By Lydia Hernandez
Cartwright School District No. 83,
Governing Board Member
Former Arizona State Representative
Former Arizona State Representative
I am writing to inform you of an incident that took place in San Antonio, Texas, involving your board president Michael Vargas. Mr. Vargas (San Benito Board President, MASBA Board Secretary, TASB leader candidate), while intoxicated, physically assaulted my person by throwing a glass of liquor at me. The event was unwarranted and unsolicited, we had not exchanged words nor did I know him. The situation took place while attending a Mexican American School Board Association conference in San Antonio in late February.
On Saturday, February 24, 2018, I had witnessed Mr. Vargas (San Benito Board President, MASBA Board Secretary, TASB leader candidate) sexually assault a young board member while I was engaged in a conversation with the sexually assaulted victim.
MASBA participants were invited to attend the President's reception on Saturday, February 24, 2018, when Mr. Vargas committed the assaults. Mr. Vargas (San Benito Board President, MASBA Board Secretary, TASB leadership candidate), sexually touched and groped a young man. He began poking his head, back and shoulders and then touched his front genitals and buttocks.
The sexual assault was also unsolicited and unwarranted. The assault took place in a public setting and in front of many elected school board members and MASBA board members. The young elected board member has since been interviewed by the MASBA Executive Director and is available to provide detailed information.
Mr. Michael Vargas (San Benito Board President, MASBA Board Secretary, TASB leadership candidate), not only broke the law but behaved in such an unprofessional manner that disgraces all governing board members across the nation. We are elected to represent our constituents, organizations and most importantly children. Mr. Vargas cannot be entrusted with our community's or children's public safety.
I have filed a letter of complaint with the MASBA board of Directors, (please see attached) and additionally, filed a police report with the San Antonio Police department while at the conference. (please see attached) Furthermore, I have requested the Texas Association of School Boards officers to discuss and take removal action of Mr. Vargas' leadership position.
I am respectfully asking the San Benito School Board to take action and remove Mr. Vargas, (San Benito Board President, MASBA Board Secretary, TASB leadership candidate) from his President's position and to furthermore request that Mr. Vargas' resign his San Benito School board position.
The assaults he committed while intoxicated are unacceptable and against the law. This is very unbecoming behavior, to say the least, and he should not be representing the San Benito School district, recognized for being such a fine institution.
Please let me know if I can provide any additional information or answer any questions.
(To read entire letter, police report, click open link below.)
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=643034ff4a&view=att&th=16292d797d4220e0&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw
Mr. Michael Vargas (San Benito Board President, MASBA Board Secretary, TASB leadership candidate), not only broke the law but behaved in such an unprofessional manner that disgraces all governing board members across the nation. We are elected to represent our constituents, organizations and most importantly children. Mr. Vargas cannot be entrusted with our community's or children's public safety.
I have filed a letter of complaint with the MASBA board of Directors, (please see attached) and additionally, filed a police report with the San Antonio Police department while at the conference. (please see attached) Furthermore, I have requested the Texas Association of School Boards officers to discuss and take removal action of Mr. Vargas' leadership position.
I am respectfully asking the San Benito School Board to take action and remove Mr. Vargas, (San Benito Board President, MASBA Board Secretary, TASB leadership candidate) from his President's position and to furthermore request that Mr. Vargas' resign his San Benito School board position.
The assaults he committed while intoxicated are unacceptable and against the law. This is very unbecoming behavior, to say the least, and he should not be representing the San Benito School district, recognized for being such a fine institution.
Please let me know if I can provide any additional information or answer any questions.
(To read entire letter, police report, click open link below.)
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=643034ff4a&view=att&th=16292d797d4220e0&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw