Socorro ISD superintendent placed on paid administrative leave

UPDATE: Socorro ISD Board of Trustees President, Michael A. Najera, held a news conference to answer questions regarding the decision to put SISD's Superintendent, Nate Carman, on paid administrative leave. 

This comes after a report revealed Monday night, that states Carman was involved in a potential conflict of interest with an architectural firm.

During the presentation auditors explained how it appeared Carman influenced the vendor selection process.  

Auditors shared email conversations Carman had with the firm, labeled as "ADM group" while still employed at San Benito CISD.

The audit revealed he assisted the firm with business developments activities, and even requested for a representative of the group to review his portfolio submission for Superintendent at Socorro ISD.

After he was selected at SISD conversations continued, one conversation showed they discussed the possible facilities analysis of gyms and multi-purpose buildings that "may be in store sooner than later."

A contract was later awarded to the ADM group for an amount not-to-exceed $100,000, but did not go through the board, which argued was a violation of the district policy. 

Tuesday Board President said the Superintendent is held to the same standard as any other employee of this district, he said just because he has a small time left doesn't mean they ignore the possible conflict of interest.

"to take any action that is either inconsistent or inappropriate without knowing the results of a more thorough investigation and would expose the district, you know, to great risk and maybe even lawsuits," said Najera.

Najera added that he abstained from voting on his paid leave due to a pending grievance. 

He said while it is unclear how long carmen will be put on leave, his resignation is effective June 30. 

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- In a unanimous vote the Socorro ISD board of trustees placed Superintendent Nate Carman on paid administrative leave late Monday night.

The decision comes weeks after the board decided to accept an Texas Education Agency or TEA conservatorship. President of the Board Michael Najera previously told ABC-7 that the decision to accept the conservatorship was not a result of the $33 million dollar budget deficit the school district is experiencing.

Carman announced in February that he would be leaving Socorro for a district in Arizona.

The matter to place Carman on paid administrative leave was held in executive session last night.

This is a developing story.