Weslaco ISD Board Workshop (July 28, 2025)

001Good evening. I'm Isto, president of West ID school board of trustees. This work workshop is being conducted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Notice that this workshop has been posted online for at least 72 hours. The time is now 5:40 and I will call this workshop to order. I will call I will now begin the roll call. Even though we don't need a quorum, we do have a quorum uh for today's workshop. Mrs. uh Jack Suta >> present. >> Dr. Haime is out today. Coach Mandua >> present. >> Mr. Ben Castillo >> present. >> Coach Sernna. >> He's back over there. >> And uh >> Oh, there he is. >> And Mr. Mark, >> present. >> Public comments. Uh Dr. Vera, >> there are none. >> Do we have any? >> There are

002none. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Today we have a an agenda items. So, Dr. Aveta will present and uh if he needs to have any of his uh group also present. Uh and after each item then uh I'll allow the board of trustees to ask questions. So we'll go one by one instead of waiting till the end. So that way if you have any questions uh please ask him tonight. The first one uh is update of HVAC projects. Dr. >> Call Mr. Mr. Gar. >> Perfect. Good afternoon, Dr. Dvetta, members of the board. Before you, you have an update. This is for the HVAC retrofit projects for Memorial Airport, Northbridge, and Quad Middle School. Now, we do have a timeline. This does not include the complete timeline, but just to give you the latest information that

003we've been working through at this time. Um, on July 4th, and I'm not going to I'm just going to summarize pretty much you have it in front of you. Carrier Corporation uh did receive a letter from our attorney that we work with is Miss Destiny Guessing. She's an attorney for Wash Gyos and this was due to their uh inability to make immediate and adequate progress based on their sub substantial completion schedule. Therefore, the letter was very specific on how WSOC ISD was going to begin the process of initiating a shy bond claim uh for the for a breach of contract. Keep in mind that on May 13th initially they received notice of a potential claim was going to move forth. Uh this was uh carrier received that and they returned a response on May 16th

004with an action plan. Now there was traction took place for about four to six weeks but then everything slowed down and this is what got us to in moving forward with that shy bond claim. So, if you look at July 18th, this is where they responded on there and they responded in three phases for all four campuses that I mentioned. Um, keep in mind that no on-site work has begun for North Bridge Elementary and Quayan Middle School. However, Carrier has assured that they will be completed by August 2026. Now, there's three different phases late this afternoon. We got some updated information from Carrier on those phases. But in a nutshell, phase one is finished temporary uh temperature controls work. This is a left wing of the campus at airport and memorial. Um this is initially

005was by August the 4th. They're indicating they can get it completed by the end of this week, which is July 31st. Phase two would be installing the new mechanical pads, uh, concrete foundation work, chillers, pumps, and all other equipment by the end of 2025. And then phase three, it's going to be more of completing all four campuses by the end of 2026 of August. That would be phase three. Now, this last week, we had a meeting on July 23rd. And that meeting consisted of Carrier. Um, we have Mr. Robert Contel, he's a project lead manager, Mr. Mr. Leo Mos from Trinity MEP and Destiny Guessing and our staff to discuss status, dates of completion and written asurances. Again, Carrier Corporation has stated that all HVAC projects are to be completed by August 26. And u

006in addition, we have kind of pivoted our construction consultant. He is going to be moving forward and overseeing the HVAC projects. On the next page, uh Mr. Leo Mos here stated some concerns during our meeting uh that had been as that have been addressed. We did have a follow-up meeting this morning with Mr. Contel. Um and Carrier has assured that Memorial Airport will be operating by the end of the week. Um the the main contacts that Wasd has been working with Mr. Contel and of course Mr. Will McGee which is a lead project engineer for these projects. Um, as a district, we're going to continue coordinating with Destiny Guessing uh on any other concerns that may arise on these projects. And Mr. Sabula has reviewed the Hback contracts and this is to include the liquidated

007damages that Wesleyd has already initiated. >> Anything else? >> No, just to add that uh progress, substantial progress has been made since that notice uh was uh uh submitted by our attorney. Uh and so we have very good reason to believe that uh that uh we're going to have a successful project at uh substantial completion uh going forward uh as as already specified here for next year. >> Okay. Uh at this time I'll begin over here on the left Mr. Do you have any questions on this HVAC uh presentation? >> Uh yes I do. I was just writing jotting several notes down as you guys were talking. Uh my first question is if you can explain to me or to all of us what is the cause of these delays? Why are we not where

