Filomena Leo: A Successful Legacy at an End?

As we all know by know, the La Joya ISD School Board hired international law firm Bracewell & Giuliani to investigate Superintendent Filomena Leo. While the timing of this was surprising, the fact that it occurred was not. It was something to be expected as seen by Team USA's comments throughout the election. As I have already shown, the reason for this was purely political. Before Fito Salinas helped to confer this theory, the board harped on the misdoings of Mrs. Leo and promised to get an investigation that would prove Mrs. Leo's wrongdoings and ultimately lead to her termination. Since we now the truth, however, the board had to choice but to negotiate a settlement with Mrs. Leo, as stated by The Monitor. It is no surprise that this move comes after the board admitted to its real reasons for ordering the investigation (look to the above post). So how do we know that the Mrs. Leo is guilty or not? If this board truly believed that, then they would have pressed forward with this investigation. Obviously, there were not enough (if any) facts to provide a reason for her termination. But it was never about any wrongdoing...it was all political. Again, "The board never disclosed any official reasons for suspending Filomena Leo or for hiring an independent counsel"(The Monitor).

I, unlike others, will not say with 100% certainty that she is guilty or not guilty, as there is no clear evidence either way to arrive at this conclusion, and I urge others to do the same. Make your own judgments according to what facts you do have. However, I will state that I do strongly believe that Mrs. Leo was never guilty of anything based on what little facts we do have. I believe that I have provided a sound and valid argument (post above) in supporting Mr. Leo's claims that, "it was apparent they (board members) wanted to embarrass her. We stand firm on the fact that they were trying to create something that was never there."

No matter what you do believe, this woman has served her district well and has established a successful legacy there that will be known for years to come. As a person, educator, a community leader, and administrator, Mrs. Leo has left her imprint on many others outside the LJISD as noted by her appointment by the Texas Association of School Boards. This woman deserves our respect for her commitment other students of La Joya ISD. It was disheartening and embarrassing to hear that "several [people that] whistled when the board announced the settlement." Making comments such as "Yes, she's gone", cheering & clapping, and publicly stating that a victory party was being held at the home of Robert Jackson, was anything but professional. I have observed to many comments on these local blogs that resemble these actions, and I just for once would like to see the people of the valley that are guilty of this, finally achieve some class.