LIVE OAK, Texas – The Judson Independent School District board voted Monday to close Judson Middle School in a 6-0 vote and also named a new interim superintendent.
Robert Jaklich will serve as the district’s third superintendent in less than a month, after Milton “Rob” Fields III was placed on administrative leave in January and later terminated on Feb. 4. The board voted 5-1 to appoint Jaklich.
In a statement to KSAT, Judson ISD Board President Monica Ryan said Jaklich brings “extensive leadership experience” to the district.
“Throughout his career, he (Jaklich) has led complex organizations through periods of transition, improved operational systems, and maintained a strong focus on academic outcomes for students,” Ryan said, in part. “The Board selected Dr. Jaklich following careful consideration of the district’s current needs and priorities.”
Mary Duhart-Toppen served as the district’s interim superintendent from Feb. 4 until Monday night. It is unclear why the board voted to replace her with Jaklich in the interim.
In 2021, Jaklich was named as the interim superintendent for the San Antonio Independent School District.
>> Judson ISD board president asks for removal of trustee after vote to close Judson Middle School
The entire statement from Ryan can be read below:
The Judson Independent School District Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Robert Jaklich as Interim Superintendent of Judson ISD, effective February 17, 2026.
Dr. Jaklich brings extensive leadership experience in Texas public education, including proven success serving as both a Superintendent and Interim Superintendent in large school districts. Throughout his career, he has led complex organizations through periods of transition, improved operational systems, and maintained a strong focus on academic outcomes for students.
The Board selected Dr. Jaklich following careful consideration of the district’s current needs and priorities. His experience leading large districts, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and working collaboratively with boards and community stakeholders positions him to provide steady, experienced leadership during this time.
In addition, Dr. Jaklich has significant experience navigating districts through challenging financial environments. As Judson ISD prepares to make important fiscal decisions in the months ahead, his background in financial oversight, budget alignment, and long-term sustainability planning will be critical in guiding the district responsibly and strategically.
As stated at tonight’s meeting, Judson ISD is at a pivotal moment. We are confident that Dr. Jaklich’s experience, integrity, and collaborative approach — combined with his proven track record as both a superintendent and interim superintendent — will help guide our district forward, including through the difficult financial decisions ahead, while maintaining stability and focus during this transition.
As Interim Superintendent, Dr. Jaklich will oversee daily district operations, support campus leadership, and partner closely with the Board of Trustees to address financial sustainability, academic performance, and organizational effectiveness.
The Board of Trustees remains committed to transparency and clear communication as the district moves through this leadership transition.
Monica Ryan
Judson Middle School to close
Judson Middle School will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year to help reduce a $37 million deficit.
Trustee José A. Macias Jr. was absent for the vote but later appeared at the special meeting.
School board leaders chose to close Judson Middle School over Kitty Hawk Middle School, as part of a plan to close four schools across Judson ISD, which was approved Feb. 9.
Aviana Robinson, a Judson Middle School parent, said her son is a seventh grade student at the campus.
Robinson said she has to figure out what school he will need to attend for the upcoming school year.
“He’s going to be devastated,” Robinson said. “I haven’t told him that they closed yet because I just found out. So, I got to figure out what school he’s gonna go to and if he’s going to be with any of his friends next year.”
Resident Lindy Dimaio said it’s “unfortunate” that the district has to make the decision to close campuses.
“It is sad. I know I’m really disappointed for the kids because I know there’s a lot of kids that really enjoy going to that school,” Dimaio said. “It’s unfortunate that the districts not able to afford it and they have to make these cuts.”
In a statement, the district said the decision “follows careful consideration of district enrollment trends, long-term facility planning, and the district’s responsibility to ensure sustainable operations while maintaining high-quality educational opportunities for all students.”
The board and district administration will discuss new attendance boundaries and how academic and extracurricular programs at Judson Middle School will be reassigned. The district said there will be opportunities for community input before final boundary recommendations.
“Students currently enrolled at Judson Middle School will continue attending their assigned campus for the remainder of the current school year, and families will receive detailed transition information once plans are finalized,” the district said. “Judson ISD remains committed to supporting all students and staff through this transition.”
Several community members showed up to the board’s special meeting Feb. 14 to share their thoughts on the middle school closure.
The three remaining schools that the district may close are expected to come from the elementary level.
According to Board President Monica Ryan, these schools could include:
- Franz Leadership Academy
- Millers Point Elementary
- Park Village Blended Learning Academy
- Rolling Meadows Elementary
- Spring Meadows Elementary
The district will discuss those potential closures during a special meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, and may take action during a meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24.
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