By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Special to the NEWS
Superintendent Antonio G. Limon
At the regularly scheduled meeting of the San Benito CISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday, Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón’s contract was one of several items on the agenda, alongside the matter of whether or not the district would hire a budget consultant.
While no decision was made as to the renewal of the superintendent’s contract, other decisions were reached in which the board was unable to collectively agree, one being the district’s need of a budget consultant.
When asked by trustee Anna Cruz whether he thought the district actually needed such a budget consultant, the superintendent said, “No.”
While Cruz maintained that the board “does not need a consultant because (Business Manager) Emma (McCall) works with the budget” and discusses items of interest with Limón, and at least one other trustee agreed with her, a motion was ultimately passed to hire a budget consultant.
School Board President Yliana G. Rodriguez further stated it should be the board’s decision, apart from the superintendent, to select said consultant. Rodriguez said Tuesday, “I requested and suggested that we (trustees) were the ones to decide who the budget consultant is going to be.”
Opposed to hiring a budget consultant was trustee Hector Leal, who said he felt “strongly that Mr. Limón recommend” the consultant to the board, should one be hired. This, however, might not be possible, being that another topic on Tuesday’s agenda consisted of stripping Limón’s purchasing power from $25,000 down to $5,000 and less. If the new budget consultant is hired at a pay scale greater than $5,000, it must be the board and not the superintendent who hires the individual or group.
The decision to limit Limón’s purchasing power was voted upon by the board in an outcome of four in favor to two opposed.
As to why Rodriguez senses an urgent need for such a consultant, the president stated, “We (board) did not balance the budget at the right time (this school year)… I feel it’s necessary to get a budget consultant.”
Since legislation mandated financial cutbacks in districts state-wide, SBCISD has accordingly sliced its budget. Both Limón and McCall stated at separate times throughout the meeting that the budget is not balanced, though funds remain in a separate account called the fund balance. McCall explained that dipping into the fund balance will not balance the district’s budget.
The superintendent said, “When we were working on the budget, we cut and we cut and we cut and we still couldn’t get a balanced budget.”
Secretary June Aguilera said Tuesday that more programs for children and benefits for staff could exist if a budget consultant were hired to show where exactly the district’s funds existed. Aguilera stated that more cutbacks in certain areas could enhance other departments she felt are worthy of additional funding.
McCall said, to Aguilera, even if “we cut those (programs mentioned by Aguilera), we would still be dipping further into the balanced budget because the budget is not balanced.”
The argument moved back and forth as Aguilera stated, “If you have to cut something (from any department), start at the top.” She further said, “As a board member, I want [budget] guidance.” Trustee personalities clashed as the board passed the president’s motion to hire a budget consultant, in a split vote of four to two.
Secretary June Aguilera stated, “The budget is ours (board’s) to make sure everything is right.” Aguilera said she felt strongly that it was the board’s responsibility to oversee any and all items relative to the budget. Agreeing with Aguilera was the board president.
With limitations in approving expenditures over $5,000, Limón will not be able to approve funding for certain expenditures for the district. In fact, a special board meeting has already been called for Tuesday, February 25, in which items such as air condition repair and student iPads are on the agenda due to these expenses exceeding the $5,000 spending limit for the superintendent. Regarding general operations, Limón said, “If the board wants to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the district, that’s fine with me.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, a visibly upset Cruz stated she did not want these extra responsibilities, which in her opinion belong to the superintendent and McCall. Cruz said, “We don’t run the district. Mr. Limón does.”
Read this story in the Feb. 24 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
12 comments
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Galindo: you are sooooo right! This board of 4 needs to get a clue real fast. Each of you will be held accountable when The Texas Education Agency comes a knocking. Just research what happens to boards (like up the valley) when you get involved in district day to day operations and bids. You can count on the cameras watching. Your friends are very happy to talk.
Four minutes for the special board meeting tonight. How disrespectful can that group of 4 get.
If the supt. recommends everything and he said at the meeting that he was not recommending a budget consulant, then why did SBCISD hire someone? Please answer board president!
