SHAKE UP: Limón makes several principal reassignments

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

SBCISD logoFacing possible suspension on Thursday, San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón confirmed on Monday a number of administrative changes in assurance of the district’s progression, he said.

“To ensure that the district continues moving in the forward direction, I am making the following reassignments of personnel for the 2013-2014 school year,” Limón said before announcing principal swaps at five campuses.

Citing authority that he said “belongs strictly to the superintendent,” Limón reassigned on Monday San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy Principal Teresa Servellon to serve as principal at San Benito High School. It’s a position that current SBHS principal, Delia Weaver, will vacate on June 30.

Weaver has previously attributed her pending departure to long-awaited retirement plans, this after 36 years of employment with San Benito CISD, the last six of which as high school principal.

Replacing Servellon as VMA principal will be SBHS Assistant Principal Henry Sanchez, Limón said, adding that Frank Roberts Elementary School Principal Gilbert Galvan has been reassigned as principal at Ed Downs Elementary. Limón previously stated that Tim Moon, who has served as principal at Ed Downs for two years, indicated his plans to resign at the end of this school year as a result of a pending move to another district.

In addition, Fred Booth Elementary School Assistant Principal Carmen Ramos was reassigned as Frank Roberts principal by the superintendent.

“I have authority to make those reassignments, authority which belongs strictly to the superintendent,” Limón said.

Such action was taken by Limón after learning on Monday of a special board meeting, reportedly called by School Board President Yliana G. Rodriguez, in which trustees will discuss and take possible action on “the employment status and possible investigation of the superintendent, including but not limited to, placing the superintendent on paid administrative leave.”

The meeting, which is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at the John F. Barron Administration Building on 240 N. Crockett St. in San Benito, will also include the discussion and possible action by the Board of Trustees on employing an interim superintendent.

Limón has said that he’s uncertain as to why an investigation would be sought against him; however, he alleged that the motivations behind his removal are to “embarrass” his family. “The whole issue is to prevent me from being on stage when my daughter graduates,” said Limón, whose daughter, a San Benito High School senior, is scheduled to graduate with the rest of her class on Friday, June 7.

Attempts to reach Yliana G. Rodriguez for comment have been unsuccessful as of 5:30 p.m.

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47 comments

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    • one of "none of these people" on May 24, 2013 at 11:41 pm
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    You have no idea of what you speak. Such blanket statements as “none of these people belong as principals, anywhere, and lets not leave out Snavely” is unsupportable generalized idiocy –a slap in the face to anyone who has served as a teacher or administrator anywhere in Texas. Shall I point out to you, my intelligent friend, that teachers and administrators go into this profession to serve children. Please check salary scales for teachers and principals in good old SBCISD. None of the aforementioned people are here for the money–a principal in SBCISD makes about 10K less than a principal in other RGV districts. The so called “none of these people” do not stay for money–they stay to serve kids in THIS community because they have a deeply rooted connection to San Benito. Please, do not humiliate yourself with such idiotic notions.

  1. hi sir am a student from vma you go do your thang show does dudes whos the boss oo yea we mexicans are the boom:}}

    • WeThePeople on May 24, 2013 at 1:15 am
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    So what does the board do??? Appoint Alfonso Abregon as interim superintendent who was with Robstown ISD where a state audit uncovered $1.27 million in grant money had been misspent.

    http://www.texaswatchdog.org/2011/06/robstown-isd-misspending-in-127-million-grant-for-migrant-children/1307117611.column

      • Reality bites on May 24, 2013 at 10:48 am
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      Bloggers like “we the people”. Apparently you are illiterate. If read closely on the last paragraph it clearly states that Obregon was not superintendent at the time which absolutely gives no merit or value to your comment. People like you need to stop making wrongful accusations!!!

    • Citizen Maria on May 23, 2013 at 10:32 pm
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    Miller Jordan doesn’t even have paper and the board president and her gang want to buy the Sup. out of his contract and hire someone else instead of allowing him to finish out his contract? That would be 2 huge salaries the district cannot fiscally sustain. Oh and everyone knows the Sup. has not done a good job…just let him finish out his contract and be done with him. This might be mute given the meeting that took place tonight.

    • Mandy on May 23, 2013 at 11:20 am
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    Mr.Hector Rendon or Mr. Henry Sanchez for SUPERINTENDENT !!!!!!

