Harlandale votes to appoint trustee

Trustees of the Harlandale Independent School District voted Monday night to accept applications from people who want to succeed David Abundis, a longtime trustee who resigned abruptly last week.

Trustees could have voted to call a special election, but instead they want to appoint someone. The threat of a board takeover from the Texas Education Agency, however, could prevent the appointee from taking the seat.

State Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced his intention last month to replace the entire elected board with his pick of a board of managers. Morath also said he plans to lower the district’s accreditation, replace former Superintendent Ray Madrigal and appoint a conservator to the board.

The board voted this month to terminate Madrigal, a process that is ongoing, and promote Samantha Gallegos, who was assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. Trustees voted Monday to keep her as interim superintendent and discussed her compensation in a closed session.

If Morath appoints a board of managers, any sitting trustee would not be allowed on the board, TEA officials have said. That would include two new board members, Elaine Anaya Ortiz and Elizabeth Limon, who were sworn in after elections in May that were held with the possibility of a state takeover looming.

Morath took the action after an investigation by the TEA into Harlandale’s governance, procurement decisions and other complaints. In a scathing report, the TEA accused former and current trustees of violating the Open Meetings Act and legal procurement processes.

Trustees have said they intend to continue fighting the takeover.

Harlandale ISD has requested a hearing before the commissioner to review Morath’s decision. Trustees announced they will meet with Morath in Austin for that review on Aug. 7.

Trustees will hold a town hall meeting Aug. 1 and encourage community members to participate, board President Ricardo Moreno said.

“They’ll have an opportunity to voice their commentary, whether it’s positive or negative,” Moreno said.

Ronald Cortes / Contributor Harlandale ISD board member Ricardo Moreno, second from right, listens along with Elaine Anaya-Ortiz, left, Juan Mancha and Samantha Gallegos during a presentation at the Harlandale ISD board meeting on Tuesday.