During the Midland Independent School District (MISD) board meeting on Nov. 19, board members voted on new leadership positions with several contested elections.
Brandon Hodges (District 5) was elected the new school board president in a 4-2 vote, with one abstention. The vote was supported by newly elected board members Angel Hernandez (District 2), Matt Friez (District 4), and Josh Guinn (District 7). Sara Burleson (District 6) nominated herself for the position, but Hodges took the majority vote.
The vote for vice president was another point of contention. Burleson, who was nominated by Tommy Bishop (District 3) and seconded by Michael Booker (District 1), failed to secure the role in a 3-4 vote. Instead, Guinn was elected vice president in a 4-3 vote.
During the meeting discussion, Burleson expressed her dissatisfaction with the process. “This seems like it was something that was decided before we ever got here and I disagree with all of that,” she said.
In response, Hodges said, “This is just a ridiculous conversation. The new board members weren’t even sworn in until yesterday at 3 p.m., so it would be absolutely incorrect and impossible for us to be a walking quorum. I do find it rich that that would be the charge.”
For the position of secretary, Booker’s nomination by Bishop and seconded by Hodges was unsuccessful after a 3-3 vote, with Hodges abstaining. Hernandez was ultimately chosen secretary with a 4-3 vote, with Bishop, Booker, and Burleson voting against.