008we're supposed to be? >> So I can chime in on that. I think in a in a nutshell the delay has been one uh a transition with leadership and the project manager through carrier. That's been one one of the factors. Um I believe there's also been some delay on the company. Um, and that's what triggered us to move forward with the contract and getting legal involved and and and doing what we need to do to protect Wikiquay's best interests. But that's been that's been in essence what it is. There's been some transition with leadership. I know Mr. Contel here. He's been working very closely with us and keeping us up to date. Um, but in a nutshell, that's what has been taking place. >> Okay. I remember uh emailing Dr. a maybe back in May

009or June asking him can you please give us an update because our last board meeting it was just oh well we have delays so until I did that is when he we were like you know what let's contact the lawyer so I'm wondering if I don't ask or if any of us doesn't don't ask what's going on would it just kind of been going through do we have a consultant or somebody like you said a consultant do we have somebody overseeing the projects as in let's get going Americ who's who's in charge of this. >> Yes. So, so I am in charge of the of the overall projects and uh we are monitoring the progress and so what prompted this initially was back in May that we were supposed to see a substantial uh progress

010uh to the internal portion of the of the project scope within the campuses and we weren't seeing that. So they did start off and then it slowed down. And so right then and there we started getting a little concerned and started asking questions so forth and that's what got us to this point where we saw lack of progress after initially seeing uh their start on the project. Um and and let me just add also that uh it's not just been carrier transition of of uh management on the project and administration but also their subs. uh they're having a lot of concerns with the subs which they've made adjustments and uh as of uh I want to say a couple of weeks ago they've replaced that sub on the mechanical portion of the work and so

011we're seeing uh progress pick up. >> So you'll be overseeing it not a consultant you'll be the one overseeing it from now till the end of the >> we're we're overseeing it and then again our uh hired consultant who's going to be helping us out on the field as well. >> Okay. And now that you mentioned subcontractors, I went back to the August 2024 meeting when we initially voted on this uh you know whole HVAC and who was going to be getting it. And I remember Mr. Muno's um standing there and telling us, you know, his his uh experience and what he's seen with everybody here in the valley and recommending three different contractors, one for each school. So my question is now that we we picked carrier the subcontractors that are on this uh

012project if they let's say we're being delayed right with some of them we can still switch like you said to a different subcontractor if the other ones aren't doing that or that's part of what carrier takes care of or how are we involved in saying come on let's go let's go >> so our part on the uh on the project or at least our responsibility is to reach out through our legal through the bond okay >> uh carrier is the one that hires subcontractor. So, it would be their responsibility to switch subcontractor >> carrier. >> And so, we would we would uh then, you know, for lack of another term, apply pressure through our Okay. >> Uh through our attorney. >> Two more. Just real quick, what was the original date for the completion for

013this HVAC to have been finished? >> So, there's three uh projects, the uh airport and memorial got uh together, placed together into one contract. So, that's one project. >> And when were the dates for that to to be finished? So carrier received notice to proceed for Memorial Airport. The date was October 2024 through August 2025. >> Okay. And then for that that's for Memorial and Airport. For notice to proceed for North Bridge was February 2024 through December 2025. >> Okay. >> And for notice to proceed for January 2025 through October 2025. >> Okay. So then saying we'll be done by August. were still kind of there in the the time frame that that they said they were going to complete. Correct. >> So, no, this is where we're those were the initial notices to proceed.

014Right now, the the plan that they submitted everything should be completed by August 2026. >> Okay, that's almost a year later, right? Like let's say with uh Memorial and Airport 2020. So is this costing the the the district money uh with those liquidated damages or what what is this costing us with these delays if any costs that were >> So we've initiated the liquidated damages uh and that's something that we are working through right now through legal as what we have for the contract. So we are working through that. >> All right, those are my questions. Thank you very much. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Good good question. You took one of mine. So go ahead. Well, Jackie pretty much touched on what's going on, but you know, every year when we start the school year,

015there are campuses that don't have something that's that's on or not functioning. Are we going to start the school year with that same problem or are all the uh parent campuses going to be having functional units so that we have good quality air and and and a good conducive environment for learning? So, so typically that happens uh uh coach Quuer uh because we tend to do our maintenance uh during the summer or vice versa. You know, we're looking at some campuses and others um if we don't have anybody in the campus, we don't get called from the campuses uh as we're trying to catch up on work or maintenance on other campuses. And so that's what uh kind of catches up to us once the school starts when the teachers come back and they start

016reporting problems and then and they were repairing those. But right now, as far as these campuses are concerned, all the systems are working and and we're working to ensure that everything else is working as well. >> You've you have to be notified to to crank them on even though we know we're going to start school. >> No, not necessarily. Not necessarily to turn them on, but that there is a problem with them that they didn't come on. >> Okay. >> Yes. Yes. So, as far as turn them on, we turn them on, but we're not aware of whether there's a problem or not unless somebody at the at the campus will let us know uh in in in a lot of situations, but for the most part, uh we we tend to focus on the

