001Good evening. I'm Mr. Oronto, president of Westco board of trustees. This public hearing is being conducted in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting sect. Notice of this meeting has been posted online for at least three business days prior to the date of the meeting. A record of this meeting is being made and a recording, my fault, of this meeting is being made and will be available to the public at a later date. The time is now 5:32 p.m. and I will call this meeting to order. I will now begin the roll call even though we don't have to have a quorum for a public hearing. >> Coach Armander >> present. >> Mr. Eddie Cerna >> present >> and myself, Mr. Neto. Some of the other board members will be arriving uh in a few minutes
002except for maybe one that was in a had a small accident, but we're ready to get started. Dr. Eva. >> Yes, Mr. David. >> Yes, sir. So, there is no public comment who signed up just FYI. And so, I'm going to go right through our presentation. So, this is a public hearing for the U proposed 2526 tax rate. And so some of the things that we're going to go over is the notice that we did share on our newspaper uh the monitor. We will we ah we will be talking about the certified tax values the tax rate history and the uses of these tax revenues. So if you had looked at the monitor on Wednesday September 3rd you would have noticed our notice of this public meeting uh in the newspaper. we have to do
003it within 30 uh days or at the least 10 days before this meeting. So the first thing that we always talk about is the tax rate that we are proposing. So what we will have is our maintenance tax per $100. The debt service or the monies that we collect to pay our bonds 21142. So if you looked at last year, you'll notice that it is half a penny less, 48 of a penny less from one year to the next. So we are uh proposing a tax decrease. Other things that also pop up on our notice is that we do compare last year's budget to this year's budget and because of House Bill two, we have new funding coming in. And so we do have a overall uh total expenditure increase of 5.55%. If we looked
004at last year's property values versus this year's, we do have a comparison about the all the property values that are appraised within the boundaries of Waco ISD. The number of new property dollars that are invested in our area. what are the taxable values and also the new property values. So again 3.5 billion dollars of tax values is with here within Wico ISD. Another thing that we always share is what are the bonds of the school district? How much do we owe? But if you remember back in November 23, we went for a brand new bond, 160 million. So that's why the balance is just a little bit bigger than that, $182 million. We do also talk about the tax rates of prior year and compared to this year. And so again, last year was 94
005uh 94 pennies and 81. when we compare it to this time around 94 uh 333. So again that uh 48 uh half a penny difference but at the end of the day what is that tax impact for a normal property here in Waco ISD? So last year a regular property average uh for a homeowner here was 172,000. That was last year. With um this year again every year the tax uh appraisal district does go off and um either raise it or most time raise property values. Uh so the average residence here now is 189,000. But you will have noticed throughout the this past legis uh state legislator session, there is a ballot item that will decrease the property taxes which is going to be through a homestead exemption increase. So last year was 100,000, now
006it's 140,000. So for that same average residence, they are going to anticipate a tax decrease of $237. And that's the average homeowner would would receive. If your property values are higher, well, you will be paying more taxes. But if your property home is less, well, then you also will uh enjoy that tax benefit. And so as we um one of the last things that we do share for the public is what is our fund balances. So in other words a fund balance is our tax um the whole entire savings of the school district. We do bring it up into two into two parts. One being our maintenance and operation or another way to think of it is our local budget but also our interest in syncing which is similar to our debt service. the one
007to pay the bills for the bond. And so we do have about 65 million anticipated for our local and two million for our debt service. And so when we post this into the newspaper, we are sharing with the public what is our tax rate. But I do want to take a step back and just talk about our values. And again, all this great information will be on our website. If you were to look at our transparency, you would actually see last year's. But for our highlighted purple section, 3.5 billion dollars of tax values is what is the certified value for this current tax year. And it was, and I say only, $36 million more. But if you look at prior years, it was higher. Why did it go down? It all is related to that
008homestead exemption increase. And so we are again seeing a 1%. It would have been way more if that homestead didn't go through, but that's okay. Uh the property taxes is uh in a sense going to be lesser than last year. Now the tax rate, again, this is a 10-year history just to kind of give everyone an idea. And if you can't read those numbers, that's why I put it on to the side, but if you can't read any of it, it will be on our website. So again, if we look at our maintenance and operating tax rate, there is no change last year and this year 7291. That's the one to that helps the district pays its bills. But the difference is really in our debt service, the monies that are collected for the bond.
009And if you see last year was 2190 and then this year what we're what we are proposing is a 2142. So again 048 is the difference. If you do some math it's about a half a percent decrease from one year to the next. So what do we typically use these funds for? And so when I talk about maintenance and operating, I'm thinking general fund. And so those tax dollars is to help the district do its daytoday normal operating expenses. So for us, it's to pay the salaries, to pay utilities, things of that nature. If you were to kind of put it in your own personal home, uh what does a a citizen would pay? Well, think of it as your groceries, your utilities, your minor repairs at the house. Now, if I switch over to
010my debt service, which is the interest in sinking for the school district is to either do a bond to build brand new or to do major renovations. And that's how we do it. We repair our HVAC units, our roofing, and things of the such. For the average citizen, what does that sound like? It's kind of like your mortgage, your car payment, things of that nature. And so, as we kind of close up this budget process, we are already thinking about next year. And so, for the 26th, 27th, the first budget workshop, we are tentatively believing that's going to happen February 16 of next year. So that concludes our presentation. >> Thank you. Let me see if anybody has any questions before you sit down. >> Um, Coach Grant, >> not at all. Thank you, Dave,
011for the No, >> for the information and for the diligence and making sure that everything is good and sound and very transparent. So, thank you, >> Coa. >> No, thank you, Dave. >> Thank you. Thank you. have a couple couple of questions. First of all, >> uh good presentation. Uh question number one, uh you said something about fund balance 65 million, correct? >> That is correct. >> And so that 65 million for the public. Uh what is that fund uh uh for? >> Yes. So this fund balance it is in in my head two buckets. One bucket is what we call unassigned, which that's just a technical way of saying monies that are not restricted, that are not assigned to a specific use. And that is what we set aside at the minimum 90 days.
