In a 4-3 vote Wednesday, the La Joya ISD Board of Trustees appointed Beto Gonzalez interim superintendent after accepting the resignation of Gisela Saenz.
Gonzalez starts Friday, a spokesperson said.
Saenz, who’s been with the district for 36 years, will stop functioning as superintendent Thursday, although she won’t officially retire until June.
“My career has been a blessing in so many ways,” Saenz told the board Wednesday. “Many of my kindergarten students are now district employees, and I’m so proud that they serve our students in many capacities. Teachers I worked with as a principal are now leaders in the district, and their commitment to educational excellence is to be commended.”
Saenz’s departure follows troubled times at the district. Rampant corruption indicated by a federal investigation last year prompted a Texas Education Agency investigation that appears to be ongoing.
Tight finances prompted the board to approve a plan that originally included campus closures and layoffs.
Saenz took a significant amount of heat from the community about that plan.
On Wednesday Saenz focused on district successes.
“And this is due to the hard work of our students, of our staff, and our campuses and central office. The work of our parents, and the work of our board of trustees,” she said.
Replacing Saenz divided the board. Trustees Alda Benavides, Mary Hernandez and Roberto Zamora voted against naming Gonzalez as interim.
There was no public discussion on the appointment.
In a release from the district Thursday, Board President Alejandro “Alex” Cantu expressed his confidence in Gonzalez.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Mr. Gonzalez’s experience to guide us through this important transition,” he wrote. “His experience and dedication to educational excellence make him the ideal choice to lead La Joya ISD during this time. We are committed to maintaining a stable environment and keeping our focus on the education and well-being of our students.”
The release describes Gonzalez as an experienced educator and administrator.
In the summer of 2022, he resigned as the superintendent of Webb CISD.
“I am honored to serve as Interim Superintendent of Schools for La Joya ISD and to work with the dedicated educators, staff, and community partners who make our district exceptional,” Gonzalez wrote. “During this time of transition, I am committed to providing a steady hand and ensuring that we continue to prioritize the education and success of our students.”