017maintenance of the the major campuses, which are the chillers as well. And and we're looking at everything right now. >> Okay. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Coach. Uh Mr. Bastio. Uh yes, Mr. Board President. Um I mean this project's been very frustrating and very disappointing. I mean when we it got first initiated February of right after I got elected, it's been ongoing since then. So it's going to be three years that this thing has been pending. Um to me, I think we give Carrier one more chance and if they don't, we just cut them off and go out for bid for a design build like Schneider, Johnson E3, one of those folks and just have them get it done. I mean, I think this thing's been pending for too much. The kids at Memorial,

018uh, Airport and North Bridge, uh, you know, they deserve better. So, that's just kind of my my comments on it. Again, super frustrating project. Uh, and if the contractor can't get it done, they can't get it done. Let's just move on, file a claim with the shity for any kind of loss uh, value that we get because of the timing of the bid, and just go with a different vendor that can get it done. But those are my comments. >> Good point. uh coach. >> Well, I'm I'm the same way as Ben. I'm I'm thinking about, you know, if they can't come through, I think we need to look at a, you know, another avenue. And then I guess lesson learned, what do we learn from this? You know, I'm curious because I came in

019at the end after all of this was, >> you know, it had gone through. I came in at the tail end of it. But I guess what are the lessons learned from this? Was it too much for a carrier to do? I mean I I don't know those I would want us to move forward you know learning something from this and hopefully uh we can get it right. >> That's a good point. I think you know we discussed that before each school or each phase should have been a different uh architect or a different company whatever so that way each one would have two campuses or one campus so that way we could have finished because you know it's important that we do Mr. Deostos. No, >> I agree on the points that they all

020have mentioned. Um my my thing is also kind of like with piggybacking offas is the process the timeline because when we had presentations on this, this is our first run. It's not even in the bond projects yet phase, right? This is this is using general fund money. >> So we had presentations from the architects and I'm going to give you a time to I see you're you're ready to present. So giving them time, right? I guess this is our first time that we're going to do this. So we have to kind of really learn from this. It's a learning process. So, we were presented that we were going to get weekly reports. People were going to be on site. They were going to be visiting the installation or the construction. And I'm not talking about

021yourself, Mr. Medical. I'm talking about the actual like the engineers and also the contractors as well too. Like we had all these presentations and everybody had kind of the same method and structure of the board was going to be informed because at the end of the day, I understand that you're supervising and you have the superintendent, but the but the power of the purse falls with the board. We're the ones that say yes or no to companies and approve or disapprove. And why did we wait till July 1st is kind of my question to actually send why like as soon as we saw in August that that there wasn't grass you know we didn't see machinery we didn't see things moving in August I mean I'm sorry in May where was the process there of

022saying hey let's go because you have to anybody that works in construction you know that you have to any they're sitting out here right now you got to make phone calls you got to follow up hey you're going to go out there you just don't hope that they show up or they're not arriving you make phone calls you're on it I mean anybody no matter whether residential commercial. I know cuz I live it. You got to call, you got to check and are they there and are they is the machines there? Are the people there? Are things getting done? But we were told we were going to get reports consistently every single week that we would get update reports on every single project. And that's kind of my question here. Could this have been prevent

023preventable? Right? That's just my statement. You don't have to give me an answer. I agree with what you're saying. I agree with everybody else is saying, too. This is where we now we as the board hold companies accountable, right? Just like we gave them, we gave the approval to move forward whether with or without the administration's recommendation, but this is the point where you then sit them at the podium because we still have a lot of work to do, right? And nobody wants to lose work. So the question is how did this happen? How do we get out of this situation? And how do we make sure it never happens again, you know, and I'd like to transition and I'd like to give an opportunity for for uh for the uh for the engineers, yeah,

024Mr. Munos to come up and and and say because I know he's I see that he's anxious to to give his comments and I want your feedback >> here >> over there sir so we can all hear you and and before he begins I just want to make sure you know as a board member and like Mark said and Jackie you know when the schools get started especially these schools >> and especially as hot as it been I want them to be comfortable you know learning and so forth instead of having to worry about this >> you know those particular campuses you know >> and our process too I mean I understand we have once a month kind of like we asked for the workshop, right? In July, we do once a month meetings, but

025I've seen in the past in other school districts, they they have projects going on. They're meeting special meetings, special meetings, updates, >> and holding accountability. So, that's kind of one of the things, too, but Mr. Munos, you have the floor. >> Okay, Mr. Mos, >> what? >> Thank you for inviting me and u I'm happy to give you an update on what's going on. uh August 1st, 2024, I stood before you and offer you an uncomfortable recommendation. Right. >> Not very favorable. It took a lot for me to to go against the will of the people, the will of the board and state my recommendations. >> Um everything if you go back to that video and you see the meeting again that I told you has come to come come true. I'm here to answer