012We here at West YC actually has more. And so those are our savings for projects, construction, for uh unforeseen uh items that just um that were ready for any of those type of items. >> So uh the state mandates that we have to have 90 days or every district has to have 90 days of fund balance available for for the district. >> So luckily they keep it at the word recommended. >> Correct. And so it is not set in law but to make sure that we are fiscally sound we strive for their recommendation of 90 days which is the three months. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh question number two. Uh so that way our public can know. Uh our tax rate was you said 90.9433 correct? >> 9433. >> Okay. compared to the all the
013school districts in the valley besides us, who's lower than us? I believe there's only one school district that's lower in the text rate. >> Good question. I know the superintendent is going to be talking about that soon. >> Okay. >> Um >> it's Edinburg. >> Edinburg. >> So, so that way the public can know that you know what uh there's uh the the tax rate here is low and we do Dr. A has done a tremendous job and we do a lot for the district, a lot for the students, a lot for the staff. Yet the tax rate is still low. >> It's compared. Yes. Compared to other school districts, Edinburg is the lowest right now, but compared to Macallen, Harlingen, and so forth, Westco is the second lowest. So that just an FYI for
014uh for the community so you can know. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Good afternoon. >> Yes, sir. And I believe that was my last question. >> And later in the agenda, you'll approve the tax rate. >> That is correct. >> Thank you, Mr. Rubo. Uh Dr. Haime, I know you were here late. Uh but uh do you have any questions? >> No, I don't. Uh but thank you. Thank you for the presentation. >> No. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Let the record reflect that Dr. Rodriguez came in at 5:41 even though we don't need a quorum for the public hearing, but he is here. Okay. Uh number four, public comments on proposed 2526 tax rate. Anybody from the public uh that would like to uh ask a question or present uh if you would
015want to uh on what Mr. Ro presented? >> Nobody. >> All right. Thank you. Ajournment. >> So move. >> All right. So, it's 5:45 and we adjourn. Are we ready to begin the regular uh board meeting? Okay. So, let's get going behind me just in case. >> I got it here. >> Oh, you go. Okay. Good. >> We'll continue. Good evening. I'm Isto, president of the West Board of Trustees. This regular board meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Texas Opens Meeting Act. Notice of this meeting has been posted online for at least three business days prior to the date of the meeting. A recording of this meeting is being made and will be available to the public at a later date. The time is now 5:46 and I will call this meeting to
016order. I will now begin the roll call. Dr. Hame Rodriguez >> present. >> Coach Armando Quer present. >> Mr. Ben Castillo >> present. >> Mr. Eddie Cerna >> present. >> And uh we have a quorum available. So we'll continue with the meeting invocation. Dr. Mr. >> Would you be so kind to bow your heads? Gentlemen, if you're wearing a hat, would you just please remove it in reverence to the Lord? Let us all pray. Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, how great and mighty you are. We honor and magnify your holy name, God, in all situations, at all times. You are good. Nothing compares to you and there is no one like you. We are humbled that we get to know who you are. We thank you for the blessing of gathering once again as
017a corporate body and the privilege to serve this most beautiful and thriving community of Wesley. Father, as is always our petition, we ask you to continue to bless and grant greater wisdom to our superintendent, Dr. Richard Rivera, and our board. May your will be done in our board meetings. Help us to always maintain integrity in what you have left in our care. As we come to the end of our first six weeks, we thank you for the victories in every classroom, in every school. We thank you also for the moments of difficulty as it reminds us always to stay near to you. For without you, we are nothing. Teach us to love others as you have loved us. A love that is freely given, expecting nothing in return. There is gratitude in our hearts for
018all that you have done, are doing, and will do in the days to come. Greater days are coming. We ask you all this in your precious, glorious, and mighty name of Jesus. And everyone says, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Thank you, Mr. Dvinho. >> Pledge of Allegiance and Texas pledge. Dr. Rivera. >> Mr. Murray. >> Good evening. At this time, we'd ask everyone to please stand, place their right hand over their heart, and face the United States flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. This time we'd ask everyone to remain standing, right hand over their heart, and face the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas,
019one state under God, one and indivisible. Thank you, Mr. Butter. Awards and recognitions and proclamations. Dr. >> Mr. Carlo. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Neto, Dr. Neta, members of the board. We have lots of recognitions and awards tonight. So, we're going to get started. We have a room full of parents. And uh so, we'd like to recognize How about a big hand as we welcome some students who are coming to the front of the Heat. Heat. [Applause] I don't know. [Applause] Well, here tonight is an incredible group from Kelor Held Elementary. How about we give them another round of applause. Tonight, we congratulate Kler Held Elementary Choir, which recently res returned from the American Classic Choir Competition in San Antonio. We are proud to announce that our elementary students won the division one trophy for the
020fourth year in a row. >> Right. Breaking news. We have a correction. It was actually the fifth year in a row. And over this two-day event, they were also named best in festival for their outstanding performance. Let's give them a round of applause. >> We also want to congratulate their choir director, Miss Gloria Champion. Let's give her a round of applause. And proud parents, if you're here, can you please stand and be recognized? parents. >> All right. Okay, kids, if you could look forward right there because we're going to take a picture. >> Parents, you want to take some photos real quick? All right. Thank you very much. Congratulations. You may exit this way. >> Thank you. [Applause] What is it? Congratulations. >> Two nice trophies. >> Bye. >> Congratulations. The majority of the parents
021were >> Yes. Okay. >> George. >> He played with me. >> What do you >> What are you What are you doing now? >> What are you doing now? >> Good to see you, George. Okay, so up next we can have coach Rodriguez uh come to the front. Coach Mario Rodriguez, how about we give him a round of applause. Come up there and turn around, coach. We want to congratulate West Lico High School head softball coach Mario Rodriguez for a recent achievement this summer. He was inducted into the 2025 Real Grand Valley Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Rodriguez accomplished what no other Rog Grand Valley softball coach has done. In 2024, he became the first coach in RGB sports history to lead his softball team to a state championship. During his 18 years as head
022coach at West Co High, he has been to the state tournament twice and his team won a dramatic fashion with a walk-off grand slam being down 9 to3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. Coach Rodriguez is only the third softball coach to be inducted into the Real Grand Valley Sports Hall of Fame. How about a round of applause? >> We also want to recognize family members who are here tonight. Can they please stand and be recognized? Once again, congratulations, Coach Rodriguez. Thank you. >> Oh, quick photo, coach. All right. Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> All right. Congratulations again, Coach Rodriguez. >> All right. We have a Purple Star campus designation. We want to recognize one of our campuses. Tonight, we want to recognize one of our elementary schools. The Texas Education Agency recently announced
023that Dr. Re Marggo Elementary School received the purple star campus designation for the 2025 2026 school year. Marggo is one of our four is one of four schools in the region to receive this distinction this year. We commend the counseling staff at Marggo Elementary for their work to establish a campus-based military liaison, a website, and a transition program to assist and support our military connected students and their families. The Purple Star Campus program was established in 2019 to recognize Texas schools that meet the unique needs of military connected students and their families. How about a round of applause for Marggo Elementary and their principal, Arcadia Lopez? Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Quick photo, Miss Lopez. >> Thank you. Up next, who would like to recognize the school district ISD? The Texas Education Agency recently presented West Loco
024ISD with a distinction designation for the 2024 2025 school year. Our district was awarded the postsecary readiness distinction. After meeting several indicators in this category, West Lico ISD easily surpassed the 55 percentage target by scoring 62%. Congratulations, West Lico ISD. Tonight, we want to recognize several of our schools for their tremendous success with the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness Exams. Our academic performance continues to increase. And tonight, we want to recognize all of our A-rated and B-rated campuses from the previous three years. We'll begin with the 2022 2023 school year and our B-rated campuses. So, principles, as I announce your school, can you please step up to the front of the room? We'll start off with Airport Elementary. [Applause] Up next, Clickler Held Elementary. [Applause] Up next, North Bridge Elementary. Also, let's recognize
025Mario Ibara Elementary. Got it. Margo Elementary, [Applause] Sam Houston Elementary, [Applause] BG Garza Middle School, [Applause] Central Middle School. [Applause] Central. Up next, West Lico East High School. [Applause] and West Lico High School. [Applause] [Music] Up next, we have our A-rated campuses for the 2022 2323 school year. A-rated campuses, Memorial Elementary [Applause] Up next, Gonzalez Elementary [Applause] and South Palm Gardens. [Applause] Up next are B-rated campuses for the 2023 2024 school year. Kler Held Elementary, [Applause] North Bridge Elementary. [Applause] Rico Elementary, [Applause] Sam Houston Elementary, [Applause] >> Gonzalez Elementary, [Applause] >> B Garza Middle School. [Applause] West Loco East High School and West Loco High School A-rated campuses for 2023 2024 Memorial Elementary he did for three years >> Central Middle School >> and South Palm Gardens. [Applause] Okay, now our the 2024 2025 school
026year. B- Ready campuses. Clucker Held Elementary, [Applause] Marggo Elementary, [Applause] North Bridge Elementary, [Applause] Ibata Elementary, [Applause] Rico Elementary, Dr. for Armando Quuer Middle School, BG Garza Middle School, [Applause] Westl High School, and now our A-rated campuses. A few more. The A- Ready campuses for 2024, 2025. Memorial Elementary, [Applause] Gonzalez Elementary, [Applause] Sam Houston Elementary, [Applause] Central Middle School, [Applause] South Palm Gardens, West Lico High School, [Applause] All right. So, let's give our schools a round of applause. For the past three years, TEA recognized campuses A and B. >> Uh, hold on. Dr. Can I recommend Can I request something? >> Yes. >> I know that uh Mrs. Morales was the principal over at Wesco High School. She is here. I would like her to take a picture since she was a principal uh there
027at Wesco High. [Applause] [Laughter] Everybody congratulations. [Applause] Up next we have our proclamations. >> Carlos, hold on. >> Yes, sir. >> One minute. Uh, principles, this is for you all. Uh we'll see uh what each board member has to say uh to you or about you. Dr. Hime, >> great job. You know, it's nice to see all those awards going up there and and uh I know there's a lot of hard work and and long hours that go into uh you know, your work and and thank you. Thank you for all that you do. It doesn't go unnoticed, you know, and and I know speaking on on behalf of the rest of the board, you know, we're here to support you. That's really our our number one. Uh, so keep up the great work and
028and thank you. Thank you for all you do. >> Coach Qu. Thank you, Dr. Hime. >> I I I agree with what Dr. Rodriguez says and I said it all all along. You know, we know what you go go through and it's it's it's not an easy thing, but you stay the course. You're getting there. We're we're improving. And and uh I've I've always said where you're at is is important. Where you're going to be is more important. And that's and that's what we're striving for to just keep getting better. and thank you for everything that you've done and uh we we are here to support you along the way and and wish you the very best for this school year. So, thanks a lot. >> Thank you, Coach G. Mr. Castillo. >> Yes, sir.
