BEFORE DIRECTOR'S SUSPENSION, SPECIAL SERVICES IMPLODES

By Juan Montoya
Even before the placing of Director Dr. Sandra I. Rodriguez at the Brownsville Independent School District Special Services Dept. on administrative leave there were already hints of trouble there that the administration tried to sweep under the rug.

And when the staff heard the results of the climate survey which trustees were told indicated that everything was rosy at the department, they could not believe what they were hearing.

"It was asked if the board read the climate survey because more than 25 employees filled out the survey and made mention in the notes section how the environment at Special Services was hostile and unwelcoming," wrote a staff member. "No one would answer this question. Staff commented that when at the board meeting they were reporting the outcome they were shocked at the positive response the survey brought because they knew for a fact that they had voiced their concerns."

Instead, the board members were told that district employees were happy they had their jobs and that they were content with their treatment by supervisors like Dr. Rodriguez. That and the apparent lack of concern fro higher-ups has lowered moral at the department, they say.

"Not one board member has come to special services to check on things or to provide assistance...What a shame to not have any support at this huge event (CAB). The parents noticed and commented that not one main office person took the time to come and support or stop to say hello. It is very sad to see the board members all over the Internet, Facebook and Herald with general education kids, but when it comes time for a special education event they are to busy. The superintendent wasn't even available to address these parents who struggle daily with their special needs children. It was very insulting to the parents as well as the staff."

Not only is the department overlooked, they say, but their input into such things as the yearly calendar were rebuffed by the main office. They complained that they were not allowed to vote on or review it the first or the second time. One staff member said they called was was told "sorry, you do not get to vote. When they asked if they could review the choices, they were told that it was not an option.

"All this is a three-ring circus," one wrote. "All you need to do is call and you will see that no one knows anything about anything. There is no organizational chart an polices and procedures are being made up to suit the administration."

When Adrianna Lippa was brought in from Rio Hondo the staff was hopeful that things would change for the better. They were greatly disappointed when they saw that she marched to Rodriguez's orders and did not correct the abusive policies toward employees. Former AT certified teacher Susan Sloan was the lone voice in trying to set things right, but got zero support from the main office. Seeing that she was getting nowhere without nay hope for the better in sight, she left her 25-year career and went o work at Tipton Ford. Insiders say that Sloan's departure was huge loss to the department.

Ditto for David Delgado, a AU expert presenter had endures so much abuse that he opted to take a $5,000 cut in pay and left for another department to get away from Rodriguez. Likewise, Dolores Emerson, the former assistant director, left when she saw that it was only a matter of time before employees there decided they could not take the abuse any more. Even Emerson was subjected to Rordiguez's brand of autocracy.

"We have begged for help but now have decided to move forward and let the chips fall where they may," one wrote. "I have been told that it's just a matter of time before the grievances and complaints start rolling in. What a shame because at the end of the day we know it's the special needs students who suffer..."