San Antonio School District Faces Scrutiny Over Superintendent’s Coaching Records
In the heart of vibrant San Antonio, a tale of transparency and accountability is unfolding involving the local school district’s superintendent, Jaime Aquino. Recently, Aquino’s decision to hire a personal development coach as part of his contract has raised eyebrows, especially as the district seeks to keep details about this arrangement under wraps.
Seeking Answers
Dyvontrae Johnson, a concerned parent living in the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), is championing the call for transparency. With his two children previously attending Lamar Elementary School, Johnson is distressed about the district’s decision to shut down several schools, including his kids’ former campus, as part of a controversial “rightsizing” plan. The decision, which Aquino attributed to resource allocation last November, has left many parents questioning the financial direction of the district.
“I want to see a clear picture of how our funds are being spent,” Johnson expressed. He recalls the joy his children experienced while attending Lamar, stating, “They were always excited. They loved it! There was no homework, just learning.” As he delved deeper into the district’s recent actions, it became clear to him that there was a need for greater clarity surrounding the use of taxpayer dollars.
Financial Concerns
During the previous school year, SAISD faced a wave of criticisms related to financial transparency. Issues such as the multi-million dollar allocation of funds from the 2020 bond to schools that would soon be closed raised significant doubt. Johnson noted, “It didn’t feel like the district was being open about where the money was actually going.”
Furthermore, incidents like the shutdown of schools due to heating system failures and unanswered questions regarding lead in water have only intensified parental concerns.
About the Superintendency
Superintendent Aquino’s contract reveals he makes a salary of $324,450 yearly. In addition to his salary, he benefits from a handful of extras like a $750 monthly car allowance and coverage for membership in professional organizations. Of particular interest is the fact that his contract stipulates that the district covers travel for up to three trips a year for his personal development coach—a provision that has now become a focal point of concern.
Despite the lack of reported expenses linked to the coach, the district is currently fighting to keep records of communication regarding this arrangement private, claiming they are not public information. Johnson argues, “If everything is being done in the interest of the district, why not let us see those records? What do they have to hide?” His frustration echoes sentiments shared by others in the community.
The District’s Response
In an interview regarding the personal coach, Aquino tells the story of how he advocated for this support during his new role. “It was important for me to have a coach to help navigate my first superintendency and grow in my position,” he explained. However, when questioned about whether this relationship impacts district business, the district’s attorney seems to contradict this view in a letter to the attorney general stating the coach is not involved in conducting district business.
SAISD board member Ed Garza, who helped approve the hiring of the coach, expressed the belief that the public has a right to know about proceedings that directly relate to performance in positions of leadership. “What happens in those conversations can ultimately reflect back on the schools and the children,” he pointed out, indicating the importance of accountability.
A Call for Transparency
Others in the education space, including Jorge Borrego from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, feel the district should be willing to open up about the coaching arrangements. “Having someone to help with leadership skills is fairly common. It’s not unusual, but having a secret about it can raise red flags,” Borrego said.
As of now, the community waits with bated breath for further developments on this matter, especially to see what ruling the attorney general will provide regarding the requests for transparency. Questions remain about how the resources of SAISD are being managed and how effectively its leadership can be held accountable for its decisions.