    • Reform San Benito on May 22, 2013 at 7:47 pm
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    In May 2014, places 4 (Aguilera), 5 (Hector Leal), 6 (Oscar Medrano), and 7 (Julian Huerta) are up for re-election. We need to re-elect Leal and Medrano, and find two viable candidates who will work with them to fix the mistakes from this majority, to run against Aguilera and Julian Huerta. Hopefully Oscar and Hector have two strong candidates to run as a block.

    Who would everyone else like to see on the board with them to straighten out this mess?

    • Oh wow on May 22, 2013 at 6:23 pm
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    Resolve parent concerns? How by imposing his or his wife’s opinion. Trouble with cheerleaders? Oh, let make them all varsity cheerleaders. You child didn’t get on the team. Oh my, lets put him/her anyway. Is that how you resolve problems. Really? As to the principal at VMA, even the hs kids are complaining.

    • Annette on May 22, 2013 at 8:09 am
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    This whole thing is such an embarrassment to the city of San Benito. A school board member should be required to have AT LEAST a college education. How can you place a person who is uneducated against a person who is and expect them to make fair and meaningful decisions which are based on knowledge and experience. Of course there are going to be questions, concerns and bad decisions when you place ANYONE on the board. GEEZZZZZ

  2. I don’t know where Andy and Bobby Oso have been for these last few years but if you think no one at VMA is jumping for joy that Servillion is being reassigned you must have been somewhere with your head stuck in the sand! Servillon is ruthless, has no people skills, lacks commen sense, lacks leadership skills, lacks motivational skills and more importantly lacks commen courtesy and she absolutily has N0 CLASS! She is one of dumbest educators I know! Don’t just take my word for just ask the teachers at Sullivan , Ed Downs and now at VMA! There are PLENTY off them that can and want to complain BUT most fear for their jobs an just wont. Pick any campus and ask them tif they have heard about Servillon I guarantee they will call her the “B” word, and they would be right! She thinks she is GOD and can fire at will employees for own vindictive reason, now the shoe other foot, lets see how things play Out now that they are going to moved!

    Neither are a happy Are you? Thik about how many lives you have affected in the same way.’everyone Works because they need a job and you all play GOD without eve blinking! You don’t realize that ALL the people will be affected. But know that the shoe is on the other foot you maybe you should reconsider how you treat EVERYONE !

    And they is that whole mess of her higher her own son to work as a consultant !
    I guess she just called in a favor to the superintendent And what to you know he was hired! And the. The rumors started flying around about hi. Arriving late to class, returning late From lunch with either his or grandmother, must be nice take Ll the time you need while the rest of us follow the rules ,But wait it does end there once he got dropped off from his 2hour Lunch with grandma he would then look for students to go skip class with. Remember whe had need at that campus and still knew where all those hotspots were. So there he we to skip class (among other things) To skip class or do whatever else he does, as I’m sure we have all those stories, just Ask the students they can tell you what he likes!

    FOR ALL OUR SAKES LETS PREY THIS WILL All BE OVER SOON

      • Bobby Oso on May 23, 2013 at 8:40 am
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      I have not had my head stuck in the sand all these years. I have actually been in college, trying to get a college education. Obviously something you lack. I hate to be the Grammatical Nazi, but before you go on a rant, please check your spelling and make sure your sentences make sense to the public. My grammar is not the best either, but at least the public will understand. One other thing, why would you bring her son into this? How would you know about her son being a consultant?

      By the way, I am still not jumping for joy.

      • Andy on May 23, 2013 at 11:59 am
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      I wish you could articulate what your are trying to say, I got a headache trying to read your comment. Sure glad you are not an educator.

      • Not surprised at all!!! on May 23, 2013 at 10:06 pm
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      The truth hurts, you hit it on the nail!!! You described Servellon exactly as she is! She is a so low class and has absolutely no compassion for her employees or students. Unless you happen to be one of her favorites! In order to be a great leader you must posses compassion!! Mr Andy and oso, you all obviously have not worked under her or are related to her…heck I wouldn’t doubt if its servellon defending herself on here! After all we all know she spends half the day stalking teachers Facebook pages! Ridiculous!!!!! You two commenters defending this ruthless principal have it all wrong vma planning a party once the confirmation of her departure is official !!! Sorry to burst your bubble, but there is definitely a lot of jumping for joy at vma!!!! Just so you know.