026your questions. You're not asking questions. >> I'm not going to answer any questions that are not asked, >> right? >> Um, what do you want to know? >> So, my >> I'm not going to tell you. >> Yeah. >> Right. What's your feelings? Uh, you got to tell us facts. So, number one would be >> as to once once the commencement once the deadline the window open for construction, where did the ball get dropped that somebody didn't inform somebody? Because I didn't know. I didn't know that the wheels didn't start turning. I didn't know that machines weren't arriving. I didn't know that subcontractors, etc. weren't arriving on site. I mean, so where did where was the first where was the first hiccup there in getting this project moving forward? >> I told you all the

027contract that you all selected, >> right, >> is not suited to do this kind of work. >> Okay. >> So, they had to learn a lot to get where they're at right now. >> Mhm. >> Uh, I kept on calling and emailing questions and I can't offer you a report if nothing's been done. All I can tell you is nothing's been made up. >> Yeah. Nothing was done. They just didn't show up to to start. >> Or what would typically happen and like that's what I'm asking. I guess we're all curious. What would typically happen if the windows open, right? Cuz you said a window. What was the window? You said medical for Memorial Airport. You said from October 2024 >> to August 2025. That was a construction window or that was when the >>

028Notice to proceed. So that means you got the green light to get going, right? >> October 2024 >> to August 2025 was the deadline. They were notified of lack of progress on July 1st. >> So the very first thing you do is provide a submittal on the equipment you're going to install. >> Right. >> I still haven't gotten it. >> Well, see information, right? That would have been great to know. And then what else? >> The biggest piece of equipment, which is >> Did you submit that to administration that that you didn't receive that about the equipment >> you did? >> Yeah, I mean, we received it real late in the game and they still haven't gotten approved submitt on the major components of the system. So that that would be the first step. You

029know, some middles are not approved if you if you don't have an air handler right now. You can't install it tomorrow, right? And some of these air handlers take, you know, four, six months to get built. >> Mhm. >> So the schedule they give you there is looks pretty on paper, but what are they doing to actually execute that schedule, >> right? >> Yeah. >> You're talking about reserving equipment, getting like those type >> buying the equipment. Show me that you paid for the equipment, >> right? >> So that I can know you have >> whose responsibility does that fall on? And I'm not trying to place blame here, but like who would typically so we don't for the next one. Is that administration? Do should we get a consultant? Because I know you're busy.

030You have your own business. >> You can hire a a project manager or >> uh a third party to help you in construction, but I mean you have a team that's been doing it right now. I mean, if you want to expedite things, maybe >> right, >> you can hire somebody else to handle construction, >> right? Like in my case, like as a trustee out of the rest of the board, I need somebody to say not the superintendent. He has a full schedule. a medical has a full schedule with normal operations. Somebody that can raise the flag and say >> I mean I don't know who you have in charge of that. >> Yeah. And I don't know either. I don't know who they had. Didn't they have somebody on before? >> You all have

031millions of dollars in in bond work >> with no project manager. >> With no Well, yeah. You could be a project manager. It can just be somebody who you hired. >> Mhm. >> I mean, the burden they have a lot on on their plate and they rely on good contractors and to to help them through the process, >> right? and they know the industry, they know the people, they know who to pick up the phone call and say, "Hey, where are we at and why are you not here?" Those type of things. That's what I'm trying to get to, like who can we how can we fix this this better because we do it internally doesn't work. >> But what you got to do is you have to hire reputable people, >> right? >> That's

032what you have to do. Reputable contractors, >> right, >> who have performed in the past. >> Mhm. >> Uh, you know, everybody has problems, but for the most part, they performed well >> that you can recommend them. >> Okay. carrier today a year after hasn't finished any of the projects that they started working two years ago. >> Right. >> So there's not just here but another other school districts. >> Mhm. >> So are they going to finish yours? >> If you want me to give you my honest opinion, I can, but I'd rather just leave it. >> I don't want to do that either. Yeah. I don't like >> professionalism. Yeah. I don't I mean I know where you stand like you're in, you know. >> Yeah. >> Mr. Los Santos, you had a good

033point there that I think, you know, especially with the projects of uh that magnitude, >> you should had somebody Yes. >> like you said, a project manager to oversee those, >> right? And it's worth the investment because like you said, when things you're using internal staff and that are already consumed by a large district of 16,000 kids, you need somebody that you can pay. The taxpayer may not be fond of it, but at the end of the day, it does give you back a benefit and there there is some wins on that as far as timeline and completion of projects. So that's kind of my question because I didn't know if we had somebody yet in but obviously you said stated it was the department that was kind of given that task. Is carrier here

