THE FINAL COSTS: Superintendent’s suspension, probe exceeds $335k

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

San Benito Logo_w:skySan Benito CISD incurred more than a quarter of a million dollars in costs associated with the year-long suspension and investigation into Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón, district records have shown.

Of the approximately $335,983.43 spent by the district as a result of the superintendent’s suspension and investigation, $28,588.05 was incurred for legal costs while a combined $307,395.38 was paid in salaries to Limón, who was reinstated on May 26 after being on paid leave since May 23, 2013, and the two interim superintendents who lead the district in his stead.

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    • Old maintenance worker on July 5, 2014 at 9:12 am
    • Reply

    Since when does stop loss require a 40 k employee to take care of it? It actually took me 20 years to figure out we don’t need an agent. Remember I am old, dumb, ignorant and you can add slow, but now that I know the game, why pay an agent over 200k for nothing? I when I worked for this district was also a victim . Enough is enough let those agents that pay for elections go somewhere else!

  1. @ Old Maintenance Worker,
    There’s a lot of questions in our district that have never answered, but since your in this particular topic. It took you 12 years to figure out we don’t need an insurance agent, talk about milking the cow dry with horrible service I may add.. Why are people that don’t work in our district so concerned about the insurance agent, please stop playing dumb. As an employee I advocate for the agent that provides the best service and the minimum amount to us employees and family.. So, what your telling me, if the board goes with Bob Trevino he’ll make a lot of money as well but horrible services and higher premiums.. We are tired of these nonsense and games you people play at our expense.. By the stop-loss paid SIG 125k but SIG also provides an employee they pay 40k to help withe the claims and serving of our district and that’s why there is minimum complaints compared to the Bob Trevino’s service. Yes and you forgot to mention how much they paid Bob Trevino $250k for stop loss!!!! So stop the crap and made the board accountable for doing the right thing…

    • Old maintenance worker on July 3, 2014 at 9:01 pm
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    Ok, I am old, stubborn, ignorant, and now dumb since I don’t know business. However, explain this to me. The commission on stop loss insurance is 120k for the agent. One year it was cancelled for Trevino and the district saved the money. Next year it was paid toSIG and district lost 120k . If it wasn’t needed one year why was it needed the next. Do away with the agent he is not needed!!!!stop playing games!

    • Old maintenance worker on July 3, 2014 at 8:16 am
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    My name continues to grow just like SIG bank account. .Never once have I defended Trevino. My point has been both SIG and Trevino play the same game. That is unacceptable!

      • The Negotiator on July 3, 2014 at 4:56 pm
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      Old maintenance worker, According to some of your comments it shows that you do not know anything about business. An insurance company is just like any business, they are out to make a profit. The difference here is that SIG is saving money for the district. Bob Trevino’s insurance is some what higher, and of course if you were the one in charge of selecting an insurance company, I’m sure it would be the one saving the district money, would it not? I agree, there might be a few inconveniences through SIG, but they are out weighed by the amount of savings being brought to the district and employees. Yes we want the best health care that money can buy, but we also need to look at what it’s going to cost the district and taxpayers.

  2. @ Board Unacceptable
    I agree with your blog; in addition, our community awareness has never been this high. We are tired of the political games these politicians play at our expense. But, if you really analyze our board members backgrounds of employment and education you will be stunned. A few board members Arnold Padilla ( Board President) no education and services as the Director at The Housing Authority. Really how did he get that job without a degree it’s called the compadre method. Next, Medrano – Board member for 8 plus years, no education, no job nor kids in the district. Really that makes us sick how this guy could have us employees and children at his best interest. Fatima has children in the district but no education. Hector,Anna , Yilana and Mendes have education but they act like they don’t . Mendes recently brought his children back to San Benito school district because he took them out a long time ago, I wonder why ? The dynamics of the board is doomed to fail with players like the ones we elected. It’s our fault for allowing this to happen. The previous bloggers are so correct, we need to come together and hold these board people accountable because this board really smells bad…

  3. @ Ignorant- stubborn maintenance worker,
    You just don’t get it but that’s fine, we now understand what drives out board members and that’s self gain at our cost. You seat there and protect these people without knowing the facts. All you have to do is ask an employees like myself and I will defend SIG because it’s been a great insurance for me and my family. In addition saved the district over a million dollars and no complaints about the service either. But now I understand why you protect Bob Trevino even though his insurance plan was horrible along with his service, because you guy got a piece of the pie.. You guys make it so obvious for fighting for an insurance agent that doesn’t care about his business just making money and lining peoples pockets. If our insurance changes agents you’ll see plenty of folks with a smile on their face but we employees will pay the ultimate price. Now that’s simply corruption!!! .. Those names fit you perfect!!!!

