UNDER SCRUTINY: Limón responds to ‘unethical’ claims

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

SBCISD Superintendent Antonio G. Limón

SBCISD Superintendent Antonio G. Limón

In response to criticisms of decisions he’s made as San Benito CISD Superintendent of Schools, Antonio G. Limón denied on Thursday ever acting unethically or unprofessionally.

“My decisions have always been made within the scope of my authority as superintendent,” said Limón. “The fact that my decision was not agreed upon by someone else does not make me unethical or unprofessional.”

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44 comments

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    • El Hijo De Su on September 13, 2013 at 7:43 pm
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    Limon gonna get the better end of this deal when it’s all said and done. “El vivo vive de el pendejo”.

    • richard on September 7, 2013 at 10:45 am
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    Jim, thanks for article interesting reading. That company in question used to have over a 1 million dollar contract with SBCISD to maintain roofs. When the board changed members in 2003 the new board including Medrano voted to terminate the contract. This will all come out in due time. Just a matter of time.

  1. Jim your absolutely right citizens of san benito are insulted by oscar medrano’s political antics. He seriuosly thinks we believe his political ” libo” against fellow board members. Thats an embaressment to our community. We suggest that both oscar and leal just retire their seats this election, and finally let competent non- corrupt people focus on our kids education. Oscar and Hector your done and thanks for leaving behind the disaster you caused.. We must thank all those poeple that countinue vote and support oscar’s ignorance.. It will be all over soon!!! Trust me ..

      • Coincidence on September 9, 2013 at 10:09 am
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      @Thomas Learn how to spell first before you become an embarrassment to yourself and our community.

        • Thomas L on September 9, 2013 at 8:08 pm
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        My spelling is minor compared to what these two will be facing soon. My spelling or grammar doesn’t cost the tax payers money. Instead of focusing in my spelling focus on the bigger issue at hand.

    • Reform San Benito on September 7, 2013 at 8:49 am
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    @Jim Howell, what does this have to do with the two trustees you accuse by name?:

    “with a 2006 search…that yielded a ledger in a home safe that kept track of cash used to bribe officials for job…told authorities…paying bribes in San Benito…school district.”

    First, the search and finding of the bribe ledger occurred in 2006, which means the bribes occurred before then. Secondly, it doesn’t say school district “board members” or “trustees,” only that bribes were paid to someone or more than one at the “school district.” That could mean the superintendent, head of purchasing — anyone. You accuse these two gentlemen of being “corrupt” based on that information? You’re taking quite a leap, sir, with your conclusions not based on information you provided.

    I’m not “one of their followers,” but let me speak on behalf of those who might be: Your faction is so desperate for legitimacy after the disgraceful mess they have made of this district over the past 16 months, that you’ll go so far as to smear the good names of Leal and Medrano based on that report? You were not content with smearing Limon’s good name? You, sir, are as despicable as the four board members you follow. But we have come to expect nothing less from your faction than trumped up allegations not supported by facts.

      • richard on September 8, 2013 at 10:02 am
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      Anyone, that also includes the possibility of the maintenance department. The company in question had a maintenance contract on the roofs for the district.

    • Jim Howell on September 5, 2013 at 7:09 pm
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    Well lookie here. Only a matter of time before Medrano and Leal are exposed as they were board members during the time frame mentioned in article. The citizens of San Benito will get legitimate facts that will prove their corruption. What do their followers have to say now?

    http://m.themonitor.com/news/local/article_13c7b2d2-15d2-11e3-a49b-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=jqm

      • WeThePeople on September 7, 2013 at 6:47 pm
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      Wrong town, Mr. Howell. That’s Progresso just down the road…but on the other hand, you may see lots of exciting news coming OUR way soon. Stay tuned.

