The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District is asking for the dissolution of a temporary restraining order regarding the controversial reassignment of longtime Early College High School Principal Alejandro Elias.
Elias sued the district earlier this week and a judge issued the temporary restraining order, which prevents the district from taking any action on the principal position at the high school or reassigning, terminating or suspending Elias.
In his suit, Elias claims that the district was politically retaliating against him by attempting to reassign him from his principal position to the central administration post of director of strategy and planning, a position he had no interest in taking.
Elias claims he was never notified in writing of his reassignment and that the district never notified him that he had been named the strategy and planning director.
Court filings show the district denies Elias’ claims, saying that the decisions were made for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons.
The district argues that the restraining order should be dissolved not only because the claims on which it’s based are barred by immunity, but because Elias had been reassigned before the order went into effect.
Contrary to what Elias claimed, the district says it did notify him of his new administrative role.
Court filings include a letter that says it was hand-delivered to Elias the morning of July 26.
“Please be informed that in the best interest of the district you are being assigned to the Director of School Planning and Strategy position at the Student Services department effective today, July 26, 2022,” the letter reads. “Please note that there will be no adverse changes to your salary nor work calendar.”
According to the letter, Elias refused to sign it.
The district also filed a plea to the jurisdiction, and is asking for Elias’ claims to be dismissed.
A hearing on the plea to the jurisdiction and motion to dissolve the temporary restraining order is set for Aug. 15.
