The investigation of Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Diaz is more widespread than originally indicated by the school board.
Board Member Leonel Briseño said on Nov. 8 that the board had charged its attorney with investigating specific allegations brought forth by staff members. He said at the time he expected the investigation to wrap up by Tuesday’s meeting.
But it didn’t, and that’s part of why the board on Tuesday rescheduled its meeting for this coming Monday. As part of his investigation, attorney Andrew Sanchez made himself available today and Friday for any employees who want to lodge complaints.
Dorothy Anderson, an administrator with the schools, sent an e-mail to all district employees this morning telling them to contact her if they want to file a complaint. She said today and Friday were set aside “for employees who have not yet made a complaint against the superintendent.”
She asked that the information in the e-mail be shared with all district employees to “provide an equal opportunity to all employees.”
Sources tell me the original intent of the investigation was to look at specific allegations brought forth by certain staff members, but at some point the probe expanded. I’m told that was done, in part, because when the board asked its attorneys to investigate former Superintendent Louis Martinez, Sanchez made himself available to anyone who wanted to file a complaint, not just the original complainants.
Let’s hope that’s the real reason this investigation was expanded, because it could also be viewed as a witch hunt. It could appear as though, at the end of the investigation, Sanchez set aside additional time to meet with any employees who have not yet shared grievances with the purpose of piling on allegations.
Both schools of thought have been shared with me today. I’m not saying it’s either. I just thought you should know the investigation is far-reaching.
Expect a very long board meeting Monday. It doesn’t start until 4:45 p.m., and the presentation in closed session of Sanchez’s investigation will likely include information from dozens of employees who he spoke with.