034today or subcontractors or any of their representation here? >> They are. >> I'd love to hear from them too. just >> just to kind of just to get a I want to give everybody a fair opportunity to kind of say >> I do want to add I know they uh Amedico and his team do have their periodic meetings with and the schedules and they do follow up with everything and they've been on top of that. We started meeting at at administration back in March, April, right? We had multiple meetings with staff carrier and Trinity discussed where we were at, right? >> Where we initiated the first notice through legal was in May on May 13th. >> That was the first notice that went out for a possible breach of contract. Okay, >> that was in

035May. >> Since and they started off strong, but since they didn't get the ball rolling rolling, we went to the next step. So we didn't start in July. We started having those discussions March, April when we were having uh why everything was stalling through that time there was a different project lead manager and this is where Mr. Contello came in >> right and and in no way just for public record I just public statement that am I putting blame on the administration at all or Dr. But uh they have norm they have a massive amount of duties already Monday through Friday and even in the weekends dealing with a 16,000 student district. But my thing is now going off of those gaps and those things that we're missing. One, okay, reconsidering the options of probably

036spending more but hiring more more subcontractors. I understand. And also that that other key that project manager piece, right? So that's where I'm at right now up to date until I hear what he has to say that that's as a trustee. I see that it's worth the investment, right? And so yeah, >> and if I may add, so the gauge for us is the internal work that had to be done at the campuses. And so that couldn't be done until after the school year, right? >> And so that's why it started in May >> once we saw them or we we started pressing for them to show us some the the results. >> Uh and they did start off strong and then suddenly it died down and that's what got us concerned >> and and

037and like I understand the weather, right? We don't know. We're not looking at weather. You're looking at rain pattern. You're looking at AC. I mean, you know, there's things that people have delays for, so I get it. But that's this is no way of we're going to put blame. It's just how do we fix this for the next one and structure ourselves, sir? >> Yes, sir. >> Robert Canello with Carrier. many failures uh from the very beginning and unfortunately I had to step into this um dealing with a contractor and as Leo said >> that is impossible to work with and finally convincing carrier to exit that contractor and get an additional contractor and it may be possibly two or three more by the time we're done. >> Um I see that in the future.

038>> The biggest priority right now is to get two schools back online. >> Um we are putting in temporary controls because we've disabled your controls once we started taking VAVS out. >> The VAVs are back installed. Um we've got to go through a couple inspections, get them insulated. The automated control systems are already on the VAVs. We're installing new controls temporary on your existing air handlers. >> That'll get you through the school year. We'll continue to add those air handlers through the school year so you won't be blind to your facilities. >> U and we're just talking airport and Memorial. >> Thank goodness we didn't touch North Bridge or Qua. >> Mhm. uh because we would be a lot worse than we are right now. Um I have no excuses for carrier. They bit off

039more than they can chew. >> Okay. >> Point blank. >> Any questions? >> Uh Ma, any questions you have for >> I appreciate your honesty. >> Yeah, >> it takes a lot to come up here and >> and say, you know, this is what we're doing wrong. My question to you is I remember Carrier was based out of Florida. Are you do you work here in the valley or >> I'm actually from Waco. I've been down here since April. When did Aaron leave? April. >> I came down when the previous PM left. >> So the subcontractors that you are working with right now are people you have never worked with before. >> Omar, the original contractor. No, I've never worked with him before. >> Okay. >> I have seen his work throughout the valley and

040I made a decision pretty quick once I got down here what actions I needed to take. But I deal with a corporation >> and I had to fight that corp to get what I needed. >> Well, thank you. Thank you for coming here and explaining. I remember I like to learn from what we've done in the past and I watched our August 1st meeting several times and this exact same situation that we wanted to prevent is exactly what happened. So I find it kind of ironic, you know, that we were trying to find the best solution. Some of us up here did state, well, we're a little weary. It might be better to have one contractor for each school. >> Trust your >> but it didn't happen that way. and and I'm hoping that we

041can just continue to to fix what's so I appreciate you coming. Thank you. >> Good question. Any questions? >> Thank you. >> Okay, Mr. >> Yeah, you you said something right now that carrier bit off too much that it could chew. Well, they're telling us it could be done by August 2026. Do you think it could be done by August 2026? >> I'm telling you it can be done by then. >> You're telling? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. So, it's not carrier. It's you. Everything you see in that document right there has come from me. >> So you think we could be done by August 2026? >> The other two schools, correct? >> They got new subs. >> All four schools. Okay. >> All right. >> I'm not going to be doing it with