        • Bobby Oso on May 24, 2013 at 10:08 pm
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        Looks like you know a lot about what is going on at VMA.. you must obviously be employed there… just saying

          • Not surprised at all!!! on May 25, 2013 at 6:54 am
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          @ Bobby Darn straight I know a lot! I only stated a tiny bit of what’s going on at VMA because let me tell you there is a lot more to tell, but all in time! What difference does it make if I’m an employee at VMA????? Facts are facts employee or not! Guess she can’t go run to the superintendent, her buddy, for favors anymore maybe now the district will open their eyes and get rid of this administrator who lacks everything a leader should posses! I know VMA has lost and continues to lose great teachers because of who they have running that school! Well seems like things are finally about to change for the better.

      • Parent on May 23, 2013 at 11:09 pm
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      I am a parent from Ed Downs. My children went there and not once did she acknowledge any parents presence in the halls. She avoided all of us and then made up all these new rules about parents being on campus. She does not have people skills whatsoever. What kind of administrator has pictures of herself partying at bars with other district employees? Shameful and disgusting.

    • Jose G on May 21, 2013 at 7:56 pm
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    It’s a sad day for all of the people of San Benito. So many families who are friends, neighbors and family who all living in such a small town. How can we allow so much politics both in our local government and school systems to slowly but surely tear apart the future of our children. What is rush in removing Mr. limon when there is just weeks before the end of a school year. Allow me to say what goes around comes around. There has to be justice in the hearts of people. The honest true consider the welfare of the children and the young people who will be graduating in a few days. How sad for the board members whom’s agenda has no morals involved. We are all citizens of San Benito families of the community. We either make or break our city and the future memories of our graduating class! What a way to end the year. Can’t we allow wisdom to operate in the decisions we make. May we reflect and have some compassion to rule our hearts for the sake for justice and peace rather then allowing our proper agenda to leave a trail of unforgettable memories that our children and community will have to live with for years to come. May God bless our City of San Benito and the wonderful people and families that struggle to live and make this a community of love.

    • Joevette on May 21, 2013 at 1:33 pm
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    we need to remove the school board of trusties these people just wanted to get elected to eat free at the meetings have you seen Fatima,Julian,and June have you seen these people its like wowww free food every time a meeting is held as for Rodriguez who put this idiot in charge people making decisions to help their own family’s and the others cant make decisions on their own.

    Good Luck Mr.Limon

    • Andy on May 21, 2013 at 11:34 am
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    JUST SO YOU KNOW, NO ONE AT VMA IS JUMPING FOR JOY THAT MRS. SERVELLON IS LEAVING.

      • Bobby Oso on May 21, 2013 at 11:07 pm
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      I agree…

      • Watching from Above on May 22, 2013 at 9:19 am
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      I agree as well. The worst thing she’s done is make people work and be accountable to the community’s children.

    • Shame on May 21, 2013 at 11:25 am
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    Shame on all the voters who voted for Yliana – a board member whose loyalty belongs to another city, who works for another city, who doesn’t make herself available to the community/city she was elected to work for and help. Does she even pay local taxes?

    I can’t say much about the Huertas, everyone knows June represents her daddy and not herself – a sad way to live if you ask me. And June’s daddy – well run on your own and do things yourself for a change.

    Rumor about a Red Ant taking the interim super position – wow! How is that progress? He’s not a head principal or head coach anymore or been for a long time for a reason.

    If Limon really needed to be suspended, he would have been back when all this started (months ago). With less than 3 weeks until the school year finishes, I don’t see why suspending him can’t wait or buying him out or whatever other propaganda the 4some can think of.

      • WeThePeople on May 21, 2013 at 8:17 pm
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      Her name is Atkinson. Write that down.

    • I c all on May 21, 2013 at 8:36 am
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    Investigation???? Hmmmm I wonder
    if it has to do with all the cover up’s and favoritism going on

    • veronica on May 21, 2013 at 8:34 am
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    sorry to say but all you people stating that they need to get rid of the board members are being ridiculous our school system has always been a joke seriously now that we have people here that are trying to right you all want them out I guess you people don’t get embarrassed having the SBCISD employees on blast all the time from the top of the chain to the bottom. before they never gave light to what they were up to for the fact that everyone covered each others butt now their isn’t any of that so now everyone including Mr. Limon are crying wolf. Its like they say only a guilty conscious would make him think that they are out to embarrass his family and not let him give his daughter the diploma. seriously the night is about her why does he have to make it a personal vendetta towards him so in reality whos embarrassing his family. he is because he himself went to the press to get attention why didn’t he do it before. Times change the demands of children are different and honestly as a parent to three kids in this school district it has become a dam joke because I had never heard of so much drama in a district until Limon stepped in because he even sucked as a dam principal I know that for a fact because he was my principal at Miller Jordan. at this point all you people are caring about is whats good for the board and limon has everyone forgotten the ones that matter here are the kids because with no kids no one has a job because san benito cisd wont exist.

    • Wizo Face! on May 21, 2013 at 12:39 am
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    Go Hounds!

    • A SB High School student's Parent on May 20, 2013 at 10:38 pm
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    People we should go make them all aware that We ARE watching and know that they are making a Fools of themselves!!…lol…. So stupid.. it’s obvious that they are taking this to a personal level. Why are you conducting this meeting behind closed Doors?….U claim its all for the students!!…Then for ONCE IN YOUR life as a President …Tell everyone what you have against Mr Limon..since day one??…U Want His Job???…if thats it….I SURE PRAY/Hope that FellowSan Benito voters/citizens DONT hesitate topicket across the street of the Ad.blg. To keep that from happening!

    Huertas Shame on you! So sad to see what you have become. What has the PuppetMaster promised you?? Higher pay for all your brothers, sisters, family members that work for the district?

      • Mandy on May 23, 2013 at 11:18 am
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      Mr. Henry Sanchez should be the NEXT superintendent most honest man in the whole SBCISD district along with Mr. Hector Rendon either one would be so AWESOME !!!!!!

        • one of "none of these people" on May 25, 2013 at 12:47 am
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        Mandy–please elaborate as to your reasons for the glowing recommendations. I think both of these men are morale and fine educators, but the superintendency is an entirely different animal than an AP or CATE director. I feel we must look for someone freed from the “Godfathers” so prevalent in our community. The last one we hired was named Felipe Alaniz–and we were only able to keep him 8 months, but in those short eight months he generated a period of sustained improvement that lasted most of the Joe D. tenure, and to an extent was held over through the A. Limon tenure. He established systems of accountability through alignment, instruction and benchmarks that worked. It seems we have distanced ourselves from accountability in recent years, a responsibility that clearly rests on the Super and Assistant Supers shoulders. And now THE GAME has changed–a game known as STAAR–we need a new industrious leader who can embrace the systemic change needed for success, and then provide the tools and training so that change filters to teachers. And, how do Mr. Rendon and Mr. Sanchez hold up to those standards? IMHO, both lack the essentials to pull off such a difficult task. We need an aggressive leader from outside of SBCISD–not a yes man. At its most basic level, the issues in SBCISD have to do with instructional leadership. We have no meaningful vertical nor horizontal curricular articulation. Instructional fidelity is a joke, because no one is held accountable. These are complicated fixes–and only an aggressive and intelligent leader will generate the needed change. Explain and defend–don’t make blanket statements of stupidity. I truly wish we could have meaningful discourse over how we generate sustained growth in SBCISD, and not these stupid arguments over the latest board coup. It is a waste of energy spent better elsewhere–and now a waste my time debating in a forum with no meaning. If you want change for OUR kids, then let us create a forum filled with intelligent discussion in another venue.

    • Sandra on May 20, 2013 at 10:35 pm
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    Mr. Limon should stand his ground. He has been an outstanding part of SBSD. He has always made time to personally resolve parent concerns, when many others don’t even return a phone call. I’m sure if they had any real facts against him they would have been aired already. These immature school board members need to get some education behind them before they start something they are not even educated enough to finish!

    • Not surprised at all!!! on May 20, 2013 at 10:27 pm
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    This district is a mess!! There is really no other way to put it! Servellon is the worst principal to run a school like sbhs. She is awful with parents and even worse with her employees! She fits right in with all the political crap that goes on. She favors particular children and does not treat or discipline fairly. She is going to create a monster over at the high school. I would highly recommend reconsidering that decision. On the other hand, I know VMA staff is jumping for joy over her departure!!

    • Think about it on May 20, 2013 at 10:16 pm
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    Seriously, Mr. Limon some of us thought you’d show more class. By making these decisions, you have brought yourself down to a level that equals the boards IQ.

    • Lilly on May 20, 2013 at 9:23 pm
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    They will use the taxpayers money… of which none of them own property.

    • Mandy on May 20, 2013 at 9:17 pm
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    You FOUR BOARD MEMBERS have no CLASS! There is a greater person that is watching what you have created at SBCISD.
    Going after the superintendent’s family is BEYOND BELIEF!

    May 2014 cannot come any sooner…….

