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A number of corrective actions were approved Wednesday by La Joya school district trustees that are meant to tighten policies around purchasing and board member conduct in the wake of misconduct scandals at the district.
Two administrators and two trustees pleaded guilty earlier this year in an ongoing western Hidalgo County corruption investigation.
The district learned in March that the Texas Education Agency would be looking into it, and the board has been earnestly discussing internal steps to prevent corruption for the better part of a month-and-a-half.
Board President Alda Benavides said she views the action taken Wednesday as a good faith investment in change.
“I think it’s important because it will demonstrate that the district is trying to address whatever issues need to be addressed, as far as what we know,” she said. “And then when TEA comes they can review the things that we’ve done, and then if there’s anything else that needs to be done, they can provide us that direction.”
Wednesday’s changes included plans for improving purchasing and acquisition processes at the district, a board governance action plan and policy changes.
Superintendent Gisela Saenz summarized some of those policy changes, including an amendment that prevents individual trustees from making recommendations on vendors or contractors for goods or services being solicited. Trustees are also prohibited from contacting staff other than the superintendent with concerns or suggestions on proposed administrative recommendations and requires trustees that are contacted by individuals doing business with the district to direct those individuals to the office of the superintendent.
Changes would also require vendors or contractors to submit sworn attestation forms affirming whether they have or haven’t discussed contracts with trustees. If they have had discussions, they must describe those discussions in writing.
Benavides said that disclosure policy is likely the most significant measure in the bunch.
“There’s nothing wrong with talking to them, but you’ve got to disclose it,” she said.
The changes, Benavides said, should have an impact.
“Nothing is foolproof, but at least there’s something written that puts a stop to any wrongdoing. And hopefully it will help people want to do the right thing,” she said.
What can the community expect next? Benavides gave a speculative timeline.
“TEA will probably review what has been done, and then after they do that, they will probably prepare some type of report to the district based on the information that they have,” she said. “And then we get an opportunity to review that report and respond to that report, and then I’m sure that they will give us recommendations in terms of what else they recommend we do or they expect us to do.”
Benavides said she feels that TEA involvement will ultimately be a good thing for La Joya ISD.
“We’re wanting to work with them and make sure that we’re continuing to make the district the best district that it can be,” she said.