042one contractor. >> Okay. >> That was an impossible task to begin with. >> Coach, no question. >> Mr. Mark, >> so I guess my question No, thank you for your honesty. Thank you for, you know, the statements you made. I guess the next thing would be for the district. I remember back then too there was a discussion that I don't know what trustees said it but they brought it up they said when we hire a contractor this could kind of go into a medical and you're okay sir if you want to sit down I was that was my last question but a medical you had stated that if we hire a contractor carrier train whoever it is out there that we E3 all these different companies that that when they bring in the contract back

043to us to review that they would submit a list of subcontractors right >> that that's a that's something that we can follow in and look for the next time. >> That's part of the ranking criteria. The subcontractors that they have. >> Mhm. >> Yes, sir. >> So, so we did ask for that as well here. >> Um, >> but they only submitted one, right? That was the thing, >> right? So, they submitted their subcontractor. Um, >> we checked the references that that were provided. >> Nothing came back as having any >> any negative reviews or anything. But at the end of the day, let's say not I'm not saying we're going to anything with Carrier or they're that they're the primary uh company to be used in the future. But going back, we could have

044just said, "Hey, you only have one subcontractor. I think you need some more." Is that something that the district is allowed to do or has the power to do? >> We can. >> Okay. All right. That's Yes, sir. >> Thank you. No, I want to know. >> Any any other questions on this topic? >> No, no question. Just a comment for me because it's been on my mind that you know when we ask people to come and and talk to the board and people with experience uh years of experience that have been doing this we should really pay attention to what they're telling us. You know sometimes we get in our own heads and I know I know what's right and I know but we it's really good to listen to others who have that

045experience because they're telling us for a reason, right? So as board members our job is to listen to what they're telling us and then yes make a decision. we can make whatever decision we want to make but but it's a good thing to listen to others and >> no I agree totally because uh a lot of times the committee and a medical they recommend certain projects or certain uh architects whatever I don't know about them so I have the confidence that whatever they're going to present like Mr. Leo Munoz presented that day to have three different ones and I wanted three different ones because those projects were pretty hectic, you know, when and and I think Mark mentioned that, you know, him being a contractor, he's gone through that before and again it's a lesson

046learned and we'll just have to move forward and thank you for your honesty there, Mr. >> All right, let's go on to number four, update on SB 1481, personal communication devices. Dr. Let me call on Mr. BMA. >> Good evening, Dr. Ia, Mr. Neto, and members of the board. Well, with each legislative session, bills are passed and at times we have to react to them. House Bill 1481 is no different. It's been signed and we need to limit the use of personal communication devices in our schools. The intent is real simple, right? maintain focus on learning, minimize disruptions. With that said, the commissioner's call from this past week shed a lot of light on this that again something is being built while it's in the air. In this case, you're supposed to get final recommendations

047coming out on August 7th from TEA in reference to HB1481. Some of the things that we do know is they will be providing us with a non-competitive grant for opportunities to help working with HB1481. And again, we continue then to make sure that we need to have updated policies. We are working with TASBY to bring the trustees the policies that will be voted on in reference to this. For us here at WISD, it's taken again laws get passed and we start to work with teams. We work with our principles and there's some of the things that we're looking at again to be responsive with our community as we move forward. So, a couple things that we're looking at is this real simple, right? Historically, these devices have not been a major disruption in our schools.

048Yes, time to time we do experience some things we have to work with. Has not been a major disruption. Commissioner said it the other day in a meeting on Thursday. And I think we agree. We're looking at if we bring a device, they just need to be put away. School day starts, devices put away, school day concludes, students can have their devices. We know the law provides that again if there's a medical need, if there's an academic need, or we also know that we have some of the advanced coursework where they may need to have a phone for some verifications. Those are definitely within our limits for us. Again, as long as they're not a major disruption, we're seeking just to have them put away. We continue to work with our teams to make sure

049that we can again do this in a manner that we can be responsive to our community, not be disruptive, be in line with the bill or the law. And if you have any questions, I'm welcome to take any of those questions at this time. >> We'll start with uh Mr. Los Santos. No, I don't question >> Mr. Castile. >> So, what's our proposed policy? What are we going to do? >> So, right now our we are looking at basically allowing our students to carry as long as they are put away. We are looking to have some flexibility working with the high schools again knowing that we have some older students and there may be some needs and then again we are waiting some more of our direction that's going to come out from TEA. But

050again, that's kind of where we're headed to with this. We do not want to make this a major disruption for our school administrations. Our big thing is first and foremost student learning. >> So put in your backpack, keep it off. >> That's the intent. >> When are we going to bring that policy for board review? >> The intent is if we can get it from TASBY, we want to bring it August 11th. >> When does school start? >> August 18th. >> Got it short. All right. And I and I think that's where we have to notify parents and parents have to understand that >> not just the students is, you know, the parents are very important. >> Yeah, I agree. >> Can I just pick it back off? >> Yes, sir. Power update because in

