The Manor Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously May 17 to propose nonrenewal of the employment contract of Kevin Collins and authorized the superintendent to provide written notice of that action.

Trustee Patterson moved “to propose non renewal of the employment contract of Kevin Collins and to authorize the superintendent to provide written notice of this action.” Trustee Lowry seconded the motion. The board chair put the matter to a vote and recorded that it passed unanimously, 5-0.

The board then discussed next steps and the statutory hearing process that follows a proposal of nonrenewal. A staff member explained that, under district policy and the applicable statutory procedure, the district must deliver written notice to the employee and the employee has a right to request a hearing before the board. The staff member said the hearing must be recorded or a court reporter used and that “the transcript goes to the commissioner.” The staff member added, “I think it’s 15 days,” when asked about the time the employee has to respond to the notice.

During the discussion the staff member described typical time limits for presentations at such hearings, noting the board often gives the administration one hour to present its case and would allow the teacher an hour to present a response; the staff member said the board could offer a hearing date by agreement with opposing counsel and that hearings are often scheduled by agreement rather than imposed by the board. The board also discussed that, if necessary, a special meeting might be scheduled in June to hold the hearing.

Trustee Patterson made the motion; Trustee Lowry seconded. The board chair announced the vote result.

The superintendent is authorized to provide written notice of the proposed nonrenewal; if the employee requests a hearing, the board will follow the statutory hearing procedures described during the meeting.