Austin ISD chief financial officer arrested, accused of insurance fraud

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AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The former chief financial officer for Austin Independent School District, Eduardo Ramos, 51, was arrested on an insurance fraud charge, according to the Round Rock Police Department.

Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura placed Ramos on leave on Saturday. District officials said the felony charge is unrelated to his work with the district. Ramos previously submitted his resignation on July 23, according to the district, with his last day scheduled for Aug. 16.

Round Rock PD officials said it issued the warrant for Ramos' arrest, and the Austin ISD Police Department arrested him and booked him into the Travis County jail.

Attorney information for Ramos wasn't available in court records as of Monday afternoon. KXAN reached out to Ramos for a statement on the accusations.

According to the district's website, Ramos oversaw Austin ISD finances, including the budget, purchasing, state and federal grants, and the Historically Utilized Business program. His district biography stated he worked in school finance for 27 years, including as chief of finance and operations in Pflugerville ISD and deputy superintendent of finance and operations in Hutto ISD. 

The district said that during his tenure, Ramos balanced Austin ISD's operating budget for the first time in six years in 2021-22 and 2022-23. The district is facing a budget deficit going into the new school year, similar to several other school districts across Texas.

Austin ISD officials said the district's standard operating process includes an external third-party audit of its finances, but the board is determining whether any further reviews are appropriate.

Superintendent Segura has named Ms. Katrina Montgomery as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Montgomery has served the district for three years as Assistant Superintendent of Finance.

This story is developing.