plan to reopen Athens Elementary, Kazen Middle School, and West Campus High School. More than 4 in 10 parents reported their child has fallen behind academically during the pandemic, though. On ExpressNews.com: South San Antonio ISD board reprimands superintendent and censures a trustee. The Texas Education Agency two months ago appointed a monitor to oversee the board, a result of a two-year investigation, then announced it was investigating the board based on a new set of complaints. July 3, 2022 2 During the months that Marc Puig spent in limbo, suspended as superintendent of South San Antonio Independent School District since December, he began working part time for the. Superintendent Carvalho is a dedicated member of the National Board of Directors for Common Threads and the Posse Foundation. Copyright 2022 by KSAT - All rights reserved. We have not denied anything he has requested., No one is attacking Dr. Puig, Arrellano said. South San ISD Superintendent Marc Puig received two written reprimands from the South San ISD board of trustees. The superintendent of the South San Antonio Independent School District has officially resigned. South San Antonio Independent School District board members voted 6-1 Wednesday evening, May 13, naming Puig as their top choice for the position. According to Board President Gilbert Rodriguez, South San ISD has a genuine, sincere, and committed leader in . It helps me to grow. Puig was the districts seventh superintendent in recent years. The superintendent had been on paid leave for more than five months, pending the outcome of an investigation into a private conversation picked up by a live microphone. And Im listening, Thurmond said in an interview with The Times. South San Antonio ISD board reprimands superintendent and censures a trustee, Chicago mayor pleads with Gov. South San has paid Yzaguirre $886 a day while continuing to pay Puigs salary since the board suspended Puig Dec. 6. It absolutely does. The new district leader said he felt systems had been implemented to continue this trajectory. The latest dispute raised fears of a return to a familiar pattern at South San ISD. He began his teaching career in Rio Bravo, near Laredo, educating his students primarily in Spanish. Henry Yzaguirre is meanwhile serving as the interim superintendent. Despite requests by KSAT, board leaders never provided information on who was conducting that investigation and what the findings were. The relationship between a school board and the district superintendent is a marriage and the values need to be consistent between both parties, Puig said. Claire completed her master's degree at Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Journalism, where she was a Stabile Investigative Reporting fellow. You have to have good cause to terminate a superintendent, because when they go before a hearing officer, if TEA doesn't think we have good cause that superintendents going to come back, Prado said. South San superintendent got TEA job before resigning Abbott calls Texas shooting victims illegal immigrants', Fiesta-goers blast King William Fair for wristband payment system, The tragic case of an S.A.-area dentist and his Miami patient, Photos: Gregg Popovich's old Dominion mansion listed for $5.5M, Shooting survivors: San Jacinto family only sought small favor, SAWS will pay you to take nature walks, gardening classes, H-E-B family, SpaceX and S.A.s best restaurants top weeks news, H-E-B family listed among worlds richest people by Forbes, TEA investigators urge a state monitor for South San Antonio ISD board. Business interests focus on two open City Council seats, boosting Marina Gavito and Marc Whyte, Prop A opposition massively outspends police reform group ahead of May 6 election, Bexar County school leaders sound alarm on looming funding crisis, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Among the criticisms he has faced since being elected as superintendent in 2018 after four years as a Bay Area Assembly member is a lack of influence and action during one of the most stressful times in education history. If approved, Puig would replace former Robstown ISD Superintendent Jose Moreno, who announced his departure from the district this spring to lead Somerset ISD. You need to actually use it in order to keep the governor and the Legislature accountable, Amaral said. Rodriguez and Alderete, the two dissenters, said it was more evidence the board was inserting itself into the personnel matter. TPR was founded by and is supported by our community. Longtime board trustee Connie Prado also announced Wednesday that she would be resigning from the board June 30. Previously, she worked as an investigative reporter for Politico, the Fresno Bee and the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Puig has been on paid administrative leave since December. