Amarillo College board to hold special meeting concerning DWI arrest of John Betancourt

The Amarillo College Board of Regents announced it will hold a special meeting Wednesday evening to discuss its response to recent criminal charges filed against Board Member John Betancourt.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Palo Duro Board Room of the College Union Building at the Washington Street Campus.

According to the published agenda, the Board of Regents will consider and adopt a change to its public comment procedure, allow public comments from attendees, and discuss its response to Betancourt and the impact of the situation on the college.

Betancourt was elected to the Amarillo College Board of Regents in May 2021 and is serving a six-year term. He is also registered as a candidate for Texas State Senate District 31, with the primary election set for March 3.

Betancourt was arrested on Jan. 2 following an early-morning traffic stop in the 3500 block of South Jackson Street, where he was accused of driving while intoxicated after allegedly showing signs of intoxication.

Following the arrest, Amarillo College representatives issued a statement acknowledging the charges. The college said it “is aware of the charges filed against Mr. Betancourt. The College holds high ethical and professional standards for those who serve on the Board of Regents. Amarillo College is respecting the legal process and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with Board policy.”