The Mathis ISD Board of Trustees placed Superintendent Tim Norman and athletic director Roger Masters on administrative leave with pay Monday pending an investigation.
The district announced that the investigation is related to a "personnel matter" in a Monday letter posted online. The letterhead still had Norman's name at the top, but was signed by school board President Melinda Barajas.
According to the letter, the district has hired a third-party "law firm/investigator" to conduct an investigation and provide a report to the school board with findings and recommendations, after which the board will discuss and take further action.
"Due to the confidential nature of personnel issues, the District cannot provide additional details or comments on this matter at present," the letter states.
The letter states that the board's action is consistent with the district's established practices when there is a personnel issue involving an employee of the district.
"During this period, the District will continue to focus on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for our students and ensuring the smooth operation of our schools," the letter states.
According to the district's website, Norman was hired in February 2022. He previously worked at Hubbard ISD and Chireno ISD and has 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach, testing coordinator and administrator.
Norman's contract, most recently updated in May, runs through June 2026.
Masters became athletic director after Trae Stevens stepped down from his role as athletic director and head football coach in the summer.
The Mathis ISD Board of Trustees met Monday evening for a special session at 6 p.m. ahead of a regular meeting at 7 p.m. According to meeting agendas, the only items on the agenda were a closed session regarding the athletic director and superintendent, followed by the votes to place both on administrative leave and to name an acting superintendent and to hire and external law firm to conduct an investigation.
The regular school board meeting included typical district business such as recognitions and safety updates, according to the meeting agenda.
The board will next meet at noon Friday in the McCraw Administration building at 410 East San Patricio Avenue in Mathis.
The only action item on the agenda is a discussion and possible action related to potentially terminating Masters's probationary contract at the conclusion of the 2023-24 school year.
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