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L.I.S.D DA Investigation Shot Down

By KGNS News

Story Created: Sep 21, 2010

Story Updated: Sep 22, 2010

A local school district's board members speak out regarding some alleged wrong doings within the school district.

They claim nothing is being done to bring some important issues to light. Pro 8 News Reporter Brenda Medina investigates this matter.

"From time to time we have people that have violations in the district and we tend to look the other way,” said District III Board Trustee John Peter Montalvo.

An internal auditor recently brought forward several cases to the Laredo Independent School District board members, cases that Board Trustee Guillermina Montes said appear to be in violation of local, state and federal policies.

"They were violations of raffles on school properties, use of school property facilities, lack of procedure., abuse of employees, lack of following procedures regarding overtime." said Montes.

Montes said some employees claim they were asked to clock out and continue working without pay.

"Nobody wants to work for free,” added Montes. “Why should they?”

In light of the reported wrong doings, an item brought up in last week's board meeting would direct the superintendent to refer the cases to the district attorney's office for appropriate action, something not all board trustees voted in favor of.

"The DA needs certain steps. It's a very broad statement and I vote against it," Board Secretary Jesus Martinez said.

Four board members including Jose Perez, Jose Valdez, Jesus Martinez, and George Beckelhymer voted against the motion which did not pass.

"In my opinion somebody is trying to cover things up. I hope it's not the right opinion but that's the way i see it,” said Montalvo.

"I'm sorry that they feel that but I'm sure there aren't any trustees that want to cover anything up," responded L.I.S.D President George Beckelhymer.

There were other pressing issues Montalvo wasn't able to comment on because they were discussed in closed session, but he said not getting the DA involved only shows the district is not transparent.

The allegations brought forward are currently under investigation. We'll keep you posted as this story develops.