Hearing set for termination of Gonzales ISD police chief’s contract

Posted

The fate of Gonzales ISD Police Chief Matthew Camarillo’s contract with the school district will be determined on Tuesday, May 28 during a special meeting of the board of trustees at Gonzales Junior High.

On April 30, during another special-called meeting, the board voted to terminate Camarillo’s employment contract.

“The board accepted the administration’s recommendation to propose contract termination for Matthew Camarillo’s employment contract at its meeting on Tuesday, April 30,” Gonzales ISD Superintendent Dr. Kim Strozier told the Inquirer back in April. “He currently serves under a contract through the end of the 2019-20 school year.”

No explanation was given, as “it is not the practice of Gonzales ISD to comment publicly on employee performance,” Strozier said.

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.

Camarillo has taken 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.”

Typically, the board will hear evidence in a closed session, then come into an open session to vote and make a final decision. According to the posted agenda, the board will go to a closed session to consult with their attorney regarding the hearing procedures. Next, they will go to an open session to conduct the hearing, regarding the proposed contract termination for Chief of Police and then go to a closed session again to consult with their attorney.

A final vote will take place in open session.

The special meeting is open to the public and will take place Tuesday, May 28 at Gonzales Junior High at 5 p.m.

***

Editor’s Note: Camarillo’s full statement sent to the Inquirer reads as follows:

Dear Residents,

My name is Matthew Camarillo and have been in public service for 10 years total, 5 years as an officer with the City of Gonzales Police Department, and 5 years as the Chief of Police for the Gonzales Independent School District Police Department. On May 28, 2019 at 5:00pm, the Gonzales ISD Superintendent and Board of Trustees will have a hearing concerning my position as Chief of Police.

As a patrolman for the Gonzales Police Department, I provided public safety, responded to calls for service, performed outreach, participated in the police explorer program, served as a field training officer, served as a neighborhood watch liaison, and performed enforcement activities. The skills and experiences I acquired at the GPD were utilized to establish the Gonzales ISD Police Department to provide safety and security to students, faculty, parents, volunteers, and visitors on campuses, at school sanctioned events, and activities in other cities. During my administration the GISD Police Department was able to successfully implement a K9 Unit to improve safety and prevent dangerous drugs onto campuses, coordinate serious incident responses plans in the event catastrophic events such as an active shooter, develop response plans with other law enforcement agencies, investigate incidents, and provide mentorship to children and teenagers.

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.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.

I would like to invite each and everyone of you who have supported me in these last 10 years as a Police Officer and Current District Chief of Police. I want you to come out in large numbers and gather together as one and show your support for me. I wish to continue to serve you and your children.

Respectfully,

Matthew Camarillo

Comments