051the past you said we kind of already had that in place. >> Yes. >> And and but we're still going to allow them that once the bell rings before and after school, they'll be able to use their devices on. >> They may use their devices. Okay. You need to get clarification on that because they define instructional days bell to bell from >> right >> 8 to the last bell >> to the last bell right >> and again Mr. because >> what initially came out with 1481 indicates that >> in the commissioner's call this past Thursday he said you know some of you may just again and this isn't verbatim but basically he said some of you may just choose to have students put them away right so again >> no no yeah put them away

052but whether they could use them in between classes I don't think the law allows you >> oh no I meant after the school >> they allow them to they allow them to take them out before school and after school >> yes yes you're right I'm sorry I heard because some parents think that you can't have it on campus at all. >> No, but I've been telling you can >> How about the lunch hour? >> No. >> And again, >> what is the state? >> Those are areas right now that we may have some local discretion on and that's what we're waiting a little more waiting on. I can tell you we have our high school principles here. They've been in discussions with us about that and again that may be an area that again based

053on the age of the student. >> I could give you the answer. We've been giving this presentation all over the state. Lunch counts as the instructional day. >> Lunch counts as the instruction instruction. >> So, no more kids asking mom or dad, bring me something to eat for lunch or no more. >> They do it before, >> you know? I think that's where we have to find out exactly cuz >> um again, as a parent and as a former principal, is lunch part of the instructional period for me? My opinion, no, it's not. >> I agree with you. The statute, >> right? No, I understand. That's why I'm saying, you know, and and so we have to get >> high, you know, as long as we're consistent. I don't want or we don't want >>

054one elementaryaries to have certain rules and >> elementaryaries altogether. Okay. Middle schools and then high schools because like you mentioned sometimes they might have to do use their device and one of their AP courses, right? So high schools a little bit different. Middle schools have to be different and then of course elementary but consistent overall >> and I think that's we agree with that and that's why we have met with all middle school principles and high school principles and again we do want to have something that is uh consistent across the three levels >> and basically what I'm telling my folks is this is the first year this is being implemented. There's going to be things we're going to have to tweak here and there >> so don't feel bad. We're we're all experimenting but

055yeah the way it reads that's the way it reads but yeah. >> Okay. And again, the initial came out Mr. Castillo, but I can tell you then in the commissioner's call last Thursday, you know, your ears perk up when he says just put them away. >> Yeah. Like put them in your backpack. >> Yeah. We don't need to buy pouches. >> Okay. Quite >> Yes. My question is this is going to be in in a legal policy or it's just a statute that that >> No, it should be going as part of our local policy also. >> Okay. I was going to say because local policy the board has the power to change the local policy. So, if anything, would we be able Well, legal is not here, but we have somebody else who knows

056legal. Would we be able to add that? Well, during lunch, the kids can use it if we see it's a necessity in our local policy. >> Well, the statute allows it. So, that's kind of the question. >> Yes. >> What's the interpretation? >> And as long as the principles, you know, is their campus and and and they'll decide like, okay, is there something like like I mentioned at lunch, you know, it's not up to us. Mhm. >> It's up to them, you know, is it going to interfere with their learning? I I like I said, my opinion, not during lunch, >> but again, it's easier to say from the morning till the afternoon. >> It's easier for the principles just to say you're going to, you know, you're not going to use it your life.

057>> Yeah. >> But again, that's something that we'll have to >> And you mentioned consistency and and and discipline. when it comes to discipline and consistency and discipline there's going to be kids who defy always you know the rules the orders also keeping of course you I don't have to tell you the the the discipline consistent because who gets the calls us the board well this well that so I know you guys will do a great job I mean we're all learning right now how to take care of this um but my question though is for I know as a teacher on my phone I had to have that little raptor app or the raptor system teachers will be able to have their phone for this >> teachers. Yeah, this is kids. >> This is

058just >> Okay. I wasn't sure if it was also teachers or it's just the kids. >> And and again, their their principles have certain guidelines that teachers have to follow. Yeah. >> You know, you know, they they have, you know, depending on on their curriculum depending on uh like the coaches when when they or sponsors that that have a group text, whatever, >> that's up to them. So, now that you bring that up, I know some coaches or some uh teachers during the day, they would send messages on Remind. Well, for this period, you're going to go here. For eighth period, instead of going here, you're going to go, you know, we're meeting outside in the track. How are we going to Well, that's up to you guys. It's management. But there's going to be

