The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced Tuesday that its investigation into Judson Independent School District board president Monica Ryan has been closed with no finding of wrongdoing. In a letter to interim superintendent Ann Dixon and Ryan, TEA division director of special investigations Richard Segovia wrote that the agency found no evidence of district‑level or board violations of the Texas Education Code or the Texas Government Code.
Background of the investigation
In June, TEA opened two separate inquiries involving Judson ISD. The first targeted Ryan after three fellow trustees—Jose Macias Jr., Suzanne Kenoyer and Laura Stanford—and a community member alleged she abused her authority, pressured trustees to vote a certain way, undermined the superintendent, and held private conversations with a quorum present.
The second investigation focuses on former superintendent Robert Milton Fields, who was dismissed earlier this year following accusations that he hired staff listed on the state’s Do Not Hire registry. Fields’ case remains active.
Ryan’s response and ongoing board tensions
Following the TEA’s clearance, Ryan took to social media urging trustees Macias, Kenoyer and Stanford to resign, calling their accusations “false” and a waste of taxpayer and student money. Macias dismissed the demand as “laughable,” emphasizing his duty to seek accountability when he believes misconduct has occurred.
The board has been divided for months, with frequent public sparring between Ryan and Macias. Disagreements have spanned agenda‑setting procedures, budget choices, hiring decisions and other governance matters. At a recent meeting, Ryan proposed giving the board president greater authority to set meeting agendas, a change that would have removed language requiring immediate inclusion of trustee‑requested items or scheduling them for an “appropriate time in the near future.” The board voted 3‑3 on the proposal, leaving the policy unchanged, though Ryan indicated she may revisit the idea.
Sanctions and legal actions
Board member Macias has faced four censures in the past six months, including allegations of pressuring colleagues and sharing confidential board information on social media. He was also sanctioned for comments to reporters after a stabbing incident at a Judson middle school that could have violated federal privacy laws. In response, Macias filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the sanctions and requesting $1 million in restitution; the case has been moved to federal court and awaits a hearing date.
District leadership and future outlook
Judson ISD is currently led by a temporary superintendent, the district’s fourth after Fields was placed on leave in January. The board has not yet launched a search for a permanent replacement. Like many Texas districts, Judson faces declining enrollment and ongoing academic turnaround efforts, especially after one school received a fourth consecutive failing rating from the state.
At least one individual has filed paperwork to run against Ryan for the at‑large board seat that expires in May 2027. Ryan declined to confirm whether she will seek re‑election.
What’s next
While the TEA has closed the investigation into Ryan, the agency’s separate probe into former superintendent Fields continues. The board’s internal disputes and governance debates are likely to persist as Judson ISD works to address enrollment challenges, academic performance and leadership stability.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
