On Jan. 20, the board met with its attorney and investigator in closed session to discuss the status of the investigation and consider candidates for an interim superintendent. No action was taken coming out of executive session.
Different from the Jan. 20 meeting is an agenda item to "deliberate and consider the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of the superintendent," that could result in actions ranging from the removal of administrative leave, reinstatement and disciplinary action such as termination, or the appointment of an interim superintendent.
On Jan. 6, the board approved a recommendation from Texas Education Agency monitor David Faltys to put Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez on administrative leave. Azaiez will remain on leave pending the outcome of an investigation of underlying conduct described in a protective order the Travis County District Court issued in July. Accompanying the recommendation during a Jan. 6 RRISD special meeting were motions to engage an independent investigator and appoint an acting superintendent as well as begin the search for an interim superintendent, pending the results of the investigation. The board also appointed Daniel Presley, chief of schools and innovation, as acting superintendent.
The district also confirmed Jan. 13 that its investigation of the superintendent is underway, although it is unclear when it will be completed.
"The board has already engaged an investigator who started her work this week," said Jenny LaCoste-Caputo, RRISD chief of public affairs and communications. "The motion last Thursday authorized [board] President [Amber] Feller to review resumes provided by the board's attorneys and select an investigator."
The TEA and Travis County Sheriff's Office have also confirmed to Community Impact Newspaper that the agencies are investigating Azaiez.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