    • CC Watcher on September 4, 2013 at 6:05 pm
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    Limon has got a point, he was the superintendent and he made decisions based on his experience and by consulting with school lawyer. AS for the allegations by that nonsense of Gonzalez? She hasn’t come forth with any evidence and has been caught lying to the constituents of SBCISD. As for the investigation on that choir director, it sounds like the primary investigation was conducted by the Harlingen Police Department and or Brownsville ISD or BPD? Whether this choir director used a SBCISD computer to send his “smut” will only be discovered by the investigating agency. As for that SBCISD officer making an allegation, he sounds like he just didn’t do his job and got caught? But, it wouldn’t surprise me that the SBCISD Chief couldn’t investigate these types of crimes because he is not up with the times. Anyway, the SBCISD school board is in total disarray because of the likes of Gonzalez, Aguilar and the other two puppets!

    • John C. on August 22, 2013 at 11:11 pm
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    Only in this town, do we pay two superintendents for a TOTAL of $1,400 A DAY!!!!! This is what we as taxpayers get for voting for those board members who are lacking a calculator to add up this MESS!!!!
    Who will run for school board who knows how to represent the parents, staff and students of SBCISD????

    • Sylvia on August 22, 2013 at 11:06 pm
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    great blog at el run run… sbcisd all the way to brownsville.. is this community going to allow this kind of behavior to continue… where is May 2014?

    • Selena on August 22, 2013 at 8:14 pm
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    Isn’t there a no bullying zone in our school district that we enforce on our children. Board members set the example and stop bullying Mr. Limon. This board president is a total dictator. No wonder that HCISD and the rest of the valley is laughing at us. Mr. Limon should sue these people for their blatant lies.

    • Spunkyoma on August 22, 2013 at 6:39 pm
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    This is an interesting reading web site which happens to mention San Benito School Board President Y. Gonzalez Rodriguez towards the end of the article . It was posted August 18, 2013. Very, very Interesting

    http://rrunrrun.blogspot.com/2013/08/quid-pro-quo-or-just-one-hand-washing.html

    • Reform San Benito on August 22, 2013 at 6:10 pm
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    What I find very amusing about all this is, Mr. Limon’s contract keeps him with the district through June 2014. The elections will be held in May, at the latest. If everyone stays true to vote this majority out, Mr. Limon will outlast these corrupt and incompetent four. He will have won, they will have lost. Sadly, though, the kids will have lost the most with the money these four will spend on an unnecessary and harassing witch hunt.

      • richard on August 23, 2013 at 11:17 am
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      The plan is to get him fired by February. They are hoping the law firm they hired can find something to fire him on. That way they can hire a new superintendent before the election. The firm out of Houston has never fired a superintendent before. The only way they got into Donna was because they are related to the board president there. What is there connection to Tony Torres?

    • Selena on August 22, 2013 at 5:55 pm
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    Walk with your head held high Mr. Limon. At the end, they will be the ones under investigation.

    • Parent on August 22, 2013 at 1:39 pm
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    It’s amazing how someone can be allowed to go up to public comment and talk about people in such an ugly way. You really have to have your facts straight and be able to prove what ur saying. When you talk about people like that your messing with their dignity and that is totally wrong. I won’t be surprised if someone charges him with slander. I always believe that what goes around comes around and I’m sure he has children of his own. No matter how upset you believe that people are doing wrong theirs also a way of handling things in a more professional way. People sometimes make themselves look more like IDIOTS and don’t even realize it. But I pray for people like that and hope that God helps them.

    • CC Watcher on August 22, 2013 at 8:57 am
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    To the parents of students in SBCISD! You need to open your eyes and see that the Board President does not have your children’s best interest in mind? This Board President is nothing more than a micro-manager with what appears to be a personal agenda to attack Mr. Limon whenever she can? This so-called educated Board President is not satisfied that she has suspended him with pay, that she is paying out $1400.00 dollars a day for two superintendents, willing to pay a “lawyer” to investigate some kind of allegations to the tune of $150.00 an hour, which I truly don’t believe that the “lawyer” will investigate and farm it to one of his paralegals, investigator or another firm? Then give a contract to the father of a board member in the amount of $97,000.00. Oh, lets not forget that thousand upon thousands of dollars to “her” insurance company.
    I cannot tell if she is just got a “fetish” for Mr. Limon or someone else is pulling her puppet strings? Then you have another board member who is devoted to her father, no problem there but when it clouds your educated mind, then there is a problem. Then you have the other two puppets who stay in the back and have no opinions because the Board President, Aguilera and her father telling them to be quiet.
    Then the Board President buys loyalty with a thousand dollar check to employees? After taxes what did that come out to? I am willing to bet that your Board President has had favors done for her to this point? The way she is, there is no doubt that she has committed an illegal act?
    Or is she doing this just to have her picture and name in the paper? This Board President definitely does not have her head on straight? As for the other puppeteers, grow up and quit listening to your daddy and others!

