100 signatures reached
To: COL Marie Slack
Demanding Accountability Within FSHISD
We, the undersigned, respectfully urge an immediate and thorough investigation into the governance and operations of Fort Sam Houston Independent School District (FSHISD). There is growing concern among community members that the district’s current structure—where school board trustees are selected through a closed and potentially biased process—has allowed questionable practices, a lack of transparency, and an erosion of public trust.
Multiple allegations have surfaced regarding the conduct of the current president of the FSHISD Board of Trustees. Reports have included:
- Alleged viewing of inappropriate content on a district-issued device,
- Allegations of inappropriate comments made to a student during a high school graduation event,
- Publicly visible comments on social media that have raised concerns about professional judgment,
- Allegations of unsolicited and unprofessional communications with district employees.
To date, there has been no public indication that these concerns have been independently investigated or formally addressed. This has led to a perception that certain individuals in leadership are shielded from accountability.
There are also growing concerns regarding Superintendent Dr. Gary Bates’s leadership. Community members have raised questions about transparency in financial decisions, including significant salary increases and long-distance residency arrangements. Additionally, there are concerns that critical decision-making is being delegated to senior staff, including the assistant superintendent and CFO, without clear lines of accountability.
Many military families—who have historically formed the foundation of this district—have reported feeling increasingly alienated. Concerns have been raised about the deterioration of partnerships with military sponsors, reductions in military-focused community engagement, and calendar changes that appear to conflict with military family needs.
The tone and culture of leadership have also raised alarms. Parents have reported being dismissed and, in some cases, disrespected for voicing concerns. This type of culture undermines trust and damages the educational environment.
We respectfully request:
- An independent investigation by state or federal oversight bodies,
- A comprehensive review of district financial, personnel, and governance practices,
- A restructuring of the board appointment process to include transparent, community-informed input or democratic elections.
FSHISD was founded to serve military-connected children. That mission must be protected. We believe these concerns are shared by many in the community and warrant urgent attention.
Multiple allegations have surfaced regarding the conduct of the current president of the FSHISD Board of Trustees. Reports have included:
- Alleged viewing of inappropriate content on a district-issued device,
- Allegations of inappropriate comments made to a student during a high school graduation event,
- Publicly visible comments on social media that have raised concerns about professional judgment,
- Allegations of unsolicited and unprofessional communications with district employees.
To date, there has been no public indication that these concerns have been independently investigated or formally addressed. This has led to a perception that certain individuals in leadership are shielded from accountability.
There are also growing concerns regarding Superintendent Dr. Gary Bates’s leadership. Community members have raised questions about transparency in financial decisions, including significant salary increases and long-distance residency arrangements. Additionally, there are concerns that critical decision-making is being delegated to senior staff, including the assistant superintendent and CFO, without clear lines of accountability.
Many military families—who have historically formed the foundation of this district—have reported feeling increasingly alienated. Concerns have been raised about the deterioration of partnerships with military sponsors, reductions in military-focused community engagement, and calendar changes that appear to conflict with military family needs.
The tone and culture of leadership have also raised alarms. Parents have reported being dismissed and, in some cases, disrespected for voicing concerns. This type of culture undermines trust and damages the educational environment.
We respectfully request:
- An independent investigation by state or federal oversight bodies,
- A comprehensive review of district financial, personnel, and governance practices,
- A restructuring of the board appointment process to include transparent, community-informed input or democratic elections.
FSHISD was founded to serve military-connected children. That mission must be protected. We believe these concerns are shared by many in the community and warrant urgent attention.
Why is this important?
One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is the lack of true accountability due to a major governance loophole. The district is a public school system with no military affiliation, yet it operates entirely on a military installation under what amounts to a lifetime lease of the land on which it is built. Because of this, military leadership has no authority over internal district matters, creating a serious gray area that allows district leadership to operate without oversight.
Even more concerning is how school board members are not elected by the public—they’re selected by a panel that is essentially assembled by the district’s own leadership. Last year, a highly qualified individual who had been outspoken about holding the superintendent and board accountable was initially chosen for a board seat. However, the superintendent reportedly intervened by contacting a general to have that decision reversed, and was successful. The spots were
then filled by individuals more aligned with the superintendent’s interests.
This level of control—paired with a lack of external checks and balances—creates an environment ripe for corruption. The district’s leadership is able to maintain power and suppress dissent with little to no consequence, all made possible by the unique and deeply problematic structure of its governance.
Even more concerning is how school board members are not elected by the public—they’re selected by a panel that is essentially assembled by the district’s own leadership. Last year, a highly qualified individual who had been outspoken about holding the superintendent and board accountable was initially chosen for a board seat. However, the superintendent reportedly intervened by contacting a general to have that decision reversed, and was successful. The spots were
then filled by individuals more aligned with the superintendent’s interests.
This level of control—paired with a lack of external checks and balances—creates an environment ripe for corruption. The district’s leadership is able to maintain power and suppress dissent with little to no consequence, all made possible by the unique and deeply problematic structure of its governance.