Letter submitted by Judy Brady-Sertich, a resident of San Antonio

Thursday, August 8th, 2024

Dear UVALDE STRONG, 

    Hello. My name is Judy Brady-Sertich.  I have endured the criminal insanity of corruption intricately interwoven throughout those in positions of authority, within city departments, agencies, companies as well as Bexar County, State and Federal programs here in San Antonio for over 30 years ! 

  WHEN WE WATCHED IN HORROR AS A MOTHER WAS HANDCUFFED, FORCED ON HER KNEES, OUT IN THE STREET BECAUSE SHE WAS GOING TO GO IN TO DO WHAT ALL THOSE DO NOTHING BUNCH OF DISGUSTING LAW “enforcement” CHICKEN SHITS, WOULDN’T…GO GET HER BOYS OUT OF THAT MAYHEM…A SECOND PARENT WAS PEPPER SPRAYED THEN ROUGHLY FLUNG TO THE GROUND …FOR THE SAME REASON…HE WAS BRAVE ENOUGH TO WANT TO GO IN AND GET HIS CHILD!

   I was screaming at my T.V. because l am a former military spouse and was completely bewildered by 300 grown ass men LETTING CHILDREN AND THEIR TEACHERS BE VICIOUSLY TRAUMATIZED before THEY WERE KILLED! FRANTICALLY CALLING 911, EVEN HAVING THE SURVIVAL INSTINCTS TO REACH OVER AND SMEAR HER DEAD FRIEND’S BLOOD ON HERSELF AND PLAY DEAD.  

    I PRAY FOR HER AND THE TEACHER BLAMED BY THE MEDIA AS BEING RESPONSIBLE ???  BECAUSE SHE LEFT A SIDE DOOR OPEN.

  I HAVE SEEN HER INTERVIEWS AND WHAT THAT LEVEL OF PUBLIC Cruelty DID TO HER MIND! I STILL QUESTION WHY NO T.V. NETWORK, EITHER LOCAL OR NATIONAL REPORTED THAT THE MAMA BEAR, HANDCUFFED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET …CONNED THOSE BALLESS MEN INTO RELEASING HER.  THEN SHE WENT IN THAT LIFE THREATENING HELL HOLE AND GOT HER BOYS!  

   To this day we do not know the facts of her bravery, determination or how many children she managed to out as gutless creeps …no words ugly enough to properly describe!

     As is instinctive with Texans, l waited anxiously for information on where to send donations.   Was there no one there volunteering or designated to set up a place, system, bank to receive the gifts that poured in from all over the world? To date, we have never heard whether our donations…SACRIFICIAL IN MANY CASES..have been released to the victims

   And because of BUSINESS AS USUAL IN CORRUPT SAN ANTONIO…I think different than most people. I didn’t trust that sending money would ever reach y’all.  No bank had been identified or email or any instructions released. So I waited.

    Weeks later l heard that school supplies were being asked for. Being a former Special Ed substitute teacher’s aide and Sunday School teacher ideas flooded my mind.WHAT WOULD REACH THE HEARTS OF YOUR BROKEN CHILDREN AND BREATH CRUSHED OUT OF YOU PARENTS WITH OTHER CHILDREN ALSO NEEDING SPECIAL ATTENTION??

   The first thing I did was call my 4 grandkids in Virginia. Yes, they had heard about your tragedy/ongoing horror stories.

  No hesitation, questions or disappointment as l asked them if l could send y’all their stock piled Christmas gifts.  With four, l have to buy a little at a time. I described the activity books, a very detailed, complex dot to dot thick book for my super smart, ADHA grandson, Match Box cars for my other grandson, some razzle/dazzle sparkly clothes for my younger granddaughter and a diary…and a bracelet for my oldest granddaughter.

   I cried tears of joy as they got excited that they would be helping l told them I would put their names on their gifts for your kids. Then it occurred to me that because l have tiny wrists…that l could donate many simple bracelets l used to wear to match my work clothes outfits before l retired.