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who has acknowledged a tough two years on the job. Christensen believes that disappointed parents will show up at the polls. What do we need to start doing differently to still thrive in the face of the challenges that are here? Puig said. Please support our reporting with a donation to help ensure all San Antonio voters are informed at the ballot box. A transcript of his conversation with Arrellano was published as part of the boards online agenda. Or get with a higher authority and then you can Puig said. Ive had to have tough conversations with myself. The superintendent oversees the California Department of Education and chairs the State Board of Education, which adopts school guidance, though locals control much of what happens in the 1,000-plus school districts. When it reached a point where he felt threatened and not in place, he stepped out of the executive session, Rodriguez said of Puigs departure from the Aug. 18 meeting. Marian Navarro produces for Texas Public Radio's Morning Edition and Fronteras. He also commended strategic investments like the boards decision to add a P-TECH campus, or career-focused high school, at West Campus High School. Meet Our Business Members & Supporting Foundations. If you value our election coverage, will you support it? Inside California Superintendent of Public Instruction race - Los Superintendent Marc Puigs resignation comes more than one month after the school board voted to terminate his contract. Prado said she cant say too much about her vote against the termination because it was discussed in closed session, but she learned firsthand when the district fired Ron Durbon in 2011 that it was important to have good cause. Board President Ernesto Arrellano, right, listens to Superintendent Marc Puig at South San Board ISD board meeting in September. South San will always have a special place in my heart for all time, Prado told trustees. Elon Musk? Despite it all, state Supt. No-New-Revenue Tax Rate and Voter-Approval Tax Rate for Year 2021 for South San Antonio ISD Presenter: Dr. Marc Puig, Superintendent Attachments: ( 1 ) 8-18 2021-2022 Accept No-New-Revenue and Voter-Approval Tax Rate for Tax Year 2021 4. Board President Ernesto Arrellano said he could not comment on any details of the current situation due to board policy and attorney-client privilege. She began her journalism career as a fact-checker for Cond Nasts portfolio of magazines and Harper's Magazine. NEISD bypasses procurement process for mystery $2.5M security product, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Not as Fiesta by the numbers: 2.5M people, 100K oysters and more, Departing South San ISD super to get $187K in separation agreement, SAPD calls: Body in flooded creek; man dead after hit by train, San Antonio eyes stickers in fight against domestic violence, Man accused of strangling neighbor to death in apartment, SA's last Tuskegee Airman buried at Fort Sam. The board recently renewed his contract for another four months in a previous meeting. How do we build their trust?. The district leader spoke with the Rivard Report in late May after trustees named him the lone finalist for the superintendent position. Beevilles board hired Puig to be superintendent in 2016, but Puig had previously served as superintendent of San Benito CISD, Culberson County-Allamoore ISD, and Luling ISD. Former South San Antonio Independent School District Superintendent Marc Puig began working part-time for the Texas Education Agency less than two months after the school board placed him on paid administrative leave and four months before he resigned from the district. Arrellano said he could not comment because the TEA investigation started from allegations back in 2018, before he was board president. Critics said the members had misplaced priorities and put progressive politics over the needs of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thats something very rare. SAN ANTONIO The South San ISD Board of trustees voted 3-2 to terminate Superintendent Marc Puig on Wednesday night. The superintendent of the South San Antonio Independent School District has officially resigned. His termination before the end of his contract follows a long list of previous superintendents who have departed from the position. Financially, there is still room to improve, Puig said, adding that he felt South San was in a good spot for the challenges faced in the past five years. Most Texas billionaires did OK in 2022. In return, the district, board and trustees agree to do the same regarding Puigs employment as superintendent. Marc Puig, a senior governance advisor for the Texas Education Agency and former school leader, is the lone finalist in the district's search for a new superintendent. That is about $16 million. He earned his master's and bachelor's degrees . Numerous inquiries to the board president and district about the status of that investigation went unanswered. SAN ANTONIO - The South San Independent School District board of trustees voted 3-2 Wednesday to relieve Superintendent Dr. Marc Puig of his duties effective immediately. Puig said it was for investigative services. She felt paralyzed: L.A. woman sues Big Surs Esalen Institute for alleged use of video with N-word in class. She is originally from San Diego. Camille Phillips can be reached at camille@tpr.org, on Instagram at camille.m.phillips and on Twitter at @cmpcamille. The agency opened an investigation into South San in November, three months after concluding a two-year investigation that resulted in the placement of state-appointed monitor Abe Saavedra, a former South San superintendent, to oversee board operations. Id like to reach out to TEA and really put to rest immediately some of these things that are happening and get some answers, Puig said. Member (Category: Joint Powers Authorities), Bonita Unified School District If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your. According to a copy of the agreement obtained via an open records request, Puig also would receive about $25,779 in back pay and employment benefits based on Puigs contract from May 19 to June 21, the day he resigned. Support for TPR's Education News Desk comes from H-E-B Helping Here. Puig withdrew his grievance and any complaints he filed with the TEA against the board, district or individual trustees, according