lowest form of leadership that you can find in private or public agencies, organizations, and companies. If the board is not aware of the true dealings of this so called great superintendent then it is because he did not inform them, and lied about the situations. Yes, he does lie. I am a witness to his lies. The “old” school board were the ones that were aware of it or should have been, however, they never did anything about it. You all are blaming the “new” school board for things that the “old” school board did not address. Limon should have been suspended years ago.
Now, as an Editor of the newspaper, you are responsible for the overall integrity of the newspaper, however, you are miserably failing by highlighting your personal biased views, which are instigating further unrest in the community. You are not seeking truth, you are flaming the fire.
The solution to this whole situation is to have the state take over the school district, so it can get back on track. Otherwise, our community will continue to be torn and forever be known as “Shame Benito”.
Citizens of San Benito, don’t be bullied by this few individuals that make all these negative statements. They have their own self-serving reasons for wanting to keep such a bad leader to look after your children. School board members come and go, the only constant thing that remains is the leadership provided by the Superintendent. If you have problems with what is going on in school with your children and the principal at the school does not take action to correct it, tell the board, let them know, otherwise, it will be swept under the rug the way Limon did it. Remember, Students First!
Author
Wrong again, Filli. That deadline was not to take action on the superintendent’s contract (or in this case his suspension) but on his evaluation. Limon had previously cited state policy indicating that the board had to complete his evaluation every 15 months, which ended in May.
I also considered everything you stated here when I made my initial reply, and my point still stands: “…if what you have claimed here is true, all it proves is that this board has (once again) failed miserably in resolving important issues in a timely and proper way. What the board has instead accomplished is suspending its superintendent on accusations of blocking an investigation without first holding its own in-house probe to decide if the charges were even true. The result? Strategically speaking, the board has effectively made a martyr out of a man who, according to you, is a vile and despicable person.”
Simply stating that “Limon is of the lowest form of leadership…” or that “Under Limon’s leadership, students were underserved…” does not mean you’ve refuted the column or the points I made in my reply. You’re merely operating on your say-so yet offering no proof to back your allegations. Besides, the board’s gross mishandling of the matter and its public perception are the topics at hand, not necessarily Limon’s effectiveness.
You may also want to take note of the fact that staff columns and editorials are quite common in the newspaper biz. I’m just more vocal. Still, if you’re going to seriously claim that I’m biased or that I’m somehow “flaming the fire” (I think you meant fanning the flames), then I must advise you to lay off the kool-aid.
The “overall integrity of the newspaper,” meanwhile, remains intact.
You are so inappropriate. But I can see that being you. Regardless of what you use your position as editor, you are still ‘ fanning the flames’ and ‘adding fuel to the fire”, maybe you should lay off the kool-aid… for instigating is not professional at all. When the need arises, and it will if Limon decides to file a lawsuit, then all facts will be on the table. And if you all see him as a martyr then that explains why the district is still struggling with providing to meet the academic needs of students. Shame on you.
Author
Why wait for a lawsuit, Filli? If you’re that concerned for the school district and the students it serves, present these facts to the San Benito News at 356 N. Sam Houston Blvd. Ask for the managing editor.
First of all, I feel that the new interim superintendent will look at the district objectively, is now aware what transpires in the school district, and will address those issues accordingly, after all, any decent person in charge will address the students needs. I have faith that he will along with the school board with proper guidance. Those school board members that have been on the board for years and years should take a more proactive approach to better the school district instead of only defending Limon and the past school board members. If they had done their job before this new board, the students’ academic level would not be where it is now. On the other hand, I will provide the information to the school district attorney’s at any given time and not to you, simply because you don’t really play a role in the school district except to fan the flames and have only shown biased opinions. Nothing, not even facts, changes the minds of people like you.
Author
“…play no role in the school district except to fan the flames” …yet here you are, presenting no facts but somehow expecting to change minds. Refusing to provide these facts to the media yet conveniently providing them to an attorney indicates ulterior motives. After all, I didn’t realize such vital information is privileged.
I seem to remember, in the not too distant past, a mayor of this city didn’t like the advice that an attorney gave that ended with his ouster from office. That mayor, having regained his position, immediately fired the attorney and replaced the attorney with another who does everything the mayor wants.
What we have watched the board do is go through attorney’s until they got the one who will do what the majority wants. The attorney the board has now, Filli, will of course do what the board president wants; it’s the reason he got the job in the first place.
Filli, much of what you allege, if true, I don’t support and am glad to see people stand up against. The problem I, and many people have is, if these accusations against Limon are true, the board president should speak out and state facts, not innuendo. A state of the school district address, wherein these allegations are detailed, would go a long way in silencing critics. People of this community are generally fair. Show them the proof, and they will support you.
The problem is, when you give an employee a “meets expectations” evaluation, you cannot turn around and say “he did this, this this and this wrong.” If the employees’ transgressions have not been well documented as they occurred, the board has opened up themselves and the didtrict to a substantial liability. That’s basic H.R. 101. Any inexperienced attorney should be able to tell you that. Unless, of course, the attorney is blinded by the board president’s ambition.
Filli stated: “I feel that the new interim superintendent will look at the district objectively, is now aware what transpires in the school district, and will address those issues accordingly….”
How can the new super be “aware what transpires in the school district” already? He’s been on the job less than a week — he’s been to every school to see what transpires? Now that is as dumb a statement as you’ve muttered, Silli Filli. Who is he, Superman?
If he’s currently aware what transpires, who made him aware? If he’s had any conversation with the Mean Girls, he’s certainly not objective. So, Filli, the issues he will address accordingly — are those issues, by any chance, more vendettas to remove those who might be loyal to Limon?
“…address those issues accordingly….” My, my, Yliana, err, I mean, Filli. Careful, this board might go down as the one who bankrupted an entire district settling lawsuits.
Send in the clowns.
These corrupt, despicable four have proven once again that they are not here for the children; their primary intent is vendetta against Limon no matter the cost to the children. Instead of letting the Lady Hounds bask in the spotlight of their achievement after months of hard work, these miserable, inconsiderate four had to steal their spotlight and rob them of, perhaps, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bask in their accomplishment before an entire community. In the process, they robbed this entire community of a chance to feel good about itself and celebrate the achievements of some very special young ladies.
Decisions this poor are not mistakes. Actions this vile are premeditated. Yliana Rodriguez exhibited poor decision making immediately following her re-election with the illegal and unethical insurance letter, and Yliana Gonzales made one of the most atrocious decisions this community has seen in some time with the timing of this action. Rodriguez. Gonzales. How can this woman be expected to lead and make sound decisions for a school district when she doesn’t even know who she is?!
Regardless of how anyone feels about Antonio Limon, there is no denying that whatever hatred these four feel towards him clouded their judgment and overcame their obligation to the children of this school district. In their calculated, diabolical plan to deny him his long-anticipated dream of handing his daughter her diploma, they never once thought about the student who is his daughter. They never once considered the impact on her, or how they were impacting an entire graduating class. They never once considered how the timing of their plan would undermine the accomplishments of a dozen or so student-athletes who this week deserve this community’s attention and admiration.
If any of these loathsome four tell you they did consider these students before taking this action less than three weeks before the end of the school year, then their ability to lead and make decisions for this district is worse than I thought.
It appears there may only be two board members re-elected and the rest will probably be voted out or maybe they will just not seek re-elections saving them time and money.
Mr. Editor, your comment that “they have failed miserably” is right on target! Thank you for saying what we all have known for some time. Go Lady Greyhounds!