In biting send off, San Antonio ISD teachers union hopeful as Martinez leaves

In the letter, the union writes that it looks forward to a future where educators are “treated with dignity and respect,” and the needs of students and parents are put first.

The group says its stands in solidarity with Chicago Teachers’ Union as Martinez takes over, writing that he led a “superficial” transformation of the district that now leaves it “hollowed out” by a pro-charter school agenda.

“But in the Chicago Teachers’ Union he has more than met his match,” the letter says. 

Though lauded for his mask mandate stance as of late, Martinez’s tenure was not without controversy.

In 2018, a New York-based charter school Democracy Prep took over Stewart Elementary School, a program initiated by SAISD under Martinez leadership. The controversial takeover was put forward with the promise to make schools better. It was supported by Senate Bill 1882, which gives school districts incentives to contract with charter organizations.

Democracy Prep was heavily criticized for its initial plans to cut the dual-language program for English and Spanish-speaking students. It later reversed the decision. 

The program also caught flak from educators because it required teachers to take on at-will contracts. In 2019, Stewart Elementary received a grade of D before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, according to Texas Education Agency records. 

SAATSP later sued the district, but it was dismissed by the Texas Supreme Court in 2018. 

The SAISD union also publicly criticized Martinez unwillingness to reopen campuses amid the pandemic, and not provide remote learning options.

The letter goes on to say that the union looks forward to a collaborative community process to select a new superintendent. An SAISD spokesperson says the board will convene on September 20 to discuss interviewing candidates for an interim superintendent.

Martinez on Wednesday says he expects to start with Chicago Public Schools on the week of September 29. Read the full teachers union letter here. 

MySA has reached out to Martinez for comment.