[Update] Sanchez will be paid $200,000 to leave. His base salary had been $240,00 with benefits that brought the total value of his contract to nearly a half a million dollars. [Read Sanchez Separation and Release Agreement here]
After word that damning information about the District’s finances would soon be released, Dr. H.T. Sanchez resigned from the Tucson Unified School District today. The Governing Board emerged from Executive Session without Sanchez.
According to numerous sources, Sanchez did not arrive at the meeting at all.
Just In: Sanchez Leaves Behind A Legacy Of High Administrative Costs, Declined Enrollment
Sources report that the financial information would show that the Superintendent had been advised that actions taken by the administration at his direction put the District at legal risk.
Prior to the vote to accept Sanchez’s resignation, Board member Kristel Foster read a statement into the record filled with inflammatory accusations and false claims about Sanchez’s record.
Related article: Control Of Optics Key To TUSD Administration, Enrollment Continues To Decline
After Foster’s hostile attack, Board member Rachael Sedgwick said that she looked forward to working with all members of the Board and that “no matter what vote we make on this agenda item,” said Sedgwick referring to Sanchez’s resignation, “I know we all have the best interest of the District in mind.”
Grijalva stated that Hicks and Sanchez had worked on his resignation that was a “compromise,” but stated she would not accept it.
The Board voted 3-2 to accpet his resignation. The terms are yet unknown.
Contrary to claims made by Sanchez, Foster, and Grijalva the District continued to experience a decline in enrollment during his tenure.
Sanchez’s contract says the Governing Board has exclusive authority to determine employee compensation.
Administrators Abel Morado, Stephanie Boe, and Michelle Tong received contracts with substantial raises unapproved by the Governing Board.
In 2013, administrators Damon Jackson and Steve Holmes signed contracts of employment with TUSD. The contracts include various benefits, financial and otherwise, but neither contract specifies the possibility of a bonus. In June 2014, just before the end of the fiscal year, each administrator received a $10,000 payment, coded as a “bonus.” It appears that none of the other benefits that were specified in the signed contracts could produce such a $10,000 payment.
Sanchez is alleged to have violated his contract when he reportedly directed principals not to follow the Board approved policy: Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Sanchez’s contract specifically requires him to follow Governing Board policies.
Sanchez allowed Pueblo High Principal Augie Romero to violate State law when Romero changed student’s grades without their teacher’s consent.
Sanchez, who is not a certified educator by the Arizona State Board of Education, is required under the terms of his contract to follow the laws and regulations of the State of Arizona.
Sanchez was contacted on at least two occasions by authorities for failing to report assaults on employees or police as required by Arizona law.