   I envisioned l little girls excited about something for the first time in weeks. They could choose which bracelet or hair decor they wanted and the little boys grabbed the cars and then they  pulled at them from each other. And maybe that puts a smile on one of your parents’ faces…cause money is so impersonal. 

    I am a voracious reader so I had MANY Christian books for the older kids AND MAYBE SOME COMFORT TO YOU PARENTS. 

    I hauled 3 boxes to the post office. The postman at the counter was all excited to be a part of helping y’all.  We still had not been provided with an address so he got in their computer system and found a zip code. The 2 other counter employees got excited too!  They were checking their systems for an address we hoped would reach y’all and l watched as employees and customers (who would normally complain about waiting)… were scrambling so they could write down an address.  WE CARE UVALDE STRONG! 

   ( We) did not give to be recognized but hoped for a response to send back to my grandkids. Months later there was finally a blip on the news that Victims had to sign up on a list in November…to WAIT FOR DISBURSEMENT??

    I QUESTION HOW PEOPLE’S DONATIONS WERE “handled”.  Here in criminal Insanity City (San Antonio), the “norm” would be to quietly open a bank account, not say anything and draw interest off it until someone specifically asks….then pocket that interest for themselves. Did y’all ever get our donations?

   I am all upset again because your FORMER police chief went on CNN and is claiming to be a “SCAPEGOAT”. But their reporter was no fool! They unexpectedly pulled up the body cam tapes from in the school hallway clearly showing him standing there, calmly on his walkie talkie.  THEY WERE ALL STANDING THERE..DUMB ASSES ( Excuse me but words don’t do what they DIDN’T DO justice!)

   He immediately panicked when he saw their tape and was asked to verbally explain what was happening. A lawyer leaned over whispering to him and his body poster relaxed. He got a puppy dog act on his face and said he, “couldn’t talk about it  because  they were his kids too.” 

   I am SO SORRY YOU ARE BEING SUBJECTED TO THIS ALL OVER AGAIN!  ALSO WANTED TO WARN YOU THAT Nico LaHood (representing him) WAS OUR FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND HIS NAME SUITS HIM “hood”.  For years he covered up and refused to prosecute our career politicians.  He’s slick and aiming for false processing of the actual arrest.  

   He’s a criminal defense attorney now and stands for publicity.  He’s slimy smart. 

  All l can say is GO UVALDE STRONG!

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
Photos by Robinson

  Uvalde CISD Board Member J.J. Suarez met with over a dozen of the some of the school districts most vocal critics composed of victim family members, and those dissatisfied and angry with Uvalde CISD school board in the wake of May 24th Robb School Tragedy. The meeting was held at a church located on West Main Street east of Walmart where Daniel Meyer is the pastor. The meeting was organized by the group K.A.R.M.A

   The meeting lasted for about an hour and a half and topics included the perceived politics at play with decisions made by Superintendents Hal Harrell and Gary Patterson and Uvalde CISD administration officials regarding Robb School before and after the May 24th tragedy. Additionally   the security measures being implemented were discussed.  Others brought up hiring processes of the district and how the district should do more to recognize the two teachers,  Irma Garcia and Eva Mireles who were among the 19 students who perished as well as provide more assistance to those who were injured on May 24th.

   “It’s been a very tough year,” Suarez said.    Suarez was accompanied by his wife Bethany as difficult topics were covered.

  “There is a perception there is a lot of corruption, whether these is or not; we never go clarification on who got that email,” Adam Martinez said referencing the email sent to Uvalde CISD notifying them that former Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo was appealing his discharge status.

  Emotions often ran high during the Q and A.  Pastor Daniel Meyers when addressing Suarez appeared to be shaking and close to tears as he voiced his frustrations with the school district. Ruben Torrez Jr.,  whose daughter survived the shooting was passionate when presenting his concerns about the importance of the district taking steps to make sure the schools are secure and the chain of command is clear in regards to Uvalde CISD police officer and the DPS officers who will be working with the Uvalde CISD police force.

   Suarez did mention the district plans to start the search process for a permanent Superintendent this fall. “We do have it on the next agenda,” he said.

  One person in attendance stated there needs to be an administration audit conducted within the District.

 “I want to be able to answer these questions, During the open forum we cannot answer questions,” Suarez said referring to the open forum portion of the school board meetings where community members can speak for three minutes,”

  In response to a question posed to Suarez by Jesse Rizo about his decision to give up his TICOLE license, Suarez responded by saying, “No, I am not a commissioned officer. It was hard. It was 27 years of my life,” Suarez said, referring to his decision to end his career as a law enforcement officer. 

  At the end, both sides agreed that additional meetings between school board members should be planned allowing for concerned parents and citizens to ask questions and express their concerns without having to abide by the strict school board meeting regulations only limiting public comments to 3 minutes each and not allowing school board members to respond to those comments.

Press release from the office of Sen. Roland Gutierrez

Picture by Robinson: File Photo

  AUSTIN, Texas — For his relentless advocacy to improve school safety and end gun violence, Sen. Roland Gutierrez will receive an Acts of Courage Award from Texas AFT at the union’s 31st biennial convention in McAllen. The award will be presented today, June 23, at 2 PM.

Over the course of this past legislative session and well before its start, Gutierrez has worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of Uvalde families, whose children and teachers were slain in the Robb Elementary Massacre on May 24, 2022. Gutierrez has never let politicians in Austin forget about the need to make smart investments in our schools, reject private school voucher schemes, and promote common sense legislation to keep Texans safe. And his efforts have not gone unnoticed, which is why Texas AFT is proud to recognize his service.

“When teachers and our schools were getting a raw deal on the budget, on private school vouchers, and on the danger facing our communities by horrific gun violence, Sen. Roland Gutierrez refused to stay silent,” said Texas AFT President Zeph Capo. “I am grateful that Sen. Gutierrez came into the Texas Capitol with a mission to speak truth and do right by teachers and students. This state would be a much better place to live, learn, and thrive if we had more leaders in elected office like him.”

“Our educators are the backbone of our public neighborhood schools, shaping the minds and futures of our children. They deserve safe and supportive working environments that enable them to thrive and deliver the best education possible. It is sick and twisted that we have the largest budget surplus in Texas history and this Legislature didn’t do a damn thing to keep our kids safe, increase teacher pay, and secure the investment our neighborhood schools deserve,” said Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez. “I am humbled to be recognized by Texas AFT. They have worked tirelessly to secure the future of our state and wake up lawmakers to respect the concerns of our teachers. I am forever proud to stand in solidarity with the good people of Texas AFT.”

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The Texas American Federation of Teachers represents 66,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, support personnel, and higher-education employees across the state. Texas AFT is affiliated with the 1.7-million-member American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO.

Headline Picture Credit: Jennifer Gilliland

Report By Jennifer Gilliland- At approximately noon today several UCISD students participated in a walk out. The event was organized by a group of high school students determined to make changes regarding gun laws as well as more safety measures in our school. The students ‘walked from the high school, junior high, and Uvalde Elementary down Getty to the Plaza where they peacefully protested till 5 PM then walked to Robb. 

 Report by Michael Robinson: The Uvalde CISD School District sent out a statement to parents early Wednesday morning setting the rules and parameters for allowing students to participate in the larger National Student Walkout Protesting Gun Violence.  

  According to the statement, the district would allow for its students to demonstrate outside within the confines of the school grounds from Noon to 1 PM. At noon,however,  the students started walking off the Morales Jr. High and Uvalde High School campuses and eventually climbed over fences and through the Uvalde High School Tennis court area to take their signs and actually walk beyond school grounds. About 75 to 100 students marched from the campuses towards the Uvalde Downtown area where they assembled on the Uvalde Downtown Plaza at 1 PM. 

