Judson ISD Superintendent Withdraws Hearing Request Amid Termination

District says next step is for school board to consider final action on contract

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:10am

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a school bus icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the turbulence and uncertainty surrounding the leadership changes in the Judson Independent School District.The ongoing leadership turmoil in Judson ISD highlights the challenges facing public school districts as they navigate complex personnel decisions.Live Oak Today

Milton 'Rob' Fields III, the superintendent of Judson Independent School District in Texas, has withdrawn his request for an independent hearing regarding his proposed termination. The school board had voted earlier this year to terminate Fields' contract, and he had requested a formal hearing as allowed under state law. However, the district announced that Fields has now withdrawn that request, allowing the board to move forward with final action on his employment.

Why it matters

The withdrawal of the hearing request marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the leadership of Judson ISD. The district has faced months of controversy and calls for transparency around the proposed termination of its superintendent, which has raised concerns among parents and some board members.

The details

Fields was placed on administrative leave in January, with the board president citing an ongoing investigation into 'student safety' issues, though no further details were provided. The district has cycled through multiple interim superintendents in recent weeks as the situation has unfolded. By withdrawing the hearing request, the matter now returns to the school board to consider final action on Fields' contract, which could result in his termination.

  • In early March, the Judson ISD School Board proposed terminating Fields' employment contract.
  • Fields requested a formal hearing presided over by a state-appointed independent hearing examiner in accordance with Texas law.
  • On Thursday, the district announced that Fields has withdrawn his request for the independent hearing.

The players

Milton 'Rob' Fields III

The most recent superintendent of Judson Independent School District, who has had his employment contract proposed for termination by the school board.

Judson Independent School District

A school district in Live Oak, Texas that has been embroiled in controversy over the proposed termination of its superintendent.

Monica Ryan

The president of the Judson ISD School Board, who cited an ongoing investigation into 'student safety' issues as the reason for placing the superintendent on leave.

Lisa Butler

A homeowner who filed a lawsuit against the district seeking answers, accusing the board president of 'outrageous racist ridicule' against the superintendent.

Robert Jacklich

The interim superintendent who has been serving the district since February after Fields was placed on leave.

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What’s next

The Judson ISD School Board will now schedule a special meeting to take final action on Fields' contract, which could result in his termination.

The takeaway

The withdrawal of the hearing request by the Judson ISD superintendent marks a critical juncture in the ongoing controversy surrounding the district's leadership. The school board now has the opportunity to move forward with a final decision on the superintendent's employment, though the process has been marked by concerns over transparency and allegations of improper conduct.