An Austin-area public school superintendent is back at work after he earned a reinstatement two months after he was placed on administrative leave. Local media outlets reported that the Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) board of trustees voted to reinstate Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez on Thursday (March 24).
Azaiez has reassumed his duties as of 8 a.m. this morning (March 25), Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported. According to the station, he was the subject of a protective order that prompted the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to call for an investigation late last year.
“I am very pleased with the board’s decision to allow me to return to serve the students, staff and parents in the Round Rock community as the superintendent of the Round Rock ISD," Azaiez said in a statement.
Austin NBC affiliate KVUE reported that RRISD trustees elected to hire a third-party investigator to look into the claims laid out in the order filed against the superintendent with a Travis County district court. Consequently, Azaiez went on administrative leave in January.
The order and associated investigations have all expired, according to the school board.
KXAN reported that Azaiez hasn't nor won't face any criminal charges.
RRISD board president Amber Feller welcomed the superintendent back in a press release.
“As board president, I am pleased to welcome back Dr. Azaiez and look forward to working together to refocus on our students and staff and to continue building a culture of excellence in Round Rock ISD,” Feller said in the statement.
KVUE reported that the school board this month also voted 5-4 against a proposed separation agreement with the superintendent.
According to the station, RRISD hired Azaiez in June 2021.
The school district brought in Dr. Daniel Presley to fill in for Azaiez when the latter was on leave, KVUE reported.