In an emotionally charged Alba-Golden ISD board meeting on Thursday night, trustees voted unanimously to offer Superintendent Dwayne Ellis a retirement agreement. 

The agreement states that “The superintendent desires to resign as superintendent and retire effective Feb. 24. He has at least 21 days to consider this agreement and Ellis waives this 21-day period. Ellis has been notified that he has seven days in which to revoke this agreement after it is signed. 

“Ellis shall receive his salary and benefits under the contract through the resignation date. In consideration of Ellis’ voluntarily resigning his position as superintendent of the district, the district shall pay Ellis the sum of $200,405.34, representing his salary and benefits pursuant to the contract. 

“Ellis agrees to withdraw any and all, if any, complaints against the district and/or district employees and board members.”

There was standing room only in the high school library, as community members crowded in and took the podium in support of Ellis before the board went into closed session.

Brady Robinson served on the school board for 25 years under five superintendents and says Ellis is the only one that has run the school in a way that they’ve had plenty of money to operate and do what needs to be done. 

“I don’t know what y’all’s intent is against the superintendent, but I’d hate to see the work we’ve done in 25 years go away.”

Claire Thompson spoke bluntly to the board. “Ellis is strict but fair. He’s been here 35 years and has never been written up. Holding a grudge and using your power to satisfy that is immature and clueless. Many of us do not support what’s being done. Y’all should be ashamed.” Showing the concern of many of the staff, she then asked, “Can I lose my job over this?” 

John McNeely warned the board to take their decision seriously, “Your name will go on whatever this school is after the dust settles from this action.” The crowd voiced their agreement.

With much support, Kelley Cole walked to the podium. She had taken to social media on Jan. 23 voicing her concerns over actions of the board at previous meetings. Her post was to inform taxpayers of what she says the board is not willing to let the community know. The post got 121 shares and 436 comments, a number which she says is larger than the votes the board members got when elected. 

“If more would have voted, we wouldn’t be sitting here today and you wouldn’t be spearheading this witch hunt you’re on,” pointed out Cole.

She made eye contact with each board member as she asked for answers yet again as to why they are wanting to get rid of Ellis. She read aloud the oath the board of trustees agreed to when they were sworn in and said they are not preserving, protecting or defending the school. “We’ve entrusted you to these duties and you have failed us.” 

Leah Sherwood was vocal before and after the vote. She thanked two of the board members for their integrity during the process. 

“We appreciate your years of service to our school and it’s easy to see who has AG’s best interest at heart. When the community says a buyout is not in our best interest, common sense must prevail if possible.” 

John Beck said it’s clear to him the whole issue is personal after one board member’s father stormed off when Beck told him how he saw the situation. He said the termination is without cause and warned the board of legal action that could result from the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) which protects the employment of older workers, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) which is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make discrimination illegal.

Beck’s time at the podium ended with a round of applause from community members before the board excused themselves to deliberate over their decision.

The board was out for over an hour.

A retirement agreement, prepared by the district’s attorney and presented to the board for review, was accepted.

Before the vote began, board trustee Mike Ragsdale spoke. “I’ve supported Mr. Ellis ever since I’ve been on the board. I think he’s done a good job. Others don’t see it that way. The thing is, the way I’m going to vote, I’m going to vote to extend this to Mr. Ellis. I didn’t want to, but Mr. Ellis told me the school needs stability, the teachers and students need stability. That’s the reason I’m going to vote the way I am, but I want y’all to know I supported him in the beginning and I still support him.” 

Ragsdale was followed by trustee Chad Dailey who said he was sure he’s not one of the popular ones in the room tonight. Many in the crowd loudly agreed with his statement.

“I do feel like I owe it to you to explain why I’m voting the way I am. I have a few reasons. One is the consistent turn over rate. Two is the declining test scores. Three is the unwillingness to work with the current board.” 

The crowd was in an uproar as he tried to state his reasons, and board president Jason Stovall had to regain control of the meeting. 

Stovall continued with his reason for his vote. “I had a good long talk with Mr. Ellis this week. He did extend to me that he would prefer me to vote for this motion we’ve extended tonight. He would like to see that for the betterment of the school. That’s what he’s asked of me to do. I think that shows you his character and the respect he has for the school, the teachers and the kids. We owe it to him to give him some dignity.”

The discussion went further when trustee Grant Sadler tried to speak among a zealous group of those opposing him. “I’m new to this board. I took a spot that was vacated by another board member. I’ve played a lot of catch up. I’ve learned a whole lot in a short amount of time. This board, whether you believe it or not, takes no pleasure in this at all. You’re all entitled to your opinion and I’m glad you’re passionate. What I would challenge us all to do is be passionate about Alba-Golden. Be passionate about our kids and to one another. I just challenge us to come together as a community. Certainly, I want to thank Mr. Ellis for his time served and the good that he’s done here, and the great that we’re going to do in the future. I appreciate you guys all coming out.”

At that time, all board members agreed to extend the retirement agreement to Ellis. The job opening of an interim superintendent will be posted upon the execution of the agreement. 

Emotions remained high as Ellis’ daughter, Starla Bryant, obviously shaking and angry, confronted Sadler and Dailey. They listened without response and declined to make a comment as the library emptied.