Grand Prairie ISD Superintendent Jorge Arredondo has officially resigned after the school board approved a voluntary separation agreement in a 4-3 vote on Monday night.
The decision follows months of uncertainty, with Arredondo having been placed on paid administrative leave for five months and facing a termination vote two months ago.
Timeline of Events
- October 2023: Arredondo obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block his removal. The TRO later expired.
- November 2023: The board voted to terminate Arredondo, though he remained on paid leave while legal discussions continued.
- February 2024: The board approved a voluntary separation agreement, officially ending Arredondo’s tenure as superintendent.
Details surrounding the investigation that led to his departure have not been disclosed, leaving parents and community members frustrated by the lack of transparency.
Parents and Community Call for Answers
Many residents expressed concerns about the secrecy surrounding the investigation. Esmeralda Rodriguez, a parent, said the voluntary separation agreement likely includes a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), preventing the community from learning what happened.
“It is frustrating because usually that includes an NDA, and we’ll never know,” Rodriguez said.
Maggie Wolters, another community member, called for more transparency:
“We need answers. How are we supposed to trust people that have been elected when they give us absolutely nothing?”
Parents are demanding access to the final investigation report, which was conducted by a third-party law firm and reviewed by the school board.
Board’s Stance on the Investigation Report
During the meeting, Trustee Emily Liles said the district is willing to release the report with staff names redacted. However, Arredondo has requested that the report remain sealed.
Liles, who voted against the separation agreement, criticized the board’s decision, citing concerns over lack of due process and financial transparency in the settlement.
“Due process for the superintendent doesn’t happen, and the financial details of the settlement agreement will remain hidden,” Liles said. “This goes against everything the board has worked for and everything I stand for.”
Legal Context and Superintendent’s Defense
Arredondo’s attorney previously stated that no credible evidence had been presented to show he violated district policies. Despite this, the board opted for a separation agreement instead of further pursuing his termination.
A statement released by the district spokesperson indicated that the decision was made to serve the best interests of both the board and Arredondo:
“The Board and Dr. Arredondo have entered into the agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the district.”
Next Steps for Grand Prairie ISD
Following the vote, the board approved posting the position to find a new superintendent. The search is expected to be closely monitored by parents, who are already calling for greater involvement and transparency in the selection process.
While the voluntary separation agreement brings closure to the months-long dispute, it leaves many unanswered questions for the community. With the investigation report sealed and the settlement details undisclosed, the situation has sparked concerns about accountability and trust in Grand Prairie ISD’s leadership.
Parents and community members will now turn their attention to the selection of a new superintendent, hoping for more openness moving forward.