Edgewood ISD trustees approve superintendent’s early retirement agreement

Edgewood Independent School District trustees approved an agreement for it’s superintendent to retire in a 6-1 vote Wednesday night, following more than an hour of public comment and calls to delay the decision.

The details of the Superintendent Eduardo Hernandez’s agreement are expected to be released later this week. The lone trustee who voted against it said the public would be upset with how their tax dollars would be spent.

Most people who signed up to speak at the meeting asked trustees to wait until the three newly elected board members could have a say in the decision.

After trustees returned from closed session, some members of the audience turned their backs on the board.

“Our silent protest today and turning our back on the decision was basically sending them a signal. Their legacy is not a good one,” an Edgewood ISD alum who participated in the protest said.

Several community members, teachers, students and district graduates addressed trustees during public comment. Some questioned Hernandez’s accomplishments during his tenure, while others expressed support for him.

Speaking at the meeting, Hernandez reflected on his time leading Edgewood, saying he always put students first and appreciated those who spoke out Wednesday night, adding that it was important their voices were heard.

“To everyone I disagree with, that’s part of the journey,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez declined to be interviewed after the meeting.

KSAT found out about Hernandez’s early retirement through the district’s public agenda. Lauren Blevins, communications director for Edgewood ISD, said there will not be any statements before the meeting.

Hernandez has served as the district’s superintendent since 2018. Last year, the Edgewood Board of Trustees approved a contract that kept Hernandez as superintendent until 2030.

Records show that on Sept. 15, Hernandez signed an additional extension to work through June 2031.

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