059something where the kids can get a hold of their teachers or their coaches during the day. >> One of the benefits that we have is that we do have our our students that already have laptops. So, whe a little bit more so they can get used to instead of being on their phone which may be distracting social media or whatever it is. >> Yeah, it's a good plan. >> And you still have announcements that can be made >> where information that has to be disseminated can be done through through the PA. Correct. Okay. >> Any other questions? >> All right. So, Mr. Bmer, you take care of that and uh with the principles and follow up and we'll be okay. >> Thank you so much. >> Yes, sir. Now, let's go to item number five,

060update on federal programs funding. Dr. >> Yes, Mrs. >> Yes, >> that's good information. >> We got all the money. >> Hi, good evening, Miss Reed, members of the board. Dr. Yeah. Um so this slide looked a little different, right? Um last Thursday, but we all received notification uh uh letter A, you'll see that uh early well June 30th, early July, we received notification that um the federal uh funds, some federal funds had been, uh frozen, right? to include our migrant education, supportive uh effective instruction education, your title two, your title three, English language acquisition, which uh impacts our EBS um and title four, student support and academic enrichment to include then title 4 B which was our ACE programs, right? Um then we received um uh on July 21st we received notification that uh

061for ACE they had been released, those funds had been released. So happy right notification. We were still waiting a whole week on the other funds, but um our commissioner on uh Thursday, right, when he was on the call, he said, "I will not address the federal funding because as much as you know, I know, right, we were all still waiting on Thursday." Um, thank goodness on Friday, July 25th, the United States Department of Education notified TA, right, that they will be releasing the remain the remainder of the fundings which um were were released today, July 28th. So, um, however, if you see letter C, we are studying as a district all state and federal grant positions as they may not be funded after this school year. Uh, these positions will only be available via grant

062funding, right? So we we are cautiously studying that and you know if we were to be faced in the same predicament next year what would that imply and what can we do for uh to move forward. >> Thank you Melano. Questions uh Mrs. Susa. >> No no no question but comment. I I I know that I was I was receiving emails and I was sending those to Dr. Deta and pressuring him. What can we do? And he I just want to thank you Dr. because you were looking for some way to help uh the employees who got that short notice that they weren't going to be paid in July. So, of course, there was a lot of panic uh with our with our some of our employees and Dr. Divera, he didn't say no. He

063said, "I'm working to see what we can do to help them. Um but I'm very just very glad that that you were there to see what we could do." And the last bullet, see, you're still studying for next year. What if this isn't available? and and those people who are part of this like Dr. Ja said if you're pending a certification as a teacher or you're pending something that can get you a permanent job here in Musl go for it this year don't wait get get to it already because time flies but thank you Dr. Da and thank goodness the funds were released >> coach we had we had a plan just in case and it was a good plan very true >> coach >> I saw that in the update Dr. And as always,

064>> you're always looking for a way to make things work. And that's just your nature. You know, that's why we're very, very fortunate to have you in the position. >> We're going to have Ace after school and pay them a stipent. >> Mhm. >> So, we're going to keep Ace had this not occurred. No, again, we had a plan. >> It would have worked. >> So, does that mean we have extra funds? >> Yeah. >> Oh, but we we can't say that, right? No. Okay. Mr. Castillo. >> Yes. Just thank you guys. That was a crazy time kind of deal uh taking the calls from the employees who were you know understandably panicking. Uh so I appreciate you Dr. Ietta for taking our calls and being patient with us as well. >> I have a

065question on the federal funding as far as our food program. I know that we've uh talked about this before but I >> yeah I want to ask is it okay we go off for an RFP RFQ for some type of after school supper program for the district? >> I think it's okay. >> Is it okay? Our current food service program will be the ones actually doing the um the preparation and serving. >> Yeah, but it's a snack. Can we go out for one for dinner? >> We are. We had already applied for the summer and got >> Oh, okay. Good. That's new information. >> Allies. >> It's going to be hopefully the kids from East will participate, but we are actually opening it for all. >> Amazing. If you guys could advertise that, that'd be

066great. that would just barely happen like a week ago. >> Can you explain to me like how can the other kids who aren't in this get the the dinner? >> Just like and lunch um they go through the line to get served. We will be having our um one of our cafeteria managers kind of like the one in charge. We do have extra staff um in a sense all all the staff will be working over time >> and so um >> and this is right after school before they go to the pickup area or how or how does that work? >> It will time >> that I have to find out. Um but in the snack it's now going to be a supper >> and so just like the summer time where we have designated

067sites >> um public could come to the campus and their kids from zero to 18. >> Now it's going to be um usually by that grade level. So the prek3 all the way up to fifth graders. So at um >> pretty much every elementary will be provided. >> That's really great news. I haven't heard of any other district doing that. So that would be something great to share with the community. >> We don't know the we don't know the time element yet, right? I'm pