Board approves several personnel and legal items including hiring outside counsel

During the regular session the board acted on a series of personnel and legal items. The board voted to deny a Step 3 grievance (grievance #2025‑10) and directed the superintendent to provide written notice of the decision. The vote carried on roll call with at least one No vote recorded in the transcript (Miss Hannah).

The board also voted to uphold the superintendent’s decision and deny appeal grievance 25/26‑16 under Board Policy 21 10, directing the superintendent to notify the parties in writing within five school business days. A separate action authorized the administration’s recommendation to initiate dismissal proceedings for a tenured teacher/administrator, suspend the employee without pay pending completion of any hearing, and authorize the board president to sign particulars and assign legal counsel if a hearing is requested. That item identified the staff member by name in the meeting record (Susanna Martinez) and the motion carried on a roll call vote.

The board additionally approved an engagement agreement with the law firm Hodges, Louisy, Essenhammer, Rodick & Cone LLP effective Jan. 28, 2026, with a preliminary cost estimate discussed during review. Board members asked questions during the voting process; the motion to engage the firm carried by roll-call vote as recorded in the minutes.

All votes were taken by roll call as required for personnel matters; the board recorded carry/fail outcomes and documented the votes in the meeting record.