029I echo the sentiments of my fellow trustees. Congratulations to all principles. It's nice to see the the years that we had uh starting from 2023 and the increases in schools in that group. And I know as we continue to work hard, as you guys continue to work hard, uh that number will only get uh bigger. So, thank you guys for all your hard work. appreciate y'all very much. Uh, and thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Castillo. Coach Linda, >> very well said by all all the fellow board members. Uh, I know the, you know, it takes a lot of time and effort and the the time and effort you guys put in there like, uh, Ben was saying, doesn't go unnoticed or I think it was Doc doesn't go unnoticed. Guys, we're here for you
030and, uh, we're here to support you. um know that I know that you guys have the boys and girls are number one in your list and uh just keep up the good work and I love seeing all the presentations and the ratings A and B always strive for that A. So uh again I congratulate all of you and and from from all of us I I I really know that y'all put in a lot of effort and uh hard work into this. So thank you for the job that you all do. Thank you Corelinda and myself of course you know you always have to have uh set up uh set high expectations for yourself difficult for those A's to maintain A's difficult but not impossible the B's you can work uh and and and and
031uh expect an aid because I know I saw uh one of the middle schools last year improved 11 points so it's it's doable yes middle school okay so and then of course if we had any seats just a reminder that you as a principal can share your ideas with the other principles in order for us all of us to continue to improve and I and I believe we will okay thank you very much for all that you do Dr. Thank you board. It's it's a team effort. Starts with the board and uh all the work, the staff, the teachers. I I commend you and and I just appreciate all your work. Thank you again very much. Thank you. And of course, central office staff that works with the principles that those are very important too.
032So if you ever need any assistance, any help, any guidance, uh we have uh individuals here with uh they have been principles before. Mr. Mr. Ar, Mr. Buttermur, Mrs. Palas, uh, Palasio, I was going to say Palasios, Miss Solano. I was thinking Palasios. So, reach out and continue to do well. Thank you. All right, let's >> proclamations. >> We'll do our proclamation for the month of October. Wesley Coindependent School District has a long-standing tradition of excellence and strives to bring together resources to provide our students and staff with the best opportunities for success. To that end, Westl acknowledges and celebrates initiatives, departments, and organizations that join in our efforts to develop, expand, and enrich our learning environment for students, parents, and employees. Therefore, Isidonto, president of the Wes Lico Independent School District Board of Trustees,
033does hereby proclaim October 2025 as Dyslexia Month. We also proclaim in October 2025, school custodian appreciation day, October 2nd. Texas Education Human Resource Day, October 8th, and Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd through the 31st. And we also want to recognize the Gear Up team for National Gearup Week, which is September 22nd through the 26th in Westl and urge all citizens to recognize with appreciation our district's commitment to education in helping our children achieve their highest potential. Sign Isidoro Neto, president of the West Locistd of Trustees. And I know the Gear Up team is here. Saw them here. They're wearing their orange. If y'all want to stand up and be recognized [Applause] and that is our proclamation. Thank you. >> Thank you. We will continue. Number six, public comments. >> There are two. >> Okay. Yeah,
034there are two. Uh we have Mr. David Fuentes, Haidawo County Commissioner to do a short presentation. Mr. Fentes, welcome. Before we begin, Dr. Hime will read you a a list there for you to follow. Okay. Uh, Mr. Fuentes, Mr. Dave, could you go ahead and state your name and address, please? >> David Fuentes, 3619 South Border, West Co, Texas 78596. >> Thank you. Pursuant to the Texas Open Meeting Act, the board of trustees may not deliberate on any comment made by a po member of the public on a subject that is not included on the agenda posted with notice of this meeting. As for the Texas Attorney General, the scope of board discussion for a subject not part of the meeting agenda is limited to only a proposal by a board member to place the
035subject on a future board agenda. Specific factual information or recitation of existing policy may be furnished in response to inquiries, but the board shall not deliberate and deci or decide regarding any subject that is not included on the agenda posted with notice of the meeting. Audience participation at a board meeting is limited to the portion of the meeting designated for that purpose. At all other times during a board meeting, the audience shall not enter into discussion or debate on matters being considered by the board unless recognized by the presiding officer. No public comment presentation shall exceed 3 minutes. Any disruptive behavior by any speaker may result in the speaker's removal from participation in the meeting. Please be mindful of the you of using names or personally identifiable information as there is no immunity from defamatory
036comments while participating in public comments. and we'll start the clock whenever you start them. >> All right. Well, thank you very much for having me. Congratulations on all the academic success that you all just celebrated to all the principles and and staff. Congratulations to everybody. Um I'm here with a couple of representatives from my office and our project manager B TOZ David Ria representing them. And then I have Rick Selenus out here in the audience and Mario Kano. Precinct 1 is in the process of building a 30,000 foot wellness center. It's located just south of uh North Bridge Elementary. And it's going to have all kinds of um activities and places for for kids and adults, senior citizens, everybody, all of our community residents to be able to to play and exercise and get get
037more fit, be more physically active. We're going to have all kinds of programs in there. It's going to have two fullsize gyms, um, maple floors, 10 foot, uh, tall, 17 foot wide digital boards in each independent, uh, gymnasium. It's going to have a weight room, it's going to have a studio room, it's going to have a classroom, it's going to have batting cages, it's going to have a golf simulator, full concession with healthy options and your traditional snack bar type foods. So, it's going to be a destination place. We're very confident in that. Uh we're excited that we we believe it should be complete and able to be used probably sometime in February or March uh at the latest or at least weather permitting. And we're very excited about what this means to the Mid
038Valley and and more specifically even to Wesico since it's being built here. Uh one of the things that we've encountered as we've gone through this construction process is that we need to tap into a to a water line in order to be able to put in a fire suppression system. So, my presentation today is just out of courtesy to give you um a heads up on a request that we're going to ask of or ask of the um WesquaD. We met with some of your staff on Friday to explain the situation to them. And what we're asking for, if you look at the diagram, you'll see the proposed wellness center there. And there's a purple line that runs from a fire hydrant up near the curb and it cir and it revolves or goes around
039the proposed wellness center. And then you see that it kind of turns towards the north and ends up going into North Bridge Elementary. What that is, what we are proposing and asking for the West Coco Independent School District to consider is allowing us to t tap into your fire hydrant water line. We've come to find that because it's on private property. It is it's on the school district's property. This water line only feeds the fire hydrants that are around North Bridge Elementary. What we're asking for is the ability to tap into that water line to complete the loop that would go around our building. The other tap would be at the fire hydrant in the at the front of the building or up near the curb. So, we're asking for permission to be able to
040tap into this water line. We've left left a small designated spot in the da in the dotted area that is going to have a valve that can be shut off in case of some sort of an emergency, a water break, water line break of some kind that may disrupt water service to those fire hydrants. So that valve can be placed, you know, anywhere in that proposed area. And we'll leave it up to the school district if they are agreeable to this to determine where they would like for it to be placed. It could be on your property, our property. at the end of the day, it's it's there for for safety purposes and redundancies. So, this is just going to be a courtesy information. Uh you'll also see the second page there is a letter
041from the fire marshall that that tells you that it's only that water line that you have on the district property is only feeding the fire hydrants and not anything inside of the school. So there was there is no disruption to any sort of water that goes directly into the school grounds or at least inside the building that would affect children. Uh so we'll be uh asking more formally for that uh permission to be able to tap into that waterline. >> Thank you, Mr. Fuentes, for the information. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Public comments number two, uh, Israel Gonzalez, I believe. Mr. Gonzalez, uh, Dr. Haime will read a script for you. Uh, he'll ask you to state your name and your address, and then he'll give you the rest of
042the information. >> I I heard it. If you want to skip it or if you have to read it, it's >> Read it. Okay. >> Go ahead. Say your name and and your address, please. >> Israel Gonzalez, 1609 Sunset Lane, Palmhurst, Texas, 78573. Mr. Gonzalez, pursuant to the Texas Open Meeting Act, the board of trustees may not deliberate on any comment made by a member of the public on the on a subject that is not included on the agenda posted with notice of this meeting. As per the Texas Attorney General, the scope of board discussion for a subject not part of the meeting agenda is limited to only proposal by a board member to place the subject on a future board agenda. Specific factual information or recitation of existing policy may be furnished in response
043to inquiries, but the board shall not deliberate or decide regarding any subject that is not included on the agenda posted with notice of the meeting. Audience per audience participation at a board meeting is limited to the portion of the meeting designated for that purpose. At all other times during a board meeting, the audience shall not enter into discussion or debate on matters being considered by the board unless recognized by the presiding officer. No public comment presentation shall exceed 3 minutes. Any disruptive behavior by any speaker may result in the speaker's removal from participation in the meeting. Please be mindful of using names or personally identifiable information as there's there's no immunity from defamatory comments while participating in public comments. And I'll go ahead and start the clock once you start. I'm here to talk about
044funding. Um the July 28 workshop, you guys were talking about how we're 31 million in the hole, 17 million uh based off of construction. So I wanted to talk about that and provide I guess an solution or an idea towards a solution. Um one of the things that I noticed is that there was a required raise for teachers. So that one there was no way around that was required. However, uh it I couldn't help but notice that there was a 4% raise for administration. That was not necessary. That was just chosen. You guys decided to do that. Um, I have to question who it was that offered that raise or proposed that raise. Was it administration? Now, the reason I ask this is because there are seven administrators at my campus where I'm currently at.
