Hearing involving Gonzales ISD police chief’s contract canceled

Editor's note: This story was updated at 1:12 p.m. to include Dr. Strozier's comments. The story was originated posted at 12:36 p.m.

On Monday, it was announced that the special meeting set for Tuesday, May 28 involving the termination of Gonzales ISD Police Chief Matthew Camarillo has been canceled.

Requests for comment to Camarillo have gone unanswered while GISD Board President Glenn Menking wrote to the Inquirer “all personnel questions need to be handled by the superintendent.” GISD Superintendent Dr. Kim Strozier wrote to the Inquirer that the meeting will not be rescheduled.

No reason was given as to why the meeting was canceled. Strozier cited policy, saying, "district policy and procedure prevents me from discussing matters involving district personnel."

The board voted to terminate Camarillo’s employment contract in a special-called meeting on April 30. No explanation was given then on why. Before the termination, his contract ran through the end of the 2019-20 school year. At the time, trustees Glenn Menking, Ross Hendershot III, Justin Schwausch and Sandra Gorden voted unanimously for the action. Gloria Torres, Josie Smith-Wright and Sue Gottwald did not attend that meeting.

Last week, Camarillo took to social media to release a statement, seeking support from the community.

“Gonzales is my home and I have enjoyed the responsibility as GISD Chief of Police, and honored to have been chosen to establish a law enforcement agency within the school district,” he said. “The law enforcement profession and the badge that has been entrusted in me requires honesty, integrity, and courage, and I have faithfully exemplified these qualities in my position. On May 28, 2019 at 5pm the hearing will occur, and I ask for your support at the Gonzales Administration Office, located at 1711 North Sarah Dewitt. Transparency is essential at all levels of government, and I look forward to the opportunity to provide details concerning my performance and the opportunity to answer any questions from the Superintendent or GISD Board.”

The post has since been deleted off of social media.

The Inquirer will update this story once new information is available.