RRISD board extends superintendent Chavez's contract

The superintendent's future with the district has been the subject of a number of news stories and rumors after the board of trustees called a special meeting Dec. 15 to discuss Chavez's contract, a move that was out of step with when the board typically reviews it.

Romere critical of Chavez

Prior to casting her vote against the contract extension, Romere made it clear she thought the district would be better off without Chavez.

"I have observed this admin over the last several years and have come to the conclusion that it's time for a change," Romere said.

She made reference what she said were falling standards and a lack of trust in the community.

"It is imperative that we make a leadership change to continue to move our district forward so we can regain our competitive edge," she said.

Trustee Catherine Hanna took issue with Romere's claims.

"When people have a complaint about this district, they share it. Since we've been talking about the superintendent and his leadership over the last few months, I have gotten exactly zero complaining emails," Hanna said. "I'm embarrassed to have someone sit on this dais and say that there is a lack of confidence because that is simply not true."

While other board members referenced what they said has been a "tough" few months, some made a point to say they stood behind the contract extension.

"At the end of the day you have to ask yourself, 'What's this mean for the education of my child, and has it gotten better?'" trustee Glen Colby said. "And I think the answer to those questions is a resounding yes."

Background

Chavez had been under scrutiny this school year for the implementation and subsequent pulling of standards-based grading at Round Rock High School and Ridgeview Middle School in the fall, among other issues.

Some parents at the Dec. 15 meeting expressed concern that Chavez's job was in jeopardy.

"There seems to be a hidden agenda with at least two of the board members. Our biggest complaint is that there was nothing given to the public about any of this," parent Ruth Ann Dickensheets said at the time.

Instead, the board voted to approve a $5,600 annuity for Chavez at the December meeting.

By the time an evaluation of Chavez came up in February, community members had already started speaking out on the matter, including a group called Save Our Superintendent that attempted to raise awareness on the issue.

Chavez has been the superintendent of Round Rock ISD for about six years, during which he was named Superintendent of the Year in Region XIII in 2010 and 2011.