to the agreement. Six candidates have filed to run against Thurmond for a four-year term as the leader of California schools in the June 7 primary. And a lack of interest in the race is not unique to this primary, she said. Arrellano said he was joking. Marc Puig, a senior governance advisor for the Texas Education Agency and former school leader, is the lone finalist in the district's search for a new superintendent. That was Nov. 17. South San ISD Board of Trustees votes to remove 7th superintendent | Texas ISD Does our behavior up here matter? ", Robstown ISD seeks public input in superintendent search, Adriana Tagle to serve as interim Robstown ISD superintendent, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Camille Phillips can be reached at camille@tpr.org, on Instagram at camille.m.phillips and on Twitter at @cmpcamille. The district was led by an interim superintendent during the 2019-2020 school year, after the board majority strongly encouraged their previous superintendent, Alexandro Flores, to resign. The recording of Puig and board president Ernesto Arrellano sounded to vice president Homer Flores like they were making a deal to hire Arellanos brother as a consultant. The unwitting victims of this whole process tonight are the children, our staff and our community.. Flores and the boards relationship soured after the superintendent opposed a board-majority plan to reopen Athens Elementary, Kazen Middle School, and West Campus High School. Board members Gilbert Rodriguez and Stacey Alderete, who had defended Puig against a board majority that clashed with him in September over personnel issues, said they were disappointed to have to vote for Puigs suspension but believed in accountability. Please support our reporting with a donation to help ensure all San Antonio voters are informed at the ballot box. Questionable hiring practices. The 5-2 vote, coming just past midnight after the board spent hours in closed session, exposed serious rancor on the board and a rift between Puig and a majority of trustees after 14 months on the job. Texas has spent millions of dollars sending busloads of migrants to Democratic-led cities. Puigs contract requires him to attend all board meetings but provides for some exceptions that include resolving conflicts between board members, Rodriguez said. The board tabled the item, and Puig later confided in Arrellano about his frustration, saying he would like to hire someone like Arrellanos brother, who works in construction. Prior to the termination of his contract, Puig had been on paid administrative leave after a microphone caught an exchange between himself and Board President Ernest Arrellano Jr. Puig and Arrellano discussed hiring decisions, with some interpreting the exchange as a quid pro quo negotiation. Heres how theyre paying for it. They didn't follow their own policy. I figured this is probably (a) good time, only because it's the end of the school year, and I will be able to attend and be a participant of my 25th commencement exercise of South San come June the first. A decision by Puig to put a football coach on administrative leave pending an investigation drew criticism by community members during the public part of the Aug. 18 meeting. Julie Marsh, a faculty director at Policy Analysis of California Education, a nonpartisan research firm, called the superintendents job an unusual role, as most other states appoint someone in lieu of leaving it up to voters. San Antonio When Marc Puig took the reins at South San ISD in 2020 following turmoil between the South San ISD Board and the former superintendent, he told KSAT he was ready to lead. Arrellano said there is no discussion of terminating Puig. Puig agreed not to sue or voluntarily participate in any legal or equitable federal or state judicial or administrative proceeding against/involving the district, board and trustees related to his employment as superintendent, trustees actions regarding his job or his voluntary resignation, unless required by court order, the agreement states. Speaking about how he will approach a working relationship with the board, Puig said he feels three things are important to understand: There is a common vision focused on children; the role of the board and the superintendent are distinctly different but the roles of both are powerful; and everyone should commit to being learners. New superintendent Marc Puig joined South San Antonio ISD as its leader Monday after the board voted to hire him last week. Alderete called the reprimand inappropriate, uncalled for and said it was over a personnel matter that Dr. Puig has complete authority over.. Following the boards decision to end his employment, Puigs attorney stated he would fight the termination. We work with him.. SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) The lone finalist in the running to become the next superintendent of South San Antonio ISD has been named. As part of his voluntary resignation, the board and Puig entered into a separation agreement in which the board retroactively reinstated Puig as superintendent to May 19. Puig serves on Commissioner of Education Mike Moraths accountability policy advisory committee with 19 other superintendents. Its unclear what became of that investigation. He plans to fight the termination. On ExpressNews.com: TEA investigators urge a state monitor for South San Antonio ISD board. Puig was South Sans eighth superintendent in nine years, including interims. What I fell in love with is the genuine, authentic desire of seven board members to serve children, Puig said. City elections are underway in San Antonio and were keeping you up-to-date with comprehensive coverage of key council races and the battle over Prop A. South San Antonio Independent School District Student Code of Conduct 2020-2021 School Year Dr. Marc Puig, Superintendent of Schools That creates a significantly different legal exposure, not only for the district but the three individual board members who voted for that motion, Adams said. They are trying to say (he) abandoned his job and his responsibilities when he actually de-escalated this situation by removing himself.. I just had not decided when I was going to retire, Prado said. The taped conversation seemed an example of the same kind of behavior. Alternate (Category: K-12, ADA of 1-15,000), 16550 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703 | Copyright 2022 | All Rights Reserved, ASCIP. Theres also been criticism unrelated to the pandemic. Gavin Newsom, the California Democratic Party and dozens of other prominent party officials including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Mass shooting leaves 3 women and 1 man dead in the Mojave Desert, Ryan Fellows is killed in a car crash while filming Street Outlaws, Copenhagen mayor to Californias Danish Capital: Stop acting homophobic, recall of three school board members in San Francisco, San Francisco voters recall three members of embattled school board. PDF Dr. Marc Puig, Superintendent of Schools - South San Antonio Six meetings have been called since Jan. 19, including one posted for Jan. 27. Nonprofit journalism for an informed community. I have to ask myself every day, What could I have done differently, and how do I be a better leader? Thurmond said when asked about those issues. Abbott calls Texas shooting victims illegal immigrants', Fiesta-goers blast King William Fair for wristband payment system, The tragic case of an S.A.-area dentist and his Miami patient, Photos: Gregg Popovich's old Dominion mansion listed for $5.5M, Shooting survivors: San Jacinto family only sought small favor, SAWS will pay you to take nature walks, gardening classes, H-E-B family, SpaceX and S.A.s best restaurants top weeks news, H-E-B family listed among worlds richest people by Forbes, South San Antonio ISD board reprimands superintendent and censures a trustee. The working relationship between the board and the superintendent has always been a good working relationship, he said. From San Benito CISD, Puig went to lead Beeville ISD. Puig was hired in June 2020. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. New superintendent Marc Puig joined South San Antonio ISD as its leader Monday after the board voted to hire him last week. Comparatively, only 5% said they didnt know how to rate Newsom. Puig became Superintendent 18 months ago and is the seventh South San ISD superintendent since 2011. South San has paid roughly $121,777 to Puig and Yzaguirre since Dec. 6. South San ISD board votes to terminate suspended superintendent - MSN The board also voted 5-2 to censure Rodriguez in a resolution that said he displayed abusive language and bullying behavior during the Aug. 18 argument that some trustees considered physically threatening. A self-proclaimed anti-establishment leftist independent, Amaral is pushing for a $70,000 minimum teacher salary, an end to military recruitment in schools and an expansion of ethnic studies. The Chicago mayorslammed Abbott for the inhumane and dangerous effort. South San Antonio Independent School District trustees voted Wednesday to reprimand Superintendent Marc Puig for dereliction of his employment duties to the board stemming from a dispute two weeks earlier, officials said. Monitor To Oversee South San ISD Board After TEA Cites Them For - TPR If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. In South San ISD, Puig sees potential for a healthy relationship. Gold Medal flour recalled due to salmonella contamination. Patty Santos joined the KSAT 12 News team in July 2017. The State graded South San ISD a C letter grade in 2019 and rated one campus as failing. Claire completed her master's degree at Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Journalism, where she was a Stabile Investigative Reporting fellow. Allegations of a toxic workplace. Then something changed, Lakers vs. Warriors: What scouts expect in playoff series, Three killed in small plane crash near Big Bear airport, authorities say, 2 students stabbed near Los Angeles High; LAPD investigating, Bass budget proposal for Animal Services is far less than what department requested. Phil Hillman Chief Business Official Ontario-Montclair School District ASCIP President (Category: K-8 Member Districts) Dean West Associate Superintendent, Business Services Orange County Department of EducationASCIP Treasurer (Category: K-12, ADA of 1-15,000) Cameron Abbott Director of Human Resources Sierra Joint Community College DistrictMember (Category: Community College Districts) Marc . He could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. The district has also repeatedly been investigated by the Texas Education Agency. But none have the political advantages the name recognition, funding or endorsements of the incumbent. Witnesses offer conflicting accounts, Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. an improvement from a D and five failing campuses the previous year, add a P-TECH campus, or career-focused high school, at West Campus High School, open Texas Education Agency investigation. That, to me, is a real personal accomplishment, because that's why I'm there. Puig did not respond to multiple requests for comment. School district leader