By Kim Hilsenbeck
After three years on the Hays CISD Board of Trustees, President Robert Limon is stepping down. His family attended the ceremony and joined him as his fellow board colleagues sang his praises at the May 25 board meeting.
Vice President Holly Smith-Raymond presented him with a glass bowl, into which she put a few mementos to remember his time on the board, including fortune cookies, Now & Later candy and a packet of fruit snacks. “To remember all these fruity people on the board,” she said.
The audience gave Limon a standing ovation.
Superintendent Mike McKie thanked Limon’s family for sharing him with the district. He also thanked Limon for his service.
“He served the school district well for the past three years,” McKie said.
Several board members credited Limon with the implementation of an internal audit process.
They also commented on his integrity.
“He stands by his word and he doesn’t make apologies for who he is,” trustee Teresa Tobias said.
Trustee Merideth Keller said, “So many times over the last three years I called you … your understanding and advice and ability to listen was so helpful. You have been an asset.”
Limon then took the mike.
“To my family … it’s a real treat when we’re all in the same place at the same time,” he said. “To my kids, thank you for indulging me in this experiment for the past three years. Y’all were the inspiration. To my wife, Norma, my partner for 25 years … thank you for indulging me. I’ve grown professionally and I think personally. And now we’re going to go back to fighting for that remote on Monday nights.”
He then addressed the board members.
“To the board, I love y’all. Keep up the good work. If you don’t, maybe I’ll write a letter to the editor,” he said, acknowledging this reporter in the audience. “I know the editor personally.”
Limon left the crowd smiling, laughing and applauding.
At the next Hays CISD board meeting, trustees Holly Smith-Raymond (the incumbent) and Bert Bronaugh will be sworn in; both ran unopposed in the election and were automatically voted into the positions. Bronaugh will take Limon’s place for Single-Member District 3 while Raymond is one of two at-large board members.
