TEA closes Judson ISD investigation, clears district of any wrongdoing

The Texas Education Agency has closed its investigation into Judson ISD’s board governance, open-meetings practices and reporting of abuse and misconduct.

In a Nov. 10 letter to Board President Monica Ryan and Interim Superintendent Ann Dixon, TEA said its review found no district-level or board wrongdoing and no systematic violations of the laws in effect during the period it examined.

The investigation came amid months of conflict at the district. Allegations under review included claims about threats and interference with district operations, whether trustees deliberated outside public meetings, and whether school officials properly reported a student’s abuse. These were allegations and not findings established by the closure letter.

The dispute also unfolded during leadership turmoil. Former Superintendent Milton “Rob” Fields was terminated in April. Ryan cited concerns including district finances, academic performance and reporting of child abuse; Fields disputed the reasons. Separately, claims that Ryan used her position to secure special classes for her children prompted a district investigation. That inquiry reported no evidence she used her board status to influence scheduling, though Trustee José Macias later challenged its process and findings.

TEA recommended that Judson ISD work with legal counsel to ensure its current policies and practices align with state law, including the Texas Open Meetings Act. The letter does not provide allegation-by-allegation findings or explain the evidence behind the agency’s conclusion.