After a nine-month tenure marked with controversy, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD’s Trustee Matthew Short resigned.
During Thursday night’s meeting, the board voted unanimously to accept Short’s resignation. Board President Letticia Sever said Short submitted his resignation letter on Aug. 27 and read it out loud.
“I take this step because of the sustained action again taken against me during my service and the toll they have taken,” she read. “My health and my family come first.”
Short was not present at the meeting. KSAT Investigates emailed Short Thursday night to ask for his response to the board’s decision, but he did not respond.
Several board members spoke about the effect of the controversies tied to Short’s tenure had on the district.
“Matthew Short has not taken this seriously,” said Trustee Belinda Evans. “He has not supported, sustained, defended and maintained trust in our body as a school board trustee.”
Trustee Amy Thomas was visibly emotional while making her remarks.
“My hope is that Dr. Short’s resignation allows this board, our district and our community to close this difficult chapter and move forward with our focus where it belongs,” she said.
The board previously censured Short and also voted to restrict him from using district funds or facilities — with the exception of scheduled board meetings. Short was the lone elected trustee who voted against the decision. In July, Short filed a lawsuit against the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD to restore his access.
The district’s attorney, Chris Schulz told the board that during a recent hearing for the lawsuit, Short admitted to creating an alias and sending the board an email about pending educator misconduct complaints.
“What you have is a board member admitting to creating an email supposedly from a member of the public in what my estimation is an attempt to get back at the principal that proposed his non-renewal from his time as an employee of this district,” said the Schulz.
A monthslong KSAT Investigates probe revealed Short repeatedly falsified at least half a dozen applications for teaching jobs, and continued to get hired at schools across the state.
KSAT emailed Short on Thursday night to ask for his response to the allegations, but he did not immediately respond.
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD’s board voted to approve an appointment process to fill the vacancy for Place 4, which was Short’s seat.
“Having joined the Board through this same appointment process, I understand both the responsibility of serving and the importance of providing qualified community members a fair opportunity to be considered,” Sever said in a statement shared with KSAT Investigates. “We are looking for someone who is prepared to learn, work collaboratively and remain focused on serving every student in SCUC ISD.”
Applications for the Place 4 vacancy will be posted on Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD’s website by noon on Sept. 4, the district said in a news release.
Read more reporting on the KSAT Investigates page.
