By Dana Busselman

When discussing the approval of minutes of February and March school board meetings, Kenedy ISD school board members argued over use of the word "disturbance" during the board’s most recent meeting on April 16.

Trustees Dwain Groff and Frank Nieto became involved in a heated discussion about how the incident would be reflected in the minutes.

Nieto stated that police had been called and Groff said that calling the police was unnecessary.

Argument continued as Groff questioned Nieto’s decision to move the date of the school board meeting.

"Why are we even here tonight?" Groff asked. "This meeting was supposed to be on a Tuesday because something was going to happen today that we needed to address, but we can’t because you changed the meeting."

Nieto responded with a reminder that the decision to change the meeting date was approved by the board.

The school district’s attorney was asked for advice on these matters. She told the trustees they should stick to the agenda and any advice would have to be given in closed session due to attorney-client privilege.

Trustee Edward Monson commented on the fact that money being spent on attorney’s fees could be better spent on something beneficial for the students such as a track or supplies for the teachers.

The board discussed changes to school district policy that would mean parents could attend but could no longer participate in the 504 committee because they are not trained in 504 laws and policies.

Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to an education.

Trustee Velma Garza said it wasn’t fair to parents and that she felt this meant she and other parents were being called "uneducated."

Kenedy ISD Superintendent Richard Irizarry said, "This does not mean that and this was the recommendation by the attorney to meet the law. I don’t know about you, but when I go see a professional like a doctor or lawyer, I rely on their opinion. I don’t think I know how to do their job."

Later in the meeting, Irizarry reported to the board that school district business manager Janet Lott has vacated her office and is using medical leave to take time off from work until her contract expires in June. The superintendent reported that he and other school district employees are trying to manage the district’s business office in her absence.

The school board took no action on an agenda item related to the superintendent’s evaluation and contract. This item has been on the agendas of board meetings for months without any action from the school board.

In other business, students Anthony Foley and Desiree Reyes were recognized by the school board for their achievements as gold medalists in the sport of powerlifting.

Coach Tim Bordovsky thanked those responsible for hosting Kenedy’s first powerlifting meet in five years.