The future of leadership at Judson Independent School District is unclear after the Board of Trustees placed Superintendent Milton “Rob” Fields III on paid administrative leave. The decision followed a marathon meeting where the board initially voted to relieve him of his duties, only to rescind that vote hours later.
Board President Monica Ryan confirmed late Wednesday that Fields was placed on leave. The move comes as the district faces significant financial challenges, including a budget deficit and potential school closures.
Key Takeaways
- Judson ISD Superintendent Milton “Rob” Fields III is on paid administrative leave.
- The school board initially voted 4-3 to relieve him of his duties during a meeting on January 10.
- After a three-hour closed session, the board rescinded its earlier vote.
- Assistant Superintendent of Technology Lacey Gosch will serve as acting superintendent.
- The decision highlights deep divisions among trustees and occurs amidst district budget problems.
A Confusing Night of Votes and Reversals
The Judson ISD board meeting on Wednesday, January 10, was marked by procedural confusion and high tension. Early in the evening, trustees passed a motion to relieve Superintendent Fields of his duties by a narrow 4-3 vote.
Following this initial decision, the board entered a closed session that lasted for more than three hours. When they reconvened in public, they took another vote, this time to rescind the motion that had just passed.
Instead of providing clarity on Fields' status, the board then voted to hire legal counsel and proceed based on discussions held during the private session. This left parents and district employees in the audience without a clear answer on the superintendent's employment.
Timeline of Events
- Initial Vote: Board votes 4-3 to relieve Superintendent Fields.
- Closed Session: Trustees meet privately for over three hours.
- Vote Rescinded: Board reconvenes and retracts its initial decision.
- Leave Confirmed: Hours later, the board president announces Fields is on administrative leave.
Board Members Divided on Superintendent's Future
The actions taken during the meeting have exposed a significant rift among the board members. Trustee José A. Macias Jr., who voted against the final motion, publicly criticized the proceedings.
In a social media post, Macias described the move as a political maneuver that distracts from the district's real issues.
“Instead of focusing on addressing academic and budgetary challenges....we are reconvening once more to discuss the Superintendent,” Macias stated. “It is 100% political. It is a sad time for Judson ISD.”
He maintained that despite the confusion, “Dr. Fields is still our Superintendent, and for now, that is what matters the most.”
Another trustee, Laura Stanford, also expressed alarm over the timing of the meeting, which she said was called with very little notice. She voiced concerns that leadership instability could negatively impact the district, especially with important financial decisions pending and STAAR testing approaching.
“When you create destabilization, when you create unrest, it doesn’t just affect the adults. It filters down to the kids,” Stanford said. “It’s going to hit the classroom; you can’t avoid it.”
A Backdrop of Financial Strain
The turmoil over district leadership is not happening in a vacuum. Judson ISD is currently navigating a serious budget deficit, which has forced difficult conversations about cost-saving measures.
About Superintendent Fields
Milton “Rob” Fields III is a graduate of Judson High School and a native of Live Oak. He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring in 2001. He was named superintendent on May 11, 2023, and his contract was extended to June 2028 in October 2024. Prior to becoming superintendent, he was the principal of Wagner High School.
Superintendent Fields has been at the forefront of discussions regarding potential school closures, program cuts, and staff reductions aimed at addressing the financial shortfall. These proposals have been a source of anxiety and debate within the community.
According to a review of past agendas, this is not the first time Fields' employment has been a topic of board discussion. Similar items were placed on agendas for meetings in June and December of 2025, though no action was taken at those times.
Next Steps for Judson ISD
With Superintendent Fields on leave, Assistant Superintendent of Technology Lacey Gosch has been appointed as the acting superintendent. She will guide the district while the board determines its next course of action.
The board's decision to engage legal counsel suggests that further negotiations or actions regarding Fields' contract are likely. However, Board President Monica Ryan declined to discuss personnel matters, leaving the community waiting for more definitive information.
For now, the district's leadership remains in a state of uncertainty as it confronts pressing academic and financial challenges. The board has not yet announced when it will next address the superintendent's employment status publicly.
