The Judson ISD board of trustees met on Dec. 1 to discuss the appointment of an interim superintendent while the board searches for a new superintendent.

After a closed session discussion, the board in a 5-2 vote appointed Milton “Rob” Fields III, deputy superintendent of student support services, as the interim superintendent, with Trustees Suzanne Kenoyer and Renée A. Paschall voting against.

The board also approved a request for qualifications for a superintendent search firm.

This discussion is due to the resignation of Jeanette Ball, who announced her resignation in November.

On Nov. 21, the board of Trustees approved a resignation agreement which would pay Ball $140,000 and end her time as superintendent, effective immediately.

According to a Nov. 30 statement from the board of Trustees and Jeanette Ball, the agreement allows Ball the ability to pursue other interests and permits the board to pursue hiring another Superintendent, and both the board and Ball believe the agreement is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the District.

“On behalf of the entire District, the Board of Trustees expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Ball for her efforts while serving as Superintendent of this great school district and its wonderful students, parents and administrators, and for the many achievements and accomplishments of the entire District team during Dr. Ball’s tenure as Superintendent,” the statement reads.

The statement included information from Ball regarding her time as superintendent.

“Dr. Ball thanks the present and past Board of Trustees for providing her with the opportunity to serve in the Judson Independent School District. A school district is measured by the commitment of the Board, staff and community to its children and their achievement,” the statement reads. “This District is indeed so committed. Dr. Ball would like to express her heartfelt appreciation to the staff and community for their support of the District’s programs and services during her term as Superintendent.”