For the second time in a week a board meeting in Marion Independent School District was packed.
Both parents and students are rallying behind high school Principal Elizardo Hernandez, whose future with the district was on the line.
According to the school board, the principal's job was in jeopardy because he didn't meet the superintendent's evaluation standard. Wednesday night they decided to give him another chance.
As soon as the Marion ISD school board meeting adjourned, the high school principal received hugs and congratulations from many parents. The board voted 4-2 to keep him for one more school year. It's on a probationary basis, but parent Shelley Chase said that's better than nothing.
"I think they made the right decision for right now. I think giving him another year is a positive thing," said Chase.
Chase was just one of the many parents and students who protested before Wednesday night's meeting to show Hernandez support. He has been the principal at Marion High School for the past two years. He had no comment after the board's decision. Last week his contract was in question.
"I would say everyone needs room for improvement," said Victor Contrares, school board member of 14 years. He made the motion to keep Hernandez on a probationary basis. He wouldn't give details on what (Hernandez) needs to do to keep his job, but he seemed optimistic about the principal's future with the district.
"She'll evaluate on that see how his progress comes and if he meets her expectations, then he'll potentially be offered a contract again," said Contrares.
The superintendent plans on detailing what requirements Hernandez needs to meet for next school year in the coming days.