By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
SBCISD Interim Superintendent Alfonso Obregon
Alfonso Obregón has announced his intentions to vacate the interim superintendency of the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District by the end of the month.
In a letter addressed to the SBCISD Board of Trustees, Obregón said he has no plans of entertaining contract extensions, adding that the date of his departure remains set for Nov. 27.
“Let this letter serve as my notice to you that I will be honoring my contract up to the last day of November 27, 2013,” Obregón said in the letter dated Nov. 8. “I will however, not be receptive to any extensions beyond this date (Nov. 27). Recent events in my personal life have (helped) to shape my decision regarding this matter and I am committed to moving on to a new chapter in my life.”
Obregón’s wife of 43 years, Teresa Obregón, died on Sept. 5 following a heart attack she suffered days earlier. After taking some time off to mourn his wife’s death, Obregón returned to work on Sept. 13. His return to work at SBCISD, however, was expected to be temporary.
“Having said that, my personal situation has changed to the degree that with the passing of my wife,” Obregón said upon his return in September. “I’ve indicated to the school board president, only, that she needs to bring this issue back to the board to consider a transition plan that would allow me to move on with my life with the rest of my children, and the board can successfully appoint another interim to carry on until that time that a settlement is agreed upon for whatever conditions the suspended superintendent has agreed upon.”
Obregón was referring to the investigation against suspended Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón by the El Paso-based law firm Guerra and Farah LLC.
In his letter to the board, Obregón expressed appreciation of those he worked with during his tenure at SBCISD.
“I would like to thank you for the past courtesies that all of you have extended to me during my tenure as Interim Superintendent of this fine school district,” Obregón said, addressing board members. “You have many outstanding programs and you should be very proud of the accomplishments that the students, teachers, and administrators have demonstrated. Their commitment to the students of San Benito is beyond reproach as is their desire to ensure that all children are treated with respect.”
To administrators and the staff at the SBCISD John F. Barron Administration Building, Obregón was also grateful.
“In closing, I would like to extend a special thanks to all of the Central Office staff and all the Principals who made me feel welcomed and for their commitment to education,” he said.
An educator for more than 43 years, who prior to leading SBCISD in an interim capacity served as the Robstown ISD superintendent, Obregón suggested that the Board of Trustees look within for his replacement, specifically Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Celeste Z. Sanchez.
“I offer my professional recommendation that you strongly consider appointing Celeste Sanchez, Assistant Superintendent for C & I, as the person to replace me when I leave,” Obregón said. “Ms. Sanchez is an extremely knowledgeable person who has gained my admiration and respect and can be trusted to carry out the duties of the superintendent with all stake holders.”
Sanchez, who on two prior occasions has served as the interim superintendent for SBCISD, said she’s open to leading the district if necessary.
“The decision is the board’s,” Sanchez said. “I will work with whoever is named (interim). My interest is in the welfare of the district and the upcoming assessment. If you’re asking if I can do the job of interim, yes I can.”
When asked if the interim post would be discussed at Tuesday evening’s regular board meeting, Board President Yliana González said trustees may have to wait for a special board meeting before addressing the matter since the item was not listed on the Nov. 12 agenda.
2 comments
At this point, this whole debacle appears to be a monumental waste of time and taxpayer money to satisfy the egos of a few SBCISD board members and their family members. What a disgrace to the community! Let’s hope the good citizens of San Benito have long memories.
Considering that the Star recently posted an article stating that the majority of Limon’s charges have been dropped, it is only a matter of time before we saw him back as Superintendent.