Resignations at Round Rock ISD Prompt More Questions Than Answers

Last Friday Round Rock ISD Trustee Glen Colby suddenly announced his resignation from the board.  In a letter to the Board President, Colby stated he wants to spend more time as a father to his children. 

Colby’s sudden announcement is the third surprise resignation this year; in January Superintendent Jesus Chavez unexpectedly announced his retirement, and this week Alan Albers, the Director of Facilities who oversees construction,  also resigned.

Alber’s announcement is interesting in light of the recent questions about construction contracts awarded by the ISD.  Although two board members have been attempting to obtain information about the $25 million Success High School and contract awards, the Superintendent has refused to cooperate.  Colby and several other members of the board have been especially shrill in condemning inquiries into these matters and moved to shut down any further investigations.

As for Glen Colby’s resignation, there is much going on here.  Colby has been on the board since 2008, but many are wondering how the ISD kept quiet his 2010 arrest.  (Fail to Stop and Render Aid/State Jail Felony- Austin Police case number 10-0171224- files available at the Williamson County Courthouse if you would like to exercise your Freedom of Information Act rights.) Colby posted a $1,500 bond, but the previous Williamson County District Attorney’s office did not invite the investigating officer to present evidence to the grand jury.  Former D.A. John Bradley’s office obtained a ‘no-bill’ from the grand jury; the only reason given is “other.”  (as opposed to lack of evidence or the complaining witness requesting dismissal.)

(Imagine Colby was a Conservative-one suspects this would have been front-page news…)

There’s a whole lot here that isn’t passing the smell test.

The current Board will appoint a replacement for Colby; not an encouraging thought considering all the smoke and mirrors that have been at play in RRISD. 

Do we trust this organization to do what is right?  Too choose an adequate replacement for Colby?  To choose a new Superintendent? 

It seems that there are many questions here that need to be answered.