045This is uh because we have less students than we used to have a few years ago and yet there's three more administrators that there were. Um, basically there's too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Um, we've seen this information acknowledged by the Department of Education that the rate of growth of administrators far exceeds the pace of that of teachers and students. We don't actually need more administrators. We need more teachers. Um, that would help a lot of problems. It would go a long ways. Um, so one of the things that I also had been asking was about this program that was being used at my at my campus. Um, I wanted to know the price of that and I searched low. I searched high, but hard as I may try, that information never came my
046way despite being told by my administrator that that information would be provided to me. It has not yet been provided to me. This leads me to believe that that number is probably going to raise some questions. Um, and this program is supposed to be to help kids belong, which I find interesting because if we want to help kids belong, if we just had more teachers to listen to these students, that would go a lot further. If we just gave these kids at Mary Hog Middle School a track and field, that would go a lot further. And I do want to thank you, Mr. SA, because you're the one that asked uh if that construction had begun. And I do want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, sir, because we're often relegated to
047the end or we're often forgotten about. Uh, so it meant a lot to me that you stood up there for us and you asked. But I do believe that having a track and field, you know, all the other schools that already had one had theirs renovated first is my understanding. And uh, here we are still waiting for ours. We don't even have ours. Giving them a track and field, prioritizing them, giving them more teachers to work with them, to listen to them instead of giving us more administrators, that would go a long way, guys. Um, that's just something that, you know, if we really want to capture the hearts of our students, that's what we need to do. We need to listen to them when they feel that they have something to say. We need
048to be genuine with them. And, you know, that's really all I I had to say about this matter. We just really don't need any more administrators. We just need more teachers. I want to thank you guys for giving me uh the time to speak to y'all and thank you for your attention. You guys have a great night. God bless. >> Thank you, Mr. Gonzalez, we'll continue with the meeting superintendent's report. Dr. >> Yes, I have 15 slides. Let me let me start with the enrollment on on page two. You can see the enrollment last year at the same time was 16,238. This September at 16,102. So, we're at a minus at a minus 136. On the following page, you see the enrollment by the elementary, the middle school later, and then the secondary. So on
049page three you see Gonzalez compared to last year is at a minus 18, Ivara a + 58, Silva a minus 59, Sam Houston a minus15, an airport a minus 41, North Bridge a minus 23, Rico a minus5, Kler Held a minus1 memorial a minus 46 and Marggo go a plus 49. So total in elementary compared to last year, we're at 101 less. So that's about five less. We're we're budgeted for five more than we have the numbers for. But again, we're not no one's going to lose their jobs. Just to let the board know that in elementary at minus 101 will be minus five teachers in the in the middle schools. A Mary Hogue is a minus 61, a quirer minus 6, Central A minus4, Begar's a plus 18. So middle schools a minus 63.
050You can see again that based on these numbers, we're overstaffed. But again, no one's going to lose their job because we've got very good class counts on all of these all of these secondary sec secondary school or middle schools. On page five you have the high schools college and career a minus one the boot camp a plus five jjap a plus one south palm gardens a plus3 west east a minus4 west high school a plus 50 so total in the secondary schools the high schools were at a minus 36 compared to last year on page six you see the actual enrollment with the ADA. In 2024, the budget was head at 14,000. We hit 14,522. So, we received an additional about about $3 million more. But last year, the budget was set at 145. So,
051the actual ADA was 14434. And for this year, we're going to budget at 145. Again, the financial impact for us not meeting the 145 for 2025 with 66 less students, uh, a reduction from state revenues about $561,000. And we have goals for the campuses. 94 are the high schools, 95 middle schools, 96 the elementaryaries. So by not reaching that amount, we left on the table about 1.6 6 million. Now there were reasons we understand there's there's co different reasons the immigration scare. So but the goal now is to make sure that we meet the ADA plus work on increasing the enrollment on page seven. Our our goal here is student and sta student and sta staff safety and we have this campus vestibules at all our schools. A vestibial is kind of an enclosed entrance
052between the exterior door and the interior door of the building for safety reasons. Parents and visitors are required to check in and the vestibules when on campus grounds and on B elementary campuses vestibules are complete or in progress. Secondary vegetables are complete or in progress and we paid these from a federal grant and the bond proposition the bond election. On page eight, this is playground equipment to the 10 elementary schools and on a we are constructing a prek34 special needs playground additions to all elementary schools to allow for appropriate age usage and equity. Elementary campus playgrounds are complete or in progress. And then the funding for this is fund balance. On page nine, again, our goal here is safety a top priority. You can see that we've installed this window shatter resistance film at all
053campuses. They're complete or in progress. We have the magnetic access controls on all campuses. They have been completed or in progress. We've done the district-wide fencing with a chain link and in the campuses again for safety standards. We have safety safety resource officers from the city nine in the secondary campuses. In elementary campuses we had one armed guard last year. Now we have two. So again the goal is student and staff safety. On page 10, I'm happy to report I want to commend Mrs. Gomez and her staff. We were a recipient of $38,000. It was a competitive grant to train students as nurse assistants in partnership with SDC. The grant money was used to purchase new state-of-the-art hospital beds. And then the the mannequins, we have almost 1,200 students that have direct exposure to health
054science. The overall health health science IBC certifications for last year was 72 students leaving Westl to become certified. On page 11, as mentioned earlier, this is the region one tax rate and you can see that that our tax rate is the lowest one in region one. Edinburg Eddinberg is the lowest one and then after that you you can see Sherland McAllen PSJA La Hoya Donna Mission Mercedes at Couch and Hidalu and actually when you approve the agenda tonight there's actually a reduction of 9433 from last year so as was mentioned earlier the M is for operations let's state the same the INS is the interest the principle and bonds This one, this one reduced slightly and on C, even though we passed a big bond election two years ago and we expected a slight tax
055increase, we actually did not. So you can see again that our citizens in Waco here, the homeowners, they pay less taxes than just about everyone in an Hidalgo with the exception of Eddie. On page 12, I want to go over the way the way we get uh things that we need. We either get loans or we call bond elections. So, you can see that there's four notes from previous years. The disadvantage here is that you have to pay this from the M from the 72.9 from the tax rate. And uh disadvantage here is that there's no there's no state aid like with bond elections. So you can see the four. The first one is the public property note that was to pay for HVAC equipment controls, energy, convers conservation and projects districtwide. The amount was