leaving | News | mysoutex.com Thurmonds challengers are George Yang, a former Republican candidate for lieutenant governor; Lance Christensen, an education and government affairs director for the conservative California Policy Center; Marco Amaral, a special education teacher; Joseph Campbell, a Montessori schools advocate; Jim Gibson, a former Vista Unified school board member; and Ainye Long, a math teacher. Adams also said hes represented superintendents in employment disputes for 35 years, and this is the first time hes seen a board propose termination without pay. Days before the board began the process of officially terminating him, Puig started working full-time as TEAs senior governance advisor on May 23, a position in which he will help public school systems and their leaders, including school boards, improve student academic outcomes that may have suffered during the pandemic. A month after moving to terminate Puigs contract, the South San board of trustees accepted Puigs resignation June 21 and agreed to give him $25,779 in back pay. It had some gaps. Im surprised no one else wanted to jump in, in a year where education was the top issue. The board appointed Henry Yzaguirre, Southside ISDs executive director of operations and facilities, as interim superintendent. The . On ExpressNews.com: Departing South San ISD super to get $187K in separation agreement. He had served as the districts eighth superintendent since 2010, while interim superintendent Henry Yzaguirre is serving as the ninth. Bexar County school leaders sound alarm on looming funding crisis. Marc Puig South San Antonio ISD superintendent South San Antonio Independent School District trustees voted Wednesday to reprimand Superintendent Marc Puig for "dereliction of his. Puig was named the Region 18 Superintendent of the Year and his board was recognized as a 2014 Texas Honor Board. In a letter to Puig and Arrellano, the TEA said the board failed to adequately collaborate with the superintendent on items that pertained to the district educational plan and that individual trustees operated outside their authority by personally contacting staff to ask for information and discuss district business such as discipline. She is originally from San Diego. Marc Puig Email & Phone Number - South San Anto.. | ZoomInfo Adams said he was still deciding the next step to take, but that Puig would not be accepting his termination. I'm there to see these kids succeed and see them cross that stage.. She previously worked as a business reporter at the Albany Times Union and an education reporter at Chalkbeat. At this time, Im no longer the superintendent, as Ive been placed on leave, so with that I will exit at this moment. It also was before Puig became superintendent. Puigs resignation will likely prevent a longer legal battle with the district. What is the cost of this approach? Henry Yzaguirre has been acting as the interim superintendent since December 2021. Prado is 73 years old. Puig will not be involved in the agencys investigation into South San, TEA spokesman Jake Kobersky said. Puig issued a statement Friday night and said the decision to step. You know what? According to the press release, that means it was "one of only five districts in the state to earn this distinction." As a principal in Dallas ISD, Puig led a TEA Exemplary campus. California voters have not elected a Republican to a statewide office since 2006. But Mark Sanchez, the boards attorney, said Puig was still the superintendent, technically. Rodriguez said Puig left the meeting after trustees became confrontational with him during a discussion about a personnel matter. Im a school teacher at heart, Puig said. Meet Our Business Members & Supporting Foundations. San Benito superintendent resigns after six months on the job During her more than two decades as a trustee, South San gained a reputation for board dysfunction and micromanagement. Puigs resignation fits into a pattern of South San superintendents not staying for long and the TEA repeatedly investigating the boards interference with superintendents duties. The district's board of trustees accepted Puig's "voluntary resignation" during a board meeting Tuesday night. South San ISD trustee Gilbert Rodriguez, right, and interim superintendent Dolores Sendejo in 2019. At the end of the day, any unflattering issues that we saw didnt rise to the level of putting him in jeopardy. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today. Pandemic policies that at times frustrated parents and teachers alike. South San ISD board suspends superintendent, launches investigation Dr. Marc Puig, Superintendent of Schools NOTE: The Student Code of Conduct will be applicable to all students whether they are enrolled for in-person or virtual learning. "We believe Dr. Puig is the best fit to continue to build culture and show our commitment and love for our students, staff and community," RISD board of trustees President Lori Flores-Garza said in a press release. Dr. Marc Puig, the superintendent of schools in San Benito resigned Friday, six months after he began with the district. After meeting in a closed session for two hours Wednesday, all five trustees in attendance voted to approve a summative evaluation of Puigs performance as superintendent. He described a strong relationship with TEA officials and his own understanding of the state agencys mission and values. I continue to reflect on those things.. "I am eager to collaborate with Robstown teachers, students, and staff as well as the entire community to build on this success and help Robstown ISD envision its limitless future.