    • Frankie G. on May 20, 2013 at 9:15 pm
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    The new SBHS Principal will do great. She listens to parents and listens to her students. That is the kind of principal we need at our high school.
    I applaud Mr. Limon on his changes. He is the leader of SBCISD. Just because that board president thinks she can be a superintendent… well guess what… Mrs. Rodriguez, you are not! Go back and run your elementary school at LOS FRESNOS CISD.
    Your superintendent at LOS FRENSOS CISD must be so proud of you…

    • Valerie H. on May 20, 2013 at 9:12 pm
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    Mr. Limon has the authority given to him by the State of Texas. YRodriguez and her three followers might want to have a reality check. If you think TEA and the authorities are not aware of what you are doing.. go read up on El Paso ISD and see what happened there.
    We as a community are tried of what you have done to our city.
    You four need a training, again, on how to behave as board members. I hope Mrs. Cruz, Mr. Leal and Mr. Medrano attend the board meeting and speak up at your Special Board Meeting. Thanks so much for having it at 4;45 p.m. when the rest of the community, who by the way pay taxes and you four do not, work.

    • Juan on May 20, 2013 at 8:54 pm
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    In all honesty guys,none of these people belong as principals,anywhere,and lets not leave out Snavely.The superintendent was just a replacement for the other one,just a different set of friends,sponsors,and buddies.And the kids continue too suffer.So eventually all will be changed out,and it will be hoped that this will fix the problem,fat chance,good luck.The kids are the ones getting the short end of the stick,not the teachers,administrators,board,employees,or vendors they’re the ones cashing in,and now everybody watching.

    • A SB High School student's Parent on May 20, 2013 at 8:44 pm
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    MARIA G= u r right we do need to do what is best for our students….THAT IS TO GET RID OF THE BOARD MEMBERS!!

    • concern parent on May 20, 2013 at 8:32 pm
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    Does the school board president and her three puppets have money to pay if the school district gets sued by Mr. Limon for breach of contract

    • A SB High School student's Parent on May 20, 2013 at 8:31 pm
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    MR LIMON….HURRY and Get those changes in writing/ contracts signed.ASAP!……..Board Members Step off!!& start packing ur time is running out. :-).. ….

    • Truth on May 20, 2013 at 7:38 pm
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    They need to move Joel Wood out of Riverside…give him the boot!

      • NSamHouston on May 20, 2013 at 8:20 pm
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      Wood out of Riverside? Please provide data that indicates such a move is warranted. I find it interesting that Riverside is not involved in any discussions.

    • Maria G. on May 20, 2013 at 6:34 pm
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    I hope that the School Board does the right thing and does NOT accept these proposed changes. Mr. Limon is being released for a reason, and does not need to shake things up with bad decisions before he leaves. The current VMA principal is not qualified nor ready to head up San Benito High School. When my child attended VMA, she was unapproachable and absolutely of no help to students or parents. She spent our meeting time discussing her own personal problems, and not those of the school. SAN BENITO SCHOOL BOARD: IF YOU ARE READING THIS: PLEASE RECONSIDER AND DENY MR. LIMON’S RECOMMENDATIONS! We have to remember, we need to do what is best for our students.e

      • Agreed on May 24, 2013 at 12:21 pm
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      FINALLY! Someone who understands if Mr. Limon is being outted it is for a reason. Maria I agree with your urgency to NOT ACCEPT the proposed changes as far as the high school principal is concerned as for the others I did not have the opportunity to be under their academic leadership. The current VMA principal is by far the worst choice to lead SBHS. I have never seen, better yet met and been a student of a principal’s who is extremely under qualified to even be an administrator. This has to say a whole lot considering she was my principal in elementary school. You hit it right on the nail by saying she is unapproachable and absolutely no help. If situations weren’t in her or her own children’s favor what was the purpose of the discussion. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who saw that.

    • Rita on May 20, 2013 at 6:27 pm
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    Good for you Mr. Limon!!! Show these uneducated board members ( Rodriguez, Huerta, & Aguilera) that you are still in control.

      • Think about it on May 20, 2013 at 10:22 pm
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      It isn’t about showing these people anything, It is and should be about everyone involved. Ask yourself who is exactly involved. It is NOT individuals, it’s the masses. Get your small pond mentality out of the swamp.

      • truthandjustice2000 on May 21, 2013 at 8:31 am
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      Actually, Rodriguez is educated. However, having an education does not necessarily grant you across the board wisdom to make sound decisions. Step back and look in at the situation, is anybody making rational decisions? Students are not of concern in this matter. Flexing muscle is. The people have spoken, they (board) represent all of us.

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