05612.712 million and the maturity date is not until 1529. So future superintendent, future boards will continue paying this until 2029. And again, we pay this every year from the from the M. The next the next loan was in 2017. This was for HVAC, vehicles, fencing, roofing, 15 million. And you can see that it will mature in 2037. Mainten number three, the maintenance loan in 2018 was to repair damaged buses almost $5 million and this matures in in 2033. Then the last one was a scoreboard in 2019 1.3 million and this matures in 2029. Again, these are these are loans. There's no state aid. Uh I don't want to take credit for these. I was not superintended when these loans were made. But again, future superintendents, future boards will have to continue paying these taken from
057the M. On page 13, these are bond elections. These are the ones where where the state assist us from 40 to 70% and u we can refinance once the loans are at a at a certain stage. But you can see with bond elections uh we were able to build West Loco ISD to where it is now. And in 96 a bond election was passed for West Loco East. That one is paid in full. In 96 and 2002 B Garza was built from an intermediate not to a middle school. That one's paid in full. I was superintendent for all of these. In in 1999, there was a bond election to Bill Gonzalez and Silva and and CTE 20 million. And we're almost done with this one in 2026 at a 2% rate. The next one, the
058bond election in 26. This was to construct quer 25 million. The interest rate is a little high. So, we're going to look to see if that can be when it's time to see if we can go ahead and refinance again for that interest. And then the last one, the big one was in 2024 and for 160 million. And you can see that there were district-wide improvements in kitchen and HVAC and tracks and roofing and uh yag barn, fire alarms, restrooms. So many many of the items that are here with this big bond election. So again, the only way to continue building in in Weslo as in the future whatever needs are there are to go ahead and call bond elections because the M by itself cannot cannot fund any of these. There's not enough money
059to do any of these except with bond elections on the middle school tracks. I want to say that quer central quer and big arts are complete. Mary Hog is pending. As the board knows, there was some problems with the soil. So, this one should be complete in 2026. We're not ignoring Mary Hog. It's just that it was it was uh something that happened with the soil that we could not complete it, but it is going to be done. The funding source was the bond the bond proposition proposition C. And on page on page 16, the Panther Wildcat Field, the turf is complete and um it's been used already. And this was paid from fund balance. And that's my report. And if you have any questions on any of these slides, I'm here and staff is
060here to answer any of these. I'll begin on the right side uh with coach first. Any questions, coach? Well, no. I just uh just want to comment that, you know, a lot of things are being done and uh you know, sometimes it does take time and I know sometimes we do encounter problems, but the main thing is to stay on it. Stay on it until it get gets completed. So, um just keep up the good work with you guys that are out there in the front lines. Just keep pushing it. >> That's about it. But >> Mr. Castile, >> just want to make an observation. $20 million for Wesley Coast in 1996. Now you can't build a high school for less than 100 million. >> Uh >> but we doubled since then. We added gyms
061and wings and just different things. >> Oh, okay. No, uh good job, Dr. Deta. Thank you for all you do. Thank you to your staff and the principles and teachers and appreciate the information. >> Thank you. >> Same sentiments, you know, Dr. um >> you were giving the ball. You've been running with that ball and you're doing a heck of a job. So keep up the good work with you and your staff and everybody that's uh >> as part of your team. So thank you for everything. >> Thank you, >> Dr. Himebe. >> Same. Dr. Viva, thank you for the report. Uh a lot of information here um you know from enrollment to um safety and security and and and also the the transparency with with you know our our work that's being done with
062loans and uh bond elections. But you know great report thanks to to you and the entire team. >> Thank you. and and again uh Dr. Eva good job. Couple of questions. I know that uh public comments I mentioned that uh the Mary Hulk uh track uh but coa mentioned that of course it was delayed for different things. That way public knows that we did propose it and of course in the near future they'll finish the track for uh Mary Hope Middle School. Uh couple of questions. Uh where are we on the tennis courts upgrades at Wesville High? Okay, Mr. Marco, >> it just happened that I happened to be there on Saturday and I saw the crack. So, I said, you know what? I'm going to bring it up today to see uh what is
063it that we can do? >> It's part of the bond election. >> Yes, sir. It's part of the bond election. >> Yeah. So, so we do have uh the engineer already came up with the design and we're working through it and we're studying uh different options that we have that we're looking at. Uh but uh once we come to that uh uh final decision, it should be any time that we're going to bring it to you. Uh we do need to go out for for I'm sorry, we do do need to uh rank the bids that came in because we do have bids. But again, uh we do need to do an assessment on it and and then bring you the the the rankings for approval. And FYI, just because you know uh administrators and
064of course parents asked, you know, because it was in the bond and so uh it was proposed. So now we got to move forward so we could uh finish that project. The second one is uh demolition of the central gym. Where are we with that? >> Uh that one. So we've got two parts on that uh gymnasium. We have asbestous that has to take place first and and there's a 10 uh day notification has to be made to the state. >> Okay. Okay. >> And so we've I believe we've already uh completed that and right now we're just finalizing background checks so that the asbestous can get started, the asbestous uh uh abatement. >> Okay. >> And then immediately following that the demolition will begin. >> And the third one, I just happened to see
065it on Saturday when I was there at the tennis courts. Uh the demolition of the swimming pool, the old swimming pool or whatever uh we're going to do with it. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So So we're working with the the engineer. We're working on that. So that's still not uh uh final designed uh and and we're working with their proposal and the the design of it, the engineering part. >> Okay. >> That was not part of the bond. Correct. >> Right. Right. No. No. Not part of the bond. No. Okay. >> What are we looking at though? I mean, is it >> by the end of the year you're going to start or do do you have an idea? >> At this point, I couldn't say, coach. Uh and only because of the design. uh
066depending on on what we want to come back with there. We I'm for sure covering it up and uh and uh and and doing the demolition of everything that needs to be taken out, removed and fil and and the infill and then whatever prep work needs to be done for whatever if we're going to come back with the storage and and that be the final decision, then all of that has to be incorporated into the design. So, I really don't have that timeline >> because baseball season's in the spring and then tennis goes >> year round. So, it's just one of those things where >> I don't know what what the scope of the the job is, but uh something to keep in mind. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I had another
067thing on safety and security. Uh where are we with the video the the the cameras? Are we >> pretty pretty much operational with all the video cameras and >> the technology? >> Yes. 102 cameras, >> but pretty much all operational and >> they're still waiting to transfer the new service we bought for them. So, they're ready to do that. >> So, I mean, is it 90% 80% >> 90% as far as the cameras came? >> Okay, good question. Go, Mr. Castillo, you had a question. >> Just one clarifying question. I know um you know you spoke about funding and there was a comment made on public comment that we're $31 million in the hole. That's not the case, is it? >> No, you can see on the financial report that we're not in the red.
