Harlingen CISD has to disclose $$$ settlement

Two weeks ago, Sept. 4, The Advance published an opinion piece about the reasons as to why Dr. J.A. “Jay” Gonzalez, EdD, left Harlingen CISD so abruptly (Sept. 3).

One week “Jay” was happy; the next week “Jay” was gone.

The board had extended his three-year contract by another year this past April and then gave him a $10,000 salary bump, up to $310,000, even though he had only been on the job for seven months. Apparently, his six-month job evaluation had proven golden.

Gonzalez took the reins at Harlingen last Sept. 1, after spending seven years as the supe at McAllen ISD. In his wake, McAllen had to come up with $6.2 million to plug the 2023-2024 budget deficit, while finding a way to make up for the projected $14 million budget shortfall for 2024-2025.

McAllen ISD still found a way to give teachers a pay raise this school year. In contrast, Harlingen CISD had to tell its teaching ranks that it had no money for its experienced educators, but it was increasing the pay for new teachers. And yes it’s true, the superintendent got a raise.

Based on public social-media posts, that bit of news went over like a lead balloon.

So why exactly did Gonzalez turn in his resignation shortly after the cat was let out of the bag — no pay increase for teachers?

No one knows for sure, and the ones who do know aren’t saying.

After his departure Sept. 3, the Harlingen CISD board released a statement that really said nothing:

“An agreement has been reached which allows Dr. Gonzalez the ability to resign and pursue other interests and permits the board to pursue hiring another superintendent.”

At that Sept. 3 special board meeting, after approximately 30 minutes spent in executive session, Board President Greg Powers spoke to the assembled crowd, describing the separation as a “sensitive personnel matter.”

The plot thickens as unfounded rumors fly.

On that Sept. 3 special meeting agenda, the wording was also circumspect:

“Consultation with Legal Counsel and consideration regarding employment and possible resignation of Superintendent and appointment of Interim Superintendent.” “Consideration and possible action regarding employment of Superintendent, including possible acceptance of resignation agreement.”

Public Info Requested

Last Monday, Sept. 9, The Advance News Journal submitted a public information request (PIR) to Harlingen CISD. We got back confirmation of its receipt the same day.

The PIR asked for:

“The final settlement agreement between Harlingen CISD and former Superintendent Dr. J.A. “Jay” Gonzalez. His settlement agreement would have been signed in either August or September.”

In my mind, I can’t see Gonzalez walking away for free.

Could be wrong.

If, for example, the board found that he was in egregious violation of a clause in his contract, would it still pay him a settlement?

Guess it depends on the violation.

If the board simply wanted him gone because the teachers are all upset, the district would sure have to pay him to leave.

After all, they didn’t get a pay increase this year, despite inflation gone crazy, but Gonzalez got a pay raise. Ten thousand bucks, no less. The teachers are unhappy, so let’s blame it on the superintendent, even though as board trustees, we can read the numbers, too.

Either way, I think it’s a safe bet that the district taxpayers paid Gonzalez a settlement.

We’ll find out. The school district has 10 business days to respond. The PIR is dated Sept. 9.

These days, it’s probably a safe bet that Harlingen will ask the Texas AG for an opinion, even though the state has ruled time and again that any and all settlements are subject to public disclosure because public dollars are being used to pay them.

Time will tell.