We received this tip Wednesday afternoon, July 28, 2010

Dr. Beard is in San Antonio signing his contract with the Region XX Educational Center today.

Other sources also tell us it's a done deal, that Beard is leaving.

Minutes later, Lisa Magers, CISD's PR person, sent this news release:

SUPERINTENDENT DR. RONNY BEARD TO MEET WITH REGION 20 BOARD MONDAY

Cleburne ISD Superintendent Dr. Ronny Beard will be meeting in San Antonio Monday with the Board of Directors of Education Service Center Region 20, after being named a finalist in their search for a new executive director.

“Details are being worked out with regard to Dr. Beard’s selection as the new executive director for ESC 20,” CISD Board President Stu Madison said. “But nothing has been finalized. Until details are worked out, Dr. Beard will remain acting superintendent of Cleburne ISD.”

Our Interpretation:

CISD's news release sounds like it is carefully crafted to mislead.

Our sources say Beard has taken the job, is now signing a contract, and maybe will be at CISD for a few more days.

Regarding the first sentence of CISD's news release - "...Beard will be in a meeting in San Antonio Monday..." Okay, so maybe he's signed a contract and they will hold a meeting Monday. That wouldn't be unusual for new hire.

"Details are being worked out," says Board President Stu Madison. Well, yes, there are probably a lot of details to be worked out in his new job. The details to be worked out are probably how many days Beard will be in Cleburne before he's gone for good.

Note that Stu Madison is quoted as saying Beard "will remain as acting Superintendent."

Apparently CISD would like us to believe he's not gone, for some reason. CISD has sent out plenty of misleading news releases in the past. We'll believe our sources over CISD' news releases.