068The only section that uh there's a slight and that's that's the ADA that we didn't reach the the number that we had. So that's about about $600,000 that we're not going to get from the state. So that's that's about it. Everything else you'll see on the financial report. You'll see when the auditors come in that uh that is incorrect. We do have a balanced budget with the exception of that one that I mentioned because the ADA was lower than what we expected. >> All right. Thank you, doctor, for that clarification. >> Is that it? Any other any other clarifying questions, comments? >> All right, let's continue. Uh number eight, Lonear Governance. Uh Dr. Ia. >> Yes, Mr. Lano, you want to go over the sir >> the information? >> Good evening uh Mr. Netto uh
069fellow trustees and Dr. and community. So tonight we will be presenting on two areas. The first um GPM or goal five GPM 5.3 we are going to be presenting on associates degrees. Uh currently at 24 for the 2425 school year, West Lico High had uh 51 students earn their associates degree. West Lico East 41. Our projections for this school year, our West Lico High will have 66 students earn their associates degree and West Coast will have 59. So with this growth in associates degree, we will meet our target, our annual target of a 9% for the year 2026. So we are on track to meeting our annual target for uh students enrolled in our early college high school program. Okay. Now on constraint two for our CPM 2.1 which uh is in reference to class
070counts. CPM 2.1 reads elementary class counts for low performing campuses C or less rating in domain one student achievement will have less than 20% of their classes submitted for waiverss to TEA. You also received u an agenda item on TA classroom waiverss with more information on all elementary campuses. Here for this CPM, we only will will report on two as two of our elementary uh campuses received a rating of C or less which are airport elementary with a D and SA elementary. Silva has a 0%. no classrooms at their building um require a waiver as of today um because we do have until the end of September to report. Uh Airport Elementary currently is at a 17% meeting the target for the CPM and those are the classrooms or the number of classrooms needing a
071waiver and the number of students above the the waiver in total for the grade level. So we are on track uh in meeting the CPM target as well. And Mr. Netto, that is it for my report. >> Oh, quick questions. Uh Dr. >> in regards to um the waiverss and and the numbers that that you presented, you know, what's the plan um with that? you know, are we um you know, submitting waiverss and leaving it as is? Are we looking at maybe uh especially because of the campuses um with the D-rating, you know, are we are we looking into maybe bringing that percentage down? What what's the plan of action for that? >> Uh yes, uh Dr. Rodriguez. So, if you can see if uh we focus our attention at Airport Elementary, we have two
072uh preK3 classrooms that we're submitting. If we were to submit today a waiver four, right? But with those two classrooms, we're only two students above the classroom ratio, which means each classroom one had one over. So instead of 22 to1, we're at 23 to1. So two right now would not be prudent to hire another teacher for that. But we closely monitor enrollment every day. >> Okay. >> We receive at 2:00 our classroom uh numbers for each elementary school. >> Okay. Yeah, please do. You know that especially you know with those campuses. >> Yes. NTA and TA changed its uh role with classroom waivers. Before we used to submit only once a year at the beginning of the year. Now we submit every time there is a waiver required. >> Okay. >> Thank you. along those
073lines of that. >> Even though it's a small increase, uh are those teachers uh reinforcing each other by team teaching or do we have people that are available to also help in with uh >> classroom assignments and so forth. >> So in the pre-k classrooms, coach, we do have a pair of professional with the teacher as well as it's an 11 to one. >> Okay, great. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Castillo. >> Uh yes, sir. That was going to be part of my question with the prek3 cuz those are those are babies. >> Uh if we if are we going to provide an extra aid for that teacher uh because of Mr. N's great idea when we were on the first couple days of school I got the chance to walk through a prek3 hallway
074and man we got to pay those teachers more. Uh yeah and so I have a three-year-old so I I get it and one of mine will equals 10. Uh so I could hope can we look into giving a little maybe an extra aid to those teachers or to that teacher that's going to get those two extra prek3 uh students? >> Yes, >> we will definitely study it, sir. >> Okay. And then on the on the CCMR uh that that's that's great that we're on track, but I mean as you know most of our rating comes from the high school and CCMR. So what are we doing to increase that? Not only and I understand that these are our goals, right? But how in order to get the the A rating for the district as a
075whole, you know, this has to be very strong and very stout. So, are we working on anything to uh not only meet these projections but exceed them? >> Uh yes, sir. Uh Mr. Casio, last year we actually added an extra early college high school counselor to each of the high school, right? So that increased or doubled our program students enrolled. So you will not see it in this cohort but maybe two or three cohorts later because they started with obviously the freshman you will see the increment in the uh associates degree right however also to miss Gomez right is working with our CTE uh students our students for career ready as well to ensure that our CCMR points are obviously enhanced or increased there towards that and our uh CCMR specialists at both high schools
076do a tremendous job in just offering ing TSI opportunities as well, right? Uh to get them college and career ready. >> Yes. >> So, as far So, that was just on the early college part and you touched you touched a little bit on on the CTE. Uh are we going to look into uh >> uh some type some potential programs or some potential projects to for certifications because that will help on the CCMR as well, right? >> Right. Correct. >> So, are there any plans uh for that? I I know Miss Gomez has been expanding just our career pathways and opportunities. >> Miss Gomez, right over here the >> so we can hear you. >> Good evening all of you. Um right now our IBC's as of the last tapper report was at 78.9% I
077believe. So we are very high achieving IBC district. >> Awesome. >> So um for for the um instructors and so when you look at CCMR there are 10 indicators. um you have to look at TSIA um the uh SATs, the APs, um the um there's two ways for students uh who receive special education services to uh CCMR. IBC's are one of those 10 indicators. So if you look at the number of students who are being certified through IBC's, it it is really what is carrying the weight of CCMR. uh now annually we look to increase by 5%. So uh for the last I guess this will be my third year with CTE um we have been setting uh 5% increase goal and uh we recognize those teachers that uh who are able to um meet
078that goal and exceed that goal. So this year we had a huge increase um and some of the teachers are very the instructors are very creative about how they go about um providing different industrybased certifications. So for example Mr. Via Gomez uh did a tax preparation certification for the first time I believe um second time and certified 175 students and I told their parents that they were going to charge them for those uh tax preparations. >> That's awesome. >> Um so um we're looking at different opportunities. So as Miss Solano mentioned uh we we are looking at other things. Now, um if you look at CT as a whole, uh there may be some areas where we're spread thin. And so, um we actually have a meeting forthcoming to discuss ways that we can address
079more students going through there. But I would say that, um comparatively, I we've looked at how we compare to other districts in Idalgo County, and there are only two districts that exceed our IBC numbers of all the districts in Idalgo. >> That's amazing. Keep up the good work. Thank you. Uh we owe it all to our instructors. >> There you go. As far as the resources and all that stuff, I mean, don't be shy to bring it to the board. I think uh you you'd find a very supportive board as well with respect to that. >> Uh those IBC's like that tax preparation one that's going to >> whether they do that or not, that's going to be valuable information moving on towards life. I'm I'm trying I'm trying to finalize my taxes. I don't
080know what the heck it means. >> Uh 175. >> There you go. Uh and then uh as far as the the the career, I mean not the career, the military. Uh are we supporting those kids as well that that want to go to into the military? >> Yes, sir. And um I know both CCMR specialists and both high schools do an amazing job in recognizing and uh celebrating those students who uh enlist in the military. Yes. Uh but as far as you know uh not necessarily increasing those numbers but just showing that that's you know for the student that's interested in that uh that that's an opportunity that that's something that's a yes a way to go. >> Yes. And that's part of their uh CCMR website that that the high schools have and some
081of the events that they have throughout the school year. >> All right. And then one last question. She she uh Miss Gomez brought up uh the the AP uh the AP uh I guess classes or whatnot. Uh is that something that we really focus on or are we doing more early college or are we doing both? >> Both. >> Yes, that's great. >> Right. And we also increase our on-ramps uh sections or participation as well to get the students TSI ready so that they can have that college ready point. >> Yeah. Which uh kind of speaking on experience right uh as a student. Uh there was no other class that I took including early college that got me ready for college. It was an AP class that got me ready. And it also helps you
082with your SAT and ACT test. Yes, sir. >> And all that. Well, so yeah, we if we could keep focusing on that as well for that for that student that wants to go that route. >> Uh that'd be great. >> Yes. >> Uh that's something to add something. >> Yes. >> We have a new CTE AP class. It's AP cyber security. >> Awesome. >> This year, uh Mr. Mario Palasios is the instructor. >> Well, that's going to be helpful in the for the future. Uh, >> yes, ma'am. All right. Well, that that's all I got, Mr. Board President, and thank you all for answering my questions. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Castillo. Uh, Coerna. >> Yeah. I just want to highlight uh I think Mr. Oelz, you're you're having a signing or someone moving on
083on uh September 24th, I believe. JOTC. >> Yes. >> So, I just want to bring that up because I uh I know uh Colonel >> Yes. Colonel Quuevas uh keeps me informed along with Sergeant Baldes. So uh congratulations to that family. I know you had a few last year, but um that's coming up September 24th, I believe. >> Yeah. Ma'am, on those waivers that you have for the for the elementary? >> Yes, sir. >> It was only though all the other schools are no waivers or I know these are the >> So the ones you see here, Mr. SENA are based on the CPM, right? On those campuses that are CRS rating, the backup for the classroom waiverss has all 10 elementaryaries listed under the consent items. >> Yes. Okay. >> Mhm. >> So, okay.
