Suspicions that all is not well between Madera Unified School Superintendent Ed Gonzalez and Board President Maria Velarde-Garcia have gained traction with the release of a series of hostile emails and text messages exchanged by the two officials.
The documents, gained by Jack Porter of Madera under the Freedom of Information Act, show Velarde and Gonzalez in a turf fight over their respective, professional rights.
Velarde-Garcia was elected by the board to the position of president in its December organizational meeting. Until that time, the email exchange was cordial.
On Oct. 20, 2014, Velarde-Garcia texted Gonzalez, “Thank you for your hard work and I’m hoping the new board is better for you. All I want to do is what’s best for kids too. Be well. Again, I’m proud of you. Thank you so much.” ...