  4. @ Old Ignorant maintenance worker
    You know I’ll be the first to say, I didn’t vote for Julian nor Papas, but Im humbled to say I made a huge mistake. Next time I won’t listen to rumors and vote with my gut instinct! Why you people run around protecting people who think they run the political scene in San Benito is beyond me. We as a community are getting more involved and want to know why these rational decisions get made at our cost. I didn’t know who Ronnie Garcia nor Chon Lopez was but those guys talk like they run the show, please. Just ask around like we did and you’ll found out their are a total joke and want a piece of pie on every move in San Benito. Also, don’t be surprised if they have nothing positive to say about these two characters. Maintenance character it’s obvious what you stand for and that’s fine but we stand for our selves and we deserve what’s right and not get affected because people want to get their pockets lined.. I’m more than sure MaintenanceWorker you probably fall in that category as well. Done!!!! Wake up….

      • Old maintenance worker on July 1, 2014 at 5:10 pm
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      Dear Brain washed,
      What you say this group is doing is exactly what the other group did. Only names have been changed to protect the guilty. Every one in your hated group has a parallel in your loved group. If you can’t see that you need to change your name back to blind.

    • Old maintenance worker on June 30, 2014 at 8:25 pm
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    Changed your name from blind to brainwashed ! Nice now change the names in your blog from Bob Trevino to Joe Salazar and change board member /politician names to june, Yilana, Fatima, and Julian, and papas .,,, everything you wrote now applies as well. Now how Chon and Ronnie got into this I don’t know but we could change their names to Chuy and Ben.

  5. @Old Ignorant maintenance
    worker:
    It’s very obvious what you stand for
    that’s fine, but we as a community are starting to realize the corruption that’s going in our district. Bob Trevino along with plenty of folks in San Benito made a lot of money at our expense and you guys enjoyed it with no shame. Bob Trevino’s service to our district was horrible and everyone knew it but they still fought tooth and nail to keep him in… I wonder why? He takes real good care of his politicians just ask Tumberlison, Medrano, Leal, Sloppy Joe and the super’s that we’re there Joe D Gonzalez and Limon. All these guys benefited along with a few other wanna bees like – Ronnie Garcia and Chon Lopez, those guys are always with their hand out at he expense of us.. SIG provides a great services, saved our district millions of dollars and also boosted our local economy.. Us staff our greatly appreciated that finally this company does not exploit us at the board members gain. Thank you SIG.. If these guys replace you, it’s should be considered a criminal act …

      • Marie on July 2, 2014 at 11:12 pm
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      @brainwashed, funny how you bring up Tumberlinson, medrano, sloppy, etc., when speaking of that Treviño insurance. That insurance was there before these people got elected. Get over it. Also, did it ever occur to you that SIG has better rates because NOW many procedures are covered under the Affordable healthcare Act? Either way, SIG Isn’t the best insurance out there. And I’m sure neither is Treviño’s, but I have had horrible experience having to submit my own paperwork so that the insurance can cover it. I’m still waiting for the day that I DO NOT get charged for something SIG should be taking care of.

