In Midst of Search, Board Member's Wife Promoted

From the Rio Grande Sun - By Chris McGuinness -The spouse of Española School Board President Andrew Chavez has been given a new job title that could come with a $12,000 a year raise by the woman seeking to become the District’s next superintendent. Jennifer Chavez, the wife of Andrew Chavez, was hired last week as the District’s Title I coordinator for the 2011-12 school year. The Title I position, which was posted on the District’s website in May, falls under the purview of interim superintendent Evelyn Maruska, who is also the District’s federal programs director. Maruska is currently in the running to be the permanent superintendent for the 2011-12 school year. As Board president, Andrew Chavez is one of the five men who will decide whether or not Maruska gets the District’s top job. Maruska was passed over for the job during the Board’s 2009 superintendent search; Andrew Chavez was also a member of that Board. State law prohibits a superintendent from employing or hiring “in any capacity” the spouse of a school board member. However, the law is waived for employees, like Jennifer Chavez, who were hired before 2003. Jennifer Chavez was not available for comment, and her current supervisor, Special Education Director Christina Baca, said all staffing questions should be addressed to the Human Resources Department. There, Romero refused to comment, referring questions to Maruska. Attempts to interview Maruska have been denied since May 25. Maruska’s secretary said Tuesday the superintendent was too busy to take a phone call for comment. Read more