    • Zavala on August 20, 2013 at 10:25 pm
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    Mr. Limon, keep your faith up!

    • Nancy on August 19, 2013 at 11:08 am
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    The main fact is that SIG is getting 100K for doing nothing just like Trevino. The Gonzalez lady will still continue to do all the work for SIG, license or no license just like she did it for Trevino. Study up on Stop Loss insurance and what a laser means.

    • voice of reasom on August 17, 2013 at 11:54 pm
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    First of the main fact that ALWAYS seems to get lost in all of this is this, was that was Bob Trevino never serviced the stop loss an the school district ALWAYS had to file the claims, So over the last 10 years The Old agent received approximately $1,000,000 dollars at 12% percent of the premium for providing no service………..regarding stop loss during that time…….. And you guys think Chuy is nuts its amazing that all that everybody continues to slam the board President without all the facts………….. and Janie no longer has an active agent license, and legally cannot handle stoploss for the district according to TDI guidelines so the District actually cannot file a claim direct………Chuy holds EVEREBODY accountable…………. As he should….

      • Guerrero on August 20, 2013 at 10:46 pm
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      Bob Trevino came to the district under the Joe D administration. So, we can go aaaaaaalllll the way back then to point fingers. Joe D is also the one that gave Ms. Gonzalez her job. He took care of her really well. What’s good for the goose?? Chuy only holds people accountable when they’re not helping his pocket. Why doesn’t he hold his daughter accountable for all the poor choices she makes? Yliana for the insurance debacle or her little E-Rate Motion? 98k is why. He’s after Coach Gantt NOW only because Gantt hasn’t given him business this year.

    • Marc on August 16, 2013 at 11:11 pm
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    CHUY needs to run for school board since he thinks he has all the answers… Come on CHUY.

      • Nilo on August 21, 2013 at 10:13 pm
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      I hear he is. Against medrano. Should be an easy win for medrano. but who knows? Chuy may not run. He may lose out on business opportunities.

    • Nancy on August 16, 2013 at 10:59 pm
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    Sounds like that crazy man Chuy got his wish. I just found out the Miller Jordan Principal has been moved. Chuy gets his way!

    • Zeke V. on August 16, 2013 at 1:22 pm
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    Wait a minute. SIG. The company yliana Rodriguez wanted to be the insurance provider last May?
    Tell me it’s no so!

    • Nancy on August 16, 2013 at 10:36 am
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    Good Point senior analyst….where is Filli getting the information to may those claims…from that crazy man chuy?

      • Filli on August 20, 2013 at 6:43 pm
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      LOL, I don’t know Chuy, and I am privy to those claims because I was present in many of the situations.

    • Can't Wait For Election Day!!!!!!!!!! on August 16, 2013 at 2:05 am
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    Filli….. Think about all the stupid choices, decisions those Four people have done to this District since they took over. Yea things weren’t great before as many have argued here on diff. Comment Posts. They have manage to turn this School District upside down . Just because you know them or maybe related to them .(or any school board member)…. THEY DONT care about your Childs education —- they only care about their own ..and freebies they get, and power. Thats why as a parent and citizen everyone should be involved in their childrens education by making their presence known and voice heard at those board meetings. I’d like to see more parents speak up for their kids instead of hearing that TShirt selling guy , convince the district into buying his products!!!..(Thats what i meant about those four making stupid decisions). Instead of paying an interim principal that money should go to schools that need things(working, up-to-date computers, etc) for The Students of San Benito.

