Garcia’s Plea Agreement Fallout Continues, District Works To Move Forward

The fallout from Dr. Lorenzo Garcia’s plea agreement is just beginning.

Garcia pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy involving mail and wire fraud.

Last August, Garcia was indicted on federal charges and accused of defrauding the district by steering a contract to a girlfriend’s company back when he in 2006.

Garcia, who was married at the time, also pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking part in the El Paso Independent School District’s standardized test score manipulation scandal.

In the coming weeks, we could also learn of co-conspirators that took part in Garcia’s scheme.

Federal documents mention several unidentified people who have not been charged. It is still unclear if they worked for EPISD.

In past weeks, EPISD has made changes to personnel within the district and at a local high school.

Former Bowie High School principal Jesus Chavez was removed last month from his position after allegations of forging documents and student success rates.

Chavez was hired in April 2008.

Myrna Gamboa was also removed from her position as director of secondary schools for EPISD.

Canutillo Independent School District Superintendent, Damon Murphy has also come under question.

In April, a federal investigation of EPISD revealed that a 4-year-old email from Murphy’s account appeared to encourage grade manipulation while he was an associate superintendent at EPISD.

Murphy maintains he did nothing wrong.

Meanwhile, Terri Jordan, Interim Superintendent for EPISD heads the district while officials begin the process of finding a permanent replacement.

Jordan has served as chief of staff for Garcia.

President of the Board of Trustees, Isela Castanon-Williams said appointing a superintendent could be discussed as early as July, during the first board meeting of the month.

“It is best to have a superintendent on board to start the of spring semester (2013) because it’s also the beginning of the budget development process for the following year. It would be important to have someone in the superintendent position,” said Castanon-Williams.