Ysleta ISD board votes down a contract to Reasoning Mind, board president’s employer

It was a matter of ethics at Tuesday’s Ysleta Independent School District board meeting.

A quarter of a million dollar contract was going to be awarded to a company Board President Shane Haggerty works for, the non-profit Reasoning Mind. But in a 3-3 vote, the motion died. Haggerty recused himself from the vote.

Members of the board were concerned voting on a no-bid contract for $241,897 for Reasoning Mind’s online math courses would be perceived as a conflict of interest by the public.

Haggery works as a part-time implementation coordinator for the non-profit. He does not perceive any conflict of interest.

“I’ve spoken with attorney several times,” Haggerty told ABC-7. “I want to make sure I’m doing this right.”

YISD Attorney Anthony Safi spoke before the board, confirming that because Haggerty correctly followed protocol by filling out multiple disclosure forms, awarding the contract would be legal.

Trustee Paul Pearson told the board he understands the contract would be considered legal under the law, yet is concerned the public would compare the move to the corruption that surfaced at neighboring school district, the El Paso ISD.

“I haven’t participated in any discussions,” Haggerty said. “I don’t know how much the bid is for. I don’t care, it’s none of my business.”

Haggerty first found Reasoning Mind through his and Liza Montelongo’s El Paso STEM Foundation two years ago. The foundation has brought science, tech, engineering and math programs and scholarships to 20,000 Borderland students. It was also recognized by the YISD board as a Partner in Education Tuesday night.

Haggerty and Montelongo said Reasoning Mind’s programs are used throughout east Texas. The two wanted to bring it to El Paso and they did.

“I’m proud to say we have the program at YISD, EPISD, Harmony Science Academy, La Fe Preparatory School and Fort Bliss Youth Centers,” Montelongo said.

After creating the foundation, both Haggerty and Montelongo began working for Reasoning Mind, Haggerty as a part time implementation coordinator, Montelongo in sales.

Unlike Montelongo, Haggerty is not a private citizen. He filled out a disclosure notice when he began working for the company. He had to fill out another for his position on the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Directors he presides on.

Montelongo told ABC-7 they receive no commission for contracts awarded to Reasoning Mind.