  School District Police Chief Josh Gutierrez and another Uvalde CID Resource officer followed the students. According to Diana Olvedo-Karau who spoke with Gutierrez. She was told by Gutierrez that he followed the students to ensure their safety off campus.

 Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez spoke at a live press conference earlier this afternoon on the floor of the Texas Senate during a break. 

According to a press release issued earlier today,  Senator Gutierrez office issued this statement, “Due to Senate Media restrictions we are livestreaming this press conference on our Facebook: https://fb.com/rolandfortexas

   Standing behind Gutierrez were several of the Robb School victim’s families including Kimberly and Felix Rubio, Javier Cazares and Faith Mata spoke after Gutierrez spoke lambasting both Lt. Governor and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. 

  Gutierrez criticized Abbott and the Republican Party for the party’s legislation against “transgender population and drag shows” and less about “common sense gun safety legislation.”

   A mother of one of the victims of the Santa Fe shooting,  spoke where she excoriated  both Abbott and Patrick delivering a profanity laced statement.

   Gutierrez returned to the speaker’s podium referring to Texas State Senator Tracy King who he said would be introducing his own gun safety bill. 

 Senator Gutierrez’ office released the following statement about the press conference: 

“State Senator Roland Gutierrez to Provide Updates to Common Sense Gun Safety Legislation

Austin, Texas – On Tuesday, State Senator Roland Gutierrez will provide an update on the status of common sense gun safety legislation in the Texas Senate. Gutierrez continues to push for justice, truth, and accountability.

Throughout the 88th Legislative Session, Sen. Gutierrez has released legislation that focuses on justice and services for victims of mass shootings, increasing state and local accountability, school safety and mental health resources, comprehensive equipment and training for first responders, a memorial to mass shooting victims in the Texas State Cemetery, and common sense gun safety measures.

Who:  Uvalde families, State Senator Roland Gutierrez ; What: Press Conference on common sense gun safety legislation updates ; When: Tuesday, April 4, 2023; 3:30 pm or 30 minutes after the adjournment of the Senate ; Where: Texas Capitol Speakers Committee Room, 2W.6

Uvalde CISD released a statement Friday morning, February 10th, on recent decisions made by the board regarding suspending its search for a new school superintendent and also the decision not to pursue and investigation the district’s police department with JPPI. Last week, the Uvalde Hesperian reached out to JPPI for a comment which the firm declined.

The following statement was issued by Uvalde CISD:

“Superintendent Search Temporarily Suspended
At our Uvalde CISD’s Board Meeting on Monday Night, February 6th, the Board of Trustees voted to temporarily suspend the Superintendent Search, believing a change in leadership with a new transition is not in the district’s best interest at this point. Extending Mr. Patterson’s time with the district will provide continuity and stability in leadership. Mr. Patterson will continue in the Interim Superintendent role until a date to be determined.

JPPI Investigation
The district’s participation with JPPI was mentioned as a possible option for an investigation. JPPI was never engaged, nor was a contract or payment completed between the district and JPPI. The district decided to move forward with the Texas Police Chiefs Association in the investigation of the UCISD Police Department.

The district has received the following investigative reports, audits, and reviews.

Texas House of Representatives: Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting

The systematic review and investigation of the UCISD Police Department conducted by James McGlaughlin with the Texas Police Chiefs Association

Texas School Safety Center: Uvalde CISD District Safety and Security Audit Report

The Department of Justice’s ongoing investigative review will be completed at a date to be determined.

The district has received a systematic review of the UCISD Police Department conducted by James McGlaughlin of the Texas Police Chiefs Association. The administration and Board of Trustees are currently reviewing this document. In addition, the district is actively participating and cooperating with the DOJ investigation and review.”