Recommendation of McBeath to EPISD Board falls 3-2

A.D. Ibarra

-Eagle Pass

In a special meeting of the EPISD Board of Trustees, the motion to accept the resignation of Ana Santleben was unanimously approved.

The district's attorney was absent and his replacement advised, "Until the appointment is made, the resigning board member is still in."

"There is a conflict of interest and the possibility of nepotism and I respect her decision," stated Board president Ignacio Saucedo.

The board moved on to the next item, the appointment of Rex McBeath as Santleben's replacement.

"He has served previously and has a wealth of knowledge of the budget process and of school policy," stated Saucedo.

The motion was made by Saucedo and was seconded by Trustee Lupita Fuentes to recommend McBeath to the board then Trustee Ramon Ramirez was given an opportunity to comment on the item and he stated, "We have been elected by the community.  The only comment I have is that we're put here by the community and we owe them respect they have given to us.  This person has been recommended and it's tough to go against."

He also said that he had a question in reference to the quorum, "Should we vote now or wait for Alvarez?"  To which Saucedo stated, "Mr. Alvarez is aware of the recommendation and we need to move forward.  We have a budget meeting tonight, I understand where we're coming from.  He's only going to serve one year and will be an asset to the board and knows the budget process."

Glenna Purcell also mentioned the fact that Trustee Dr. Hector Alvarez was not present and that "We should have a full board."

Discussion was closed and a vote was taken.

The motion fell 2-3 with Saucedo and Fuentes voting 'For' and Ramirez, Purcell and new Trustee Bennie Rodriguez cast the three dissenting votes.