I noticed that an emergency repair at the VMA needs to be done, but hasnt been done because it’s pending board approval. This is ridiculous! That Secretary keeps saying that she’s here for the children of this district. Actions speak louder than words!
In regards to the hiring of a “Budget Consultant”, per…………….
TEXAS EDUCATION CODE / TITLE 2. PUBLIC EDUCATION / SUBTITLE C. LOCAL ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE / CHAPTER 11. SCHOOL DISTRICTS
SUBCHAPTER D. POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sec. 11.1513. EMPLOYMENT POLICY.
To summarize, the School Board adopts a policy for the employment and duties of district personnel (i.e. Budget Consultant).
The employment policy must provide that: (2)The superintendent has sole authority to make recommendations to the board regarding the selection of all personnel other than the superintendent;…
The board of trustees may accept or reject the superintendent’s recommendation regarding the selection of district personnel ………….
If the board rejects the superintendent’s recommendation, the superintendent shall make alternative recommendations until the board accepts a recommendation.
Bottom line is it is the authority or responsibility of Superintendent Limon to recommend if a “Budget Consultant” is required and to present candidates to the School Board for their approval or rejection until the board accepts a recommendation.
It is the School Board’s responsibility to set policy and the Superintendent Limon’s responsibility to implement the adopted policy. Any involvement and interference by the School Board in deciding whether a budget consultant is required or the selection of candidates amounts to ”MICRO-MANAGING”.
Micromanagement is a concept that is not conducive to accomplishing the often quoted “mission”; “It is all about the KIDS!”
The Show will continue at the Special SBCISD Board Meeting on Monday. There are 11, count them, 11 agenda items that NOW REQUIRE board approval because of those 4 LIMITING the purchasing power of the superintendent. BEYOND BELIEF!!!
There are 6 months between now and August and I just know that whatever money is left for the employees’ raises, will go right down the drain with this undisciplined board. They will spend it on trying to get rid of the superintendent, bringing in their “own” personal friend attorney, and for sure grievances that are just down the road for the way they treat the SBCISD employees.
If Mr. Limon needs to go then do it respectfully. Gang of 4 has no clue how to show respect.
These young board members have not operated in a business environment that requires familiarity with General Ledgers & Profit & Loss Statements. It’s not that they are attempting to micro manage, all they are merely attempting to do is show the superintendent (and the public) what powers they think they have. This is beyond the ridiculous point now, and in their attempt to limit the purchasing powers of Mr Limon, invoices and purchase order requests will accumulate. Vendors will not be paid as promptly as before, and items needed or repairs that need to be performed will be back logged.
These four board members have cast a huge black cloud on our city, what a shame.
He does know how to run the district. What is it that you all don’t get? It is not these four or the other four(Mr.t,de la Fuente, Gonzalez, Medrano). The super. Needs to go. Find someone that does not watch the stadium grass grow.
I commend Mr. Leal and Mrs. Cruz for speaking up. Does June think she is a one person board? Get real lady. For the children? Really. Do not play that card lady. You and your 3 friends need to remember that as elected officials you answer to the public. Didn’t you read the Editor’s column last week? Suggest you get a copy or read it here online.
The SBCISD Community is watching and listening… Your behavior to the school attorney Mr. OHanlon was beyond description. He and his firm are highly regarded in the state. You on the other hand need to learn about public discussion. And while you are at it, learn to turn on your microphone. Maybe post a sign by it so you will remember and not keep throwing up your hands when people remind you. You may have a loud manner of speaking, but the SBCISD Video does not catch all your words.
Your puppet master Y. Rodriguez is just sitting back and watching your show.
Reminder to Mrs. Board President, suggest you re-read the Editor’s column. Dinner anyone?
Mrs. Cruz is exactly right.. the superintendent runs the district. What part of that do those other 4 not get. I applaud Mr. Leal and Mrs. Cruz. We pray for Mr. Medrano’s return. As stated in the article they have to call a special board meeting now for February 25 to approve items that Mr. Limon should be doing. This behavior by the board of 4 is disgusting.