084>> I didn't have one. >> I believe it went out as a board update as well last week. >> Yes. Yes. Yes, I got it. >> Okay. Good. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Mhm. And one more question in the associate degrees, how many programs do we have uh available for students? Four or five? >> Is it four? >> One plus themsies. >> Okay. >> So about four or five, right? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. We'll continue on this. Any more comments >> on these numbers on these numbers that we have here? I know there's several with seven and nine. Yes. >> Are we I mean we're supporting right? >> So definitely Mr. Senna there are two campuses that have um I think >> the teacher for that grade level is supporting at
085another grade level with a consensus of all teachers and administration involved >> but we're addressing we're helping with support. >> Most definitely. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Any others? >> We're good. >> Yes. All right, we'll continue now to uh board self evaluation. Correct, Mrs. Salah? >> Yes. >> All right, I I I received information for board members on our self-evaluation and I will go over them even though we're not yet where we want to be, but I believe this year uh we began this year with uh several or most of the board members attending the schools during the beginning of the year and we will continue this year. So we can meet that criteria and part of it is is uh engaging with the community, engaging with the staff, uh engaging with students and
086uh we're going to have a committee uh student committee that will meet four times a year. Uh I gave the information to Dr. already and so that way we can meet with them and we can get information from students. Alongside I'm going to ask uh Dr. better in the near future. Also to ask the principles to give us an opportunity whenever you have a parent meeting. I I happen to go to Memorial Elementary and Marggo Elementary for a parent orientation just to get an idea and so uh whenever you have a parent meeting uh invite us, you know, of course one or two of us or three of us will show up and that we can cover with them our LSG program. what as board members what are we doing so that way parents can
087know students staff can know and even students can know and so that's something that we're going to work on uh this year all right so under uh visions and goals the board has adopted student outcome goals we rated ourself a 12 uh we met the majority of uh on meet's focus but in order to go to master's focus we have to have communication with students, staff, and community members. And that's almost in every uh category that we're going to have to do that. And uh it's a process, but we will do it this year. On the second vision and goals two, the board has adopted goal progress measures aligned to each student outcome goal. And we have uh again in order to get to masters, we have to get the communication piece with students, staff,
088and community members. And we will do uh that this year on vision and goals three uh meet focus uh nine uh the board has adopted the port self- constraints which we have all board members in the superintendent agree that the constraints will challenge the organization that we have and again in order to receive the top or masters uh community ownership of the constraints that's what we have to present to the community uh at parent meetings uh what our constraints are what is LSG? What are we doing uh as as a as a board vision and goals? Number four, the board has adopted superintendent constraint uh progress measures and we have uh there we ranked oursel at four uh we met the majority of the uh CPMs but again to get to the master's focus community
089ownership communication with students staff and community members. So that's something we'll be working with the principles and alongside with uh Dr. Progress and accountability one the boards invest at least half of its time to improving student outcomes. Uh we rated oursel 12 out of 15. Uh we're 25% of more of the total quarterly minutes uh are invested in improving student outcomes as we did a while ago and as several board members asked different questions on academics uh we have to get a 50%. So if we can get to 50% then we can uh get to master's uh focus. We continue with uh progress and accountability too. The board evaluates but does not interfere with progress towards improving student outcomes and we haven't we just provide the resources and provide encouragement. Uh an area that we
090need to improve on is again uh continue with the goals, the CPMs, the constraints, the targets uh and the superintendent evaluation uh progress toward student outcome goals and constraints. Uh that's an area that we will continue and we will improve on systems and processes. the board operates in a way that allows the superintendent to accomplish the vision uh which we have and that uh even we're almost in a master's uh focus actually because an average of three meetings per month we've only had one meeting per month an average of two hours per meeting approximately two to three hours uh an average of three other topics per meeting uh that's what we've uh uh we've done board members receive the final materials to be voted on at least seven calendar days. Actually, now we have to
091receive them a little bit earlier and we have uh and and again now the board members will have additional time to be able to uh read uh everything that's presented to us before the board meeting. And no edits to the board's regular schedule meeting uh 3 days prior, which we don't unless it's a a late hire that we have to present uh on that day. advoc okay advocacy and engagement the board promotes the vision there uh we're at a five uh in the near future we'll continue to do uh improve uh students have been included in at least one star uh governance training or two-way communication that's upcoming and hopefully by the end of September myself and maybe one or two board members will meet with those students as selected by the principles at each
092campus. Two students from each uh campus and newly selected board members have uh received an orientation on longar governance. Have everybody done that or coach have you done that way yet? >> Yes. Okay. So uh as long as we get the student portion then we'll be able to uh rate ourselves uh mastery synergy and teamwork. the board works and with uh collaboratively with the superintendent to lead towards the vision and again there I we rated ourselves a four even though uh we have to improve on that maintain an average attendance of 80% or hired through all regular schedule board meetings which we have agree that all members have uh followed policies we have agrees that every member has completed all required trainings and I believe we're almost there and rather than the superintendent uh led
093the completion of Longstar governor's text tests which was we will take part on that uh and uh but the main one is the community staff and student engagement that I believe we can uh focus this year and then we can be able to uh rate itself a little bit higher. Any comments? So the final uh rating for right now for 9:15 2025 is 69 out of 100 points. So we have a a h a good portion to go but I believe that with uh the community engagement the student engagement and the staff engagement that will help us in the near future. Any comments or questions? So if you agree each one of you will sign and then we'll have it uh ready for the next one. Uh Dr. behind me. Any questions on on uh
094the ratings? >> No, you did a great job of explaining it, coach. Uh thank you and and got some work to do. >> Coach Gr, >> I agree with Mr. Dr. Rodriguez. I think we're going the right direction. We have shown improvement and u we'll just keep doing our part to get to our final destination of mastery. >> Okay, Mr. Castillo. And I think Mr. Castillo can help us a lot, but he just doesn't have the time. I'm not going to put any pressure on Mr. Castillo. >> Mr. Board President, I'm so sorry I didn't do my homework this last time. I apologize. Uh, >> and that's that's why I didn't uh ask you because I know you work a lot and you have how many kids to support and take to school and so
095forth. >> Three. So, okay. >> Like I said, one counts for 10, man. He's crazy. Uh, but Mr. Neto, I I do want to to to commend you, sir. uh uh none of this would be possible without a strong board president and uh you know and I know that you're putting in the time on it and I really really appreciate you for doing that because I do think that this this program does make us better and by extension you know the district better. So I I just want to thank you sir for the time that you're putting into it. Um and I will do better as well sir. So thank you so much. I appreciate you very very much. >> Thank you. Uh coach. Yeah, I have a lot to say as a new guy.
096No, I I again I the advantage I have is getting involved with LSG or being a part of it is that I wasn't here last year. I wasn't here two years ago. I just came in and I'm learning on the run. But it is like I'm going to echo what Mr. Castillo said. It is it does help us. It does make us better, I think. And I'm pointing out to him, we're we can improve on the synergy and teamwork and we are and we are making gains on that. Uh Mr. Neto, you you invited us to the campuses uh the beginning of the year, had a great time visiting campuses. My thing is I go around looking and if I see things that need to be fixed, I'm going to bring it up. So, not
097that we have a lot of things that need to be fixed, but and I didn't get to all go to all the campuses, but I'm I'm looking forward to before the end of uh October, maybe make it out to others if it's possible. But, uh but I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed communicating with some of the kids there. Uh you know, great time. So, I think we're making progress in that. And I know you're you're you're you're getting a a group of students to come in and we're going to just you know talk about you know we talked about that earlier this week or was it last week and I'm I'm happy to do that because you know we're we're all educators up here and uh I mean it just comes easy for me
098to get along with others and and to work together to improve and and this is an organization that we can and we are second to none. So, uh, I I'm glad to be here and I'm glad we're doing LSG. >> Thank you. And again, me, uh, it should it needs to be our district student focused. Any district should be student focused. The students are the Dr. Eva always mentions, you know, boys and girls. those the reason you have a job is because the boys and girls that attend schools, you know, and and teachers need to understand that too, you know, that uh the majority of the teachers do an awesome job in the classroom. That's a given. Uh some of them need assistance. That's where you as principles and administrators come in. Uh and then
099of course we come in as what is it that we need to provide any any type of resources like Mr. Mr. Castillo has mentioned before and uh what area do we need to focus on on the number of students in the classroom too you know because it's it's tough being a teacher especially in prek3 once you get to high school it's a little bit different but elementary level that's tough you know so and I commend all the principles I commend the students uh and I commend all the staff members that day in and day out they focus on what they can do for students any other comments Dr. Rea. >> No. >> Okay. >> Ready to go. All right. >> Okay. Oh, we got to go to the next one. Um, >> not for the
100board. We don't have to make a motion for that, right? >> No, you're you're going to go to 882 and 883. >> 882. Approval to amend the LSGO progress measures and the board monitoring calendar effective 2526 school year. Dr. Eva, >> recommend approval. Move to >> approve. Second. >> We have a motion by uh Dr. Ham, second by Kotquette to approve the LSGO progress measures. >> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All against. Motion carries. 883 discussion possible action for the board of trustees to consider approval of the Longar governance board monitoring report for September 2025. Dr. >> again recommend approval. >> Move to approve. Second. >> We have a motion by Dr. Hime, second by uh Coach Quer. Any discussion. All right. All in favor, please say I. >> All against.
