SCHERTZ, Texas – A notable change has occurred within the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (ISD) as Trustee Matthew Short has officially resigned after a tumultuous nine-month term. The resignation was accepted unanimously during a board meeting held on Thursday night, marking the end of a period filled with controversy.
Board President Letticia Sever announced that Short submitted his resignation letter on August 27. During the meeting, she read the letter aloud, in which Short expressed his reasons for stepping down. “I take this step because of the sustained action again taken against me during my service and the toll they have taken,” Sever read. He emphasized that his health and family were his top priorities.
The controversies surrounding Short’s time on the board have had a significant impact on the district. Trustee Belinda Evans voiced her concerns, stating, “Matthew Short has not taken this seriously. He has not supported, sustained, defended, and maintained trust in our body as a school board trustee.” This sentiment was echoed by other board members, highlighting the challenges faced during his tenure.
Trustee Amy Thomas, visibly emotional, shared her hope that Short’s resignation would allow the board and community to move forward. “My hope is that Dr. Short’s resignation allows this board, our district, and our community to close this difficult chapter and move forward with our focus where it belongs,” she said.
Prior to his resignation, the board had taken significant actions against Short, including a censure and restrictions on his access to district funds and facilities, except for scheduled board meetings. Notably, Short was the only trustee to vote against these measures. In July, he filed a lawsuit against the district to regain his access, which further complicated the situation.
During a recent court hearing regarding the lawsuit, it was revealed that Short admitted to creating an alias to send emails about pending educator misconduct complaints to the board. District attorney Chris Schulz commented on this, stating, “What you have is a board member admitting to creating an email supposedly from a member of the public in what my estimation is an attempt to get back at the principal that proposed his non-renewal from his time as an employee of this district.”
Following Short’s resignation, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD board voted to initiate an appointment process to fill the vacancy for Place 4, which was Short’s position. The district has announced that applications for this vacancy will be available on its website by noon on September 4, providing an opportunity for community members to engage in the governance of their schools.