    • cut short on June 29, 2014 at 1:39 pm
    • Reply

    It’s more than that! The former MJMS principal also Mary Alice gave two of her favorite teachers a two-year contract when their salaries were being paid through the TTIPS grant for only one last year. So her favoritism has cost the district $100,000 to pay for two positions that were to be out with the grant, BUT that’s not the worst of it she also gets a two year contract for 80,000 plus a year and she’s a retire rehire. (the district has to pick up the cost or her mistake) Please Board Members what are you doing? Do you even look at administrators contracts and salaries? In the real world a $100,000 dollar mistake would have kicked you out the door. Why doesn’t she re-apply or let me guess she did a wonderful job taking care of 30 plus students and GATEWAY this year!!!! So what’s that estimated round about 300,000 dollars off! Look at teacher salaries why don’t you? Get the salaries up to par with neighboring districts. New Board now is your chance to keep all you promises. Just Do It!!!!

  6. @ old Ignorant maintenance worker,
    People like you are the problem in our community.. You talk without knowing the facts. If SIG gave political contributions is not the question, the question is the service and the money that company has saved the district. Your looking at this as a political agenda ( you lost) when we are looking at it as a concerned employees of the district. On the other hand , pertaining to Limon is a total joke and everyone knows it. Politics in our town is turning out to be a total joke because there a lot of inside stuff going on and it will get exposed and fast.. So continue applauding but we will have the last laugh in this whole mess, TRUST ME!!!! Go hide!!!

      • Old maintenance worker on June 29, 2014 at 6:46 pm
      • Reply

      Old and ignorant , but I know the facts better than someone named blind.. None so blind as those who can not see that SIG has made big money off the district and the saving money is pie in the sky, Speaking about hiding go join the other two blind mice that didn’t get elected.

  7. @ Only Two,
    You are correct that there is two new board members but it’s obvious that it’s a 5-2 board. Let’s not forget Medrano, Leal ,Mendez and Padilla all worked together to get elected. That should have been an eye opener for the community. It’s called a coalition and this group will stick together and play out their agenda at our children’s and employees cost. If you haven’t realized it by now just look at all their moves from our Insurance going out to bid, selecting the Valley Baptist to run the clinic( that’s turning out to be another black eye for our district), given Limon 2 year contract and the list goes on people. This is just the beginning of the down word spiral our district is going with these board. JOKE!!!

    • Only Two on June 28, 2014 at 8:39 am
    • Reply

    The only reason that people are now talking is because your board members are showing who they really are. Remember that there are ONLY TWO new board members. Two board members can not make changes but 4 can. The saga of this board just continues. Why are people surprised?

  8. Everyone talking about Limon suing please, give me a break, now your putting a price rage on our children’s education and safety. Go ahead and continue to lie that all these allegations could have be brought up by one board member. If that’s the case, there was 4-3 vote to suspend him. We the community are tried on the coverup and the truth will be exposed.. Total nonsense..

      • Old maintenance worker on June 28, 2014 at 11:00 am
      • Reply

      Reality, 4 -3 vote, one maker of. 60+ allegations and three puppets, two of which are gone. Reality, lost election by landslide, Reality, SIG group got the insurance for all backing they gave the four the previous election. Reality, Reality it is time to face reality…, you lost!!!!

  9. @ searavan
    I totally agree with your blog. The question is why? Why would Limon want the allegations sealed, but more important the new board allowed this to happen. This situation is a major coverup and the coalition ( Arnold Padilla, Ana Cruz, Medrano and Leal) is behind this whole mess. People time and time again these board members are proving to our children, staff and tax payers that their all in it for themselves and could careless about anyone else. What’s it going to take so we as a community can come together and take back our school district and hold these people accountable for their actions. I would hate to see it here in our town but maybe TEA should be made aware of all this mess and what they think about it.. We need to reach out to some agency and get control again.. For know we must continue to pray as a community and hope that these individuals get a rude awaking soon so they can turn their focus on what really matters, our children, staff and tax payers..

      • Old maintenance worker on June 27, 2014 at 4:11 pm
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      It was board that wanted them sealed because Limon could have sued them for all of Yilana’s lies!

        • The Negotiator on June 28, 2014 at 1:51 pm
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        If your saying they are lies, Why can’t these allegations be seen by the public? It doesn’t matter what everyone is saying bring out whatever was sealed if there’s nothing to hide. The problem here is the board is making it suspicious by not bringing out the list of allegations. I’m not on anybody’s side before someone brings out the same old stories of who side you on? I believe we the taxpayers have the right to know. Then you wonder why the confidence on this new board is where it is. Again I say bring it out board if there is nothing to hide.