101Motion carries. Now we go to item nine, consent agenda or consent items. Uh give you a minute or two, even though the majority of you, including Mr. Castillo read them earlier this week, but we'll see if we need to uh pull any for discussion or for comments. >> I'll make a motion to approve, Mr. Board President. >> All right, we have a motion by Mr. Castillo to approve the consent agenda item. >> Second by Coach Cerna. Any uh items that we need to pull out? Uh Dr. H. >> No sir, I have none. >> Kua, >> I have none. >> And Mr. Castillo? >> No sir. >> And Ken? >> No. >> All right. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All oppose. >> Motion carries. All right, we'll continue on to item
10210, discussion items, I believe. Let's see. >> Number 10. Yes. >> Right. >> Yes. update on trainings, conferences, events, and consider future agenda item requests by the board of trustees. Dr. >> He has none this month. >> None. >> We'll just wait for the October meeting. >> Okay. >> Well, Mr. Board President, if I may, uh, thank you again for for sending us that information about the about the committees and uh I know I had texted you uh last week, I believe, about potentially calling a a finance committee meeting, me and Coach Bua. Uh, so I wanted to see if >> whenever you guys are available, sir, when you're available as well. >> Uh, just to kind of do get a review on the updates on the stuff that we spoke about at that workshop.
103Okay. >> Yes, >> we'll do that. >> All right. We'll continue with discussion of possible action. >> Oh, >> no action on 108 118, maintenance operations department. 111 discussion of possible action for the board of trustees to approve the final completion of the synthetic turf replacement project at the Westco ISD Stadium uh CSP number 25339 for additional scope of work as follows. Change order for the unspent allowance and the additional days requested for the project and final completion of the project project. Dr. >> Yes. On page two, you have the uh the credit. It's almost $800. Recommend approval and the deal on the weather days recommend 45. So recommend final completion on this project. >> I move to approve. >> Second. We have a motion by Dr. Hime and a second by coach Qu uh
104to approve the final completion of the synthetic turf replacement project at West D Stadium. Any discussion? >> Looks very nice. >> Yes. Very very nice. >> Yes. >> All right. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All oppose. Motion carries. >> 1182. Discussion and possible action for the board of trustees to approve the final completion of the synthetic derf installation project for the baseball and softball fields at WCO East High School CSP number 25806 as follows. Number one, change order. number three CO3 for the unspent allowance at the additional days requested for the project and final completion of the project. Dr. >> Yes. On page two, you see the credit almost $100,000 credit and they asked for 27 additional days. We approved 26. So ready for final completion. Mr. America is here. You
105have any questions for him? >> Recommend approval. >> Motion to approve. Second. >> We have a motion by uh Mr. Castillo, second by Dr. Haime for the board to approve the final completion of the synthetic turf installation project for the baseball and softball fields. Any discussion? >> All right, no discussion. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All oppose. Motion carries. 11B, Business and Finance Department. 11B1 discussion is possible action for the board of trustees to consider approval of a resolution adopt adopting the 2526 total rate of 0.9433 on each $100 of assessed taxable property value with a maintenance and operations or M tax rate of 0.7291 and interest and syncing INS of 0.2142 Dr. Yes, we had a public hearing and the information is correct. Recommend approval. We're actually decreasing the tax
106rate from last year. >> Move to approve. >> I think we do we need to say special motion language for this. >> I think it's in attached to backup >> and it's lower, right? >> Yes. >> Fine. I'll support it. >> Uh, okay. I see it. >> Uh, you want me to say, Mr. Cleo, or do you want to say? You have the verbiage. >> Okay. Uh it says, "I move that the property tax rate be decreased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.9433, which is effectively a 0.51% decrease in the tax rate. Is that the is that the correct one?" >> Yes. So, we have a motion by Mr. Castillo. Do I have a second? >> Yes. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Mr. Cast a second by coach to
107approve the tax rate of 0.9433 on $100 assess property value. Any discussion? >> This is the first motion that reads like this. >> Yes. >> That I've been at a board meeting all month. >> It's increasing inc. >> Interesting. Good job. >> Any discussion? Coach, >> no. >> Coach Gua, >> no. >> Dr. Haime. >> No, sir. >> All right. All in favor, please say I. I. I. >> All oppose. Motion carries. 11C 1. Discussion of possible action regarding uh contract for Walsh Gyos for legal council council services. Dr. Rivera. >> Yes. They have they have a new a new cost and we're paying 265 per hour. They're re they're asking for 275 a $10 increase. And the retainer is 1,000 per month. So it's it's the board's call to to make on this one.
108>> Per year. >> That's per year. Retainer. >> Per year. I'm sorry. Per year. >> And this is for special ed, sir? >> For special ed plus everything else. They assist us with different things. >> Now I'll make a motion to approve. >> Do I have a second? >> A second. >> So we have a motion by Mr. Ben Castillo and second by Dr. Hyman. Discussion of possible action for regarding contract for WA GO for legal council services. Any discussion? Kua. >> No. >> Coacha, >> no sir. >> And Mr. Castillo? >> No. >> All right. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Mr. Castillo. >> I. Sorry. >> Okay. All against. Motion carries. 11C2 discussion and possible action for regarding contract for Alo PUA for legal counsel services. Dr. Ia >> yes
109he's asking for an increase from $200 per hour to 250 $50 increase and this is lower than Was Gayos. He's 250 and and uh was gayos is 275. The retainer is the same at $3,500 per month. So the retainer stays the same. >> Yes. >> As last year. >> Yes. The increase is the amount per hour >> from 200 to 250. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lloy is here. You got any questions for him? >> I think Mr. Flo has been here and I don't think his rates have gone up over previous several years. So I move to approve. >> I'll second. >> We have a motion by coach and second by Dr. Haime uh to approve the contract for Mr. Loa with the raises that we uh Dr. Ia mentioned any discussion with uh Dr.
110>> No sir >> coach Gra >> no >> Mr. Castillo. >> No, sir. >> And coa? >> No. >> All right. They had brought up to my attention and I as board president I I don't agree that I should sign by myself and just say that that he should receive a raise. I believe that uh we're uh partners. >> I noticed that in the signature page. >> Yes. I want to make sure that each one of you because he's our our our attorney. Uh I want feedback from each one of you. I I don't expect for me myself to make that decision. You know, uh it's best when all of us are transparent and then we approve that uh item. >> All right. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> All against. Motion
111carries. All right. Number 12, close meeting pursuant to the Texas government code section 8551 and 071. Personal matters discussion regarding superintendent's recommendation of contracts for certified per professional non-certified professional and non-contractual personnel. 12 A2 discussion regarding resignations retirement of certified professional non-certified professional and non-contractual personnel. 12B consult uh consultation with attorney regarding 12B pending or contemplated litigation. Uh 12B2, settlement offer or 12B3, matter in which the duty of the attorney of the Westco ISD under the Texas disciplinary rules of professional conduct of the state bar of Texas clearly conflicts with chapter 551 of the Texas government code, Texas government code 551 071. It is 7:18 and we will go into executive session. >> All right. Beautiful. >> Hi, Danny. >> What's that? >> I know. Uh, >> all right. How you doing? I'm good. Is
112it yourself? Nobody listen. We just need to make sure that we keep to the invite on the on the board to to take care of West with a with a county the the appraisal district. >> Oh yeah. >> And yeah, he was very helpful. I had a bunch of questions on my appraisal. He was very helpful. Oh, you know, >> he understands, you know, he told us. So, hey, we need people >> from our neck of the woods. Keep representing us. >> How are you, sir? >> Everybody's going to get It is 7:50 and we recommend an open meeting. Possible action necessary on items discussed in close meeting 13B. Discussion and possible action regarding superintendent's recommendation of contracts for certified professional, non-certified professional, and non-contractual personnel. Dr. Eva, >> recommend approval. >> Move to approve.
113>> Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> We have a motion by uh Kotu and a second by Mr. Castillo to approve uh recommendation of contracts for certified personnel, non-certified professional and non-contractual personnel. All in favor, please say I. I. >> I. >> All oppose. Motion carries. 13 C. Discussion possible action regarding resignations, retirements of certified professional, non-certified professional and non-contractual personnel. Dr. >> recommend approval. Move to approve. >> Second. A motion by coach. Second by Dr. Hime to approve uh resignations and retirements of certified professional, non-certified professional and non-contractual professional. All in favor, please say I. I. >> All oppose. Motion carries. Ajournment. >> So 7:51 and we're are done for today. Good job.