SAN BENITO — The search for a new superintendent will begin tonight.
The San Benito School Board will meet in a special session to discuss and possibly take action on the selection of a search firm that will be entrusted with finding a new district leader.
Last week, board members unanimously accepted Adrian Vega’s resignation.
Vega began working as the district’s leader Jan. 4, 2016. The district says Vega and trustees enjoyed a good working relationship while working closely with staff members to accomplish several goals.
Vega submitted his resignation about two weeks ago during a regular board meeting. He informed the trustees that he is pursuing a job opportunity outside of public education.
His resignation shocked the board and members of the community.
Vega’s resignation becomes effective Friday, June 9. He will stay on until then to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
When he goes, Vega will leave behind several initiatives he and the board worked on together.
In addition to all the work done with the Re-Imagine 2021 Five-Year Strategic Plan, Vega, with the help of the board, was able to make some major purchases for several departments, conduct audits in core areas and complete a compensation study.
His new opportunity, which he declined to specify, will take him out of the area.
In addition to taking the steps necessary in finding new leadership, the board will also vote whether to accept a new compensation plan.
Because the district does not currently meet the going market rate on teacher salaries, the Texas Association of School Boards suggested it would be in the best interest of the district to give 5 percent raises across the board.
If this occurred, San Benito would be level with other districts in the area, enabling San Benito to compete for and retain top talent.
But, that could cost the district $5.9 million.
Board members have already discussed, briefly, how they would pay for those increases.
Those include dipping into the fund balance, cutting down on self insurance, raising the tax rate and making small reductions in all programs.
All four options have yet to be considered.