          • Old Maintenance Worker on June 28, 2014 at 8:46 pm
          • Reply

          Negotiator, a lie is considered the truth until the truth is revealed. The law firm took those 60 some lies and could find nothing to convince the board to fire Limon. The only responsible thing the board could do was to seal those allegations to protect itself. Half of those allegations probably came from crazy chuy. Where is crazy chuy now days?

  10. I actually applaud the board members for spending money to investigate Mr.Limon, because no board members prior had ever exposed the lack of leadership and corruption in our school district. So, we the tax payers paid for it and The coalition( Headed by super Mario-AP) allowed the investigation to be sealed. How convenient don’t you think! We should be allowed to see the allegations and the findings from the investigation we paid for.. Now we have the wonderful coalition wanting to remove our currents Insurance Agent SIG for providing a wonderful service with no complains, hire several consultant firms to evaluate our Heath plan and another firm to assist in hiring a Super… Really, these coalition board members must think we are ignorant or stupid because they are super arrogant, by the way.. I’ll take a wild guess and assume they will push for no other than the WONDERFUL WILMA SMETTER… People we vote stupid these are the results and there going to get worse!!!! Trust me this is just the beginning of their agenda… Good luck to our school district..

      • searaven on June 27, 2014 at 7:04 am
      • Reply

      There are copies of the allegations around. If you get one and read it, you would take your children out of the school district. Of course they are allegations, but why are the citizens kept in the dark of the worst super of all times.

    • FACTS on June 25, 2014 at 10:58 am
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    Really NOTHING_BUT_THE_TRUTH , and just who gave you this information may I ask get over it post FACTS on here not what your compadre or comadre said and post FACTS if you have them please !

    • Jasmine on June 24, 2014 at 10:12 pm
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    Yliana, Julian, Fatima, & June: YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!!

      • Teacher on June 27, 2014 at 12:25 pm
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      All School Board members should be ashamed of what SBCISD has become. Even the new members have already made it clear that they are there for their own personal agendas.Community members get involved.

    • Nothing_but_the_truth on June 24, 2014 at 9:25 pm
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    Not to worry taxpayers…your monies are in good hands with the NEW MAJORITY (Arnold, Anna, Oscar, Hector, and Angel) Monies are STILL being spent hastily by these 5 individuals…here is just a recap of some of the decisions they have approved
    (1) The Board recently voted on going out for bid for TPA and Cafeteria Insurance plan; however, Arnold stated that if the Board finds that they are content with the current services (and i can’t imagine why they’d think otherwise), they could disregard RFPs. Now…does that make any sense people?!?! At minimum, RFPs entail advertising which comes at a cost…if RFPs are not necessary, why waste taxpayer dollars on advertising?
    (2) As soon as Mr. Limon returned, he immediately decided to look the other way on investigations pending on certain personnel. These included top ranking staff responsible for (1) submitting waivers to TEA dating as far back as 2004 (at which time Mr. Limon became superintendent) which could result in costing the district over $2 million+ dollars, and (2) wrongfully taking district purchased materials for personal use all the while using district time, district monies and district manpower/staff.
    AND if that weren’t enough, Mr. Limon decided to disregard a directive given to him prior of alllowing district employees to take district-purchased vehicles home, meaning that certain district employees are putting wear and tear on district vehicles, consuming district purchased fuel to and from work/home and going God knows where else.
    So for those of you who are concerned about your taxpayer dollars at work,
    NOT TO FEAR….THE NEW BOARD IS HERE!

      • TwoCentsWorth on June 25, 2014 at 8:33 pm
      • Reply

      Since when do board members dictate to the superintendent which employees that are “on call” should not take home school vehicles? Ridiculous. That’s the superintendent’s call . . . to have a bunch of inexperienced board members make those decisions is downright ludicrous.

    • Show Me The Money on June 24, 2014 at 7:43 pm
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    What did we expect? How in the world are we, the employees, suppose to get a pay raise when board members spend and spend. What a shame.
    May 2015 cannot come soon enough!

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