Two top San Antonio Independent School District administrators have resigned from their positions after widespread heating and plumbing issues thrust the district into days of chaos and the decision to close for at least the rest of the week, affecting 47,000 students and their families.
In a letter sent to staff Thursday afternoon and obtained by the San Antonio Report, Superintendent Jaime Aquino said an external investigation will be conducted and that classrooms will only open back up when it is safe to do so.
“Although I have accepted the resignations of Ken Thompson, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Mike Eaton, Chief of Operations, I also recognize their significant contributions to our district on behalf of our students,” Aquino said in the letter. “It is crucial to acknowledge that our current situation stems from various issues — including aging infrastructure, system failures and being underfunded by the state.”
After the investigation, a report will be published breaking down the reasons for the failure, Aquino said.
According to the letter, Jenny Arredondo, the senior executive director of child nutrition services, will take charge of the Operations Division on an interim basis, with support from Deputy Superintendent Patti Salzmann.
“They are already working campus by campus to determine whether schools are ready for students beginning Monday and that students, staff and families have suitable facility conditions,” Aquino said.
The district leader also apologized to teachers for the mishap and commended them for working with students and parents through the chaos.
“We also recognize how far above and beyond the expectations of your usual duties you have risen,” he said. “We cannot express how grateful we are to you, and most especially our teachers, principals, and school staff in our schools, for your commitment to our shared work.”
Aquino also posted a video for parents Friday morning saying that schools would be open Monday.
“While there will be adequate temperature throughout the school buildings, there may still be some areas that require further attention,” he said. “However, I want to assure you that students and staff will be in areas with reasonable temperatures. Bottom line, there will be warm and appropriate learning spaces for our staff and students on Monday.”
