Recent action by the Kenedy school board has left many local people wondering why four of the trustees voted in a way that effectively ended the employment of the school district’s business manager.

During the February 12 meeting, Trustees Frank Nieto, Velma Garza and Tony Mejia voted against renewing Janet Lott’s contract and Trustee Leo Valerio abstained from the vote. Trustees Dwain Groff, Ed Monson and Carl Lundquist voted in favor. With a vote of 3-3-1, the motion failed to pass meaning that when her contract expires on June 30, Lott will no longer be working as Kenedy ISD’s business manager.

Superintendent Richard Irizarry recommended the renewal of Lott’s contract prior to the vote.

The vote took place after no discussion on the matter.

Kenedy ISD Business Manager Janet Lott is also wondering why the trustees voted as they did.

"They gave me no reason, whatsoever," Lott said.

Last year, Lott’s contract was renewed by a slim margin of 4-3. The only difference between last year’s vote and this year’s is that Trustee Leo Valerio abstained from the vote instead of voting in favor of Lott’s contract renewal.

Last year when Lott asked the three trustees why they voted against renewal she was told, "You need to talk to your supervisor, Dr. Irizarry." When Lott spoke with the superintendent he told her he did not know why they voted against renewal.

Dr. Richard Irizarry, the school district’s superintendent, is also in the dark about why the trustees voted against his recommendation.

"As I made the recommendation… I was looking at the next item on the agenda that I was going to deal with and then the vote took place 3-3-1 – it was kind of a surprise to me," Irizarry said.

When asked if he had any explanation for the way the board voted, Irizarry said, "I really don’t."

"I know last year it was a close vote also," Irizarry said. "I guess I thought I’d probably see the same (renewal) this year."

"It is an important position in the district," Irizarry said, noting that he thought an explanation of some sort would have been expected in light of Lott’s 16 years with the school district.

Irizarry characterized working with a board known for such bitter divisiveness as a "challenge."

"I’ve not worked with that type of situation," Irizarry said. "I’m an educated person and I try to work things in an educated way. I try to have a calm demeanor about things… I try to figure out a way to improve things or make them better… but it’s hard. They, in a sense, are my superiors and I have to respond to them."

"She does a good job," Irizarry said regarding Lott’s job performance. "She’s consistent in her work and we’ve worked fairly well together."

Lott has filed a grievance which will be heard by the board on Thursday, March 29 at 6:15 p.m. during a special meeting of the school board at the Kenedy Elementary School cafeteria. She is asking the board members for an explanation and to also reconsider the vote taken at the Feb. 12 meeting. She has contacted an attorney for advice but no legal action has yet been taken pending the outcome of the grievance hearing.

Lott’s job performance during her 16 years of employment with the school district has been outstanding, according to information from several sources. She is certified as a Texas School Business Official. Each of her annual evaluations by the superintendent have been rated "excellent" – exceeding expectations. During her tenure, the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas has commended the district for superior achievement and the annual financial audits have commended Lott on her proficiency and skill as a business manager.

Last week The Countywide tried to contact each of the trustees who voted against the contract renewal or abstained. Velma Garza’s phone number and address are unlisted and the school district would not release that information. Phone messages were left for Leo Valerio and Tony Mejia, but these calls were not returned.

Board President Frank Nieto told The Countywide that he could not comment at this time because of the pending grievance.

A petition of support for Lott in her position as business manager has been signed by 86 people asking for the school board to renew her employment contract.

"We feel that she is performing her job with honesty and excellence, and that there is no just cause for the board not to renew her contract," the petition states. "We hope that all citizens will enjoy the benefits of a more united community, and we are asking our elected leaders to help make this a reality."