      • Filli on August 20, 2013 at 6:40 pm
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      Stupid choices and decisions have always been made but no one bothered to look at what was going on in the school district because Limon kept the other school board quiet. How do you think that all the relatives get hired to work at the school district, and how all the negative impact remained hidden for so long while Limon, who truly is an ineffective leader, and obviously always played favoritism, turned the district upside down. It didn’t happen overnight. Yes, the school board members may want to exert their power but we should have checks and balances in place. Maybe speaking to the Texas Education Board and seeing what they would recommend to the school district. And yes, parents should speak out more and be actively involved in what goes on with school decisions/choices. Maybe we should encourage them more. Maybe invite them out and speak to them. Keep them informed, educate them on their children’s right to an appropriate education.

    • senior analyst on August 15, 2013 at 9:53 pm
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    To Filli: Mr. Limon lied to a state agency? Was it in the paper? Did the state reprimand Mr. Limon? The community should know from a reliable source like the SB Newspaper or VMS, or Channel 4, 5. What happended.; when did this occur?

    I strongly feel that for the school district to be successful is to vote Yliana, the Huerta’s and last but not least, June A. out of office!!!

    Filli, the only positive change I am focusing on is for voters to get Juan Huerta, June Aguilera, Huerta lady, and Yliana out of the SBCISD school board. And it’s going to happen. As weeks go by, the Huertas, June A. continue to side with Yliana, and that just makes voters/taxpayers realize the personal interest they have.

      • Filli on August 20, 2013 at 6:33 pm
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      Yes, he did lie to a state agency. It happened in 2011 and he tried to cover up by denying the true content of a meeting. I know first hand what happened at the meeting as for the reliable sources, not sure if anyone ever took an interest. And let me tell you, that when it was all going down, I tried contacting Medrano when he was President on several occasions to inform him about the situation, and not once did he ever return my calls. He sent an email like five months after the fact. So how is he any better? I’m sorry about his medical condition but it doesn’t change his failure to follow through. As for Leal, as always, conflict of interest, he should either remain on the board, or stop running and focus on bidding for his services with the school district. But conflicts of interest should not be tolerated across the board. The bottom line is, whatever happened to me, is not the focus but rather what I was fighting for at that time, and still continue to strive for, and that is to ensure all students are getting the education they deserve.

    • Nancy on August 13, 2013 at 10:03 pm
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    Just got back from the board meeting. Interesting that now they gave the new insurance agent a 100K commission when they took it away from the old agent. Also that crazy man Chuy just continues to slander Mr. Limon. Mr. Limon should take him to court over those crazy comments he makes. Also overheard that the board president is pushing this reading program in excess of 500K for the district. I hear that none of the principals want to use it but she is determined to have it. Back to the insurance issue, it was interesting to see the board president and June defend why their friend from SIG should get the 100K commission when just a few months ago they used the opposite logic. The insurance person, I think she is named Gonzalez made it clear that she was doing all the work anyway, so just give SIG the 100K. I applaud the three board members that are trying to do the right thing. In the mean time just expect the money from vendors continue to flow.

    • Alvin on August 12, 2013 at 12:41 pm
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    All that lady, yliana, wants to do is become the new supt. Her and her followers to include this Chuy man are waiting for mr Limon to give in. To Mr. Limon: don’t do it. Let us not forget that she, Yliana, was master mind behind the insurance mess, she was the one that changed the Erate item, and it SHE THAT HAS BEEN SEEN IN SOMEONE’s company. Good grief… Doesn’t she have enough to do at her own elementary school in Los Fresnos CISD? Someone should be careful throwing those stones.

      • Frank on August 15, 2013 at 5:59 pm
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      She has been too busy preparing for jobs that she is CLEARLY not qualified for. She’s so dead set on the highest position at a district, that she forgets that there is a process to getting those types of jobs. She should try to run a jr. High or a high school before trying to get to the big prize. Poor YLIANA. She has to settle for pretending to be the Superintendent. Quit your games YLIANA. At this rate, no district will want you. MICROMANAGER does not look good on you.

      • Filli on August 15, 2013 at 7:35 pm
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      By bashing Yliana, you all are no better. Has anyone checked to see if they attended training? According to the School Board Association, Texas has mandatory training for all school board members, it states under training: “Yes — education code update after legislative sessions; team-building each year with supt., 3 hours; Open Meetings Act, 1 hour, soon after election. Did all the new board members attend the orientation through Region 1?

      I strongly feel that the school district, to be successful, like Illinois, Texas should train all new school board members in education and labor law, financial oversight & accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities as well.

      Limon spearheaded the school district into its current state. So, let’s focus on positive changes and put an end to Limon’s detrimental leadership. After all, he lied to a state agency, what makes you think he wouldn’t lie to anyone else.

        • Nancy on August 15, 2013 at 11:05 pm
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        Filli, please tell us more about Illinois and about Limon and the state agency.

        • Frank on August 16, 2013 at 7:20 pm
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        Ay, Fillita. The problem isn’t getting them to the conference. The problem is getting them to attend ALL the workshops. They attend a few workshops and leave to go sight see, shop, etc. It is crucial to attend all workshops and STAY AWAKE through them. Regarding the “bashing”, I really don’t think I am. Trust me, much more can be said about her but what she does with her personal life is not my concern or interest. We need a Board President who knows parliament procedure and runs an efficient meeting, not a CIRCUS, a Board President who will let the Superintendent or Interim do his job. Instead, she is using the interim and calling all the shots. My bet is that she will keep him on until Mr. Limon caves and accepts a buy-out. Then she will hire S.Atkinson. (<—Ha!). Which btw, could you be the same Filli Atkinson that is related to S.Atkinson?? Hmm…I wonder?

          • Filli on August 20, 2013 at 6:21 pm
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          @Frank, It’s not about letting them choose their culturally based workshops. It’s about training and orientation they need to become educated in the being productive board members. And it should be a business trip, with no family members allowed to attend, regardless of whether they pay their way or not. If schools ran like a business (but not one in San Benito, we know how that turns out), then we wouldn’t be having so much upheaval. As for the superintendent doing his job, I’m sorry but Limon has been out of line for years and no one dared speak against him because he would retaliate. Yes, I do know. AND, wonder no more>>> I am Filli Atkinson, I don’t hid that fact, even my license plate carries my name, but I’m not sure which S.Atkinson you’re talking about. All Atkinsons tend to be related, but we dont’ have all have the same views.

          @Nancy, Illinois trains board members in all aspects of running a school district. They are one of the top school boards/district in the nation. As for lying to a state agency, Limon lied to them because he wanted to cover up the truth about what really happened at the meeting wherein I informed him that drug use were tolerated on campus, no discipline was taking place thereby affecting other student’s educational progress, ineffective teacher, teachers without being certified in the assigned area, and wherein special accommodations were requested, but he denied them.

    • Parent on August 12, 2013 at 11:09 am
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    It’s sad when the Board President loses sight of what’s important. Education should be her first priority and not holding on to personal vendettas. Peace does not include a vendetta; because there will be neither winners nor losers at the end.

    • Eddie on August 10, 2013 at 8:43 pm
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    Well said sir.. Well said

    • richard on August 10, 2013 at 1:18 pm
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    Yliana is calling Limon unethical? I try and read, get on youtube, and keep up with actions going on in San Benito as much as possible… It seems you can hardly open up the SBN, or VMS now days without reading something about the district……Let me see…..Insurance letter that she wrote….unethical? Changing the erate bid during the Janurary board meeting ….unethical? Pushing Ron McVey company ….unethical? Buying tablets from Mr. Chuy when I hear ipads had already been purchased for those same students…unethical? Reminds me of the saying, people that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

    • WeThePeople on August 10, 2013 at 10:41 am
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    With this latest machination is there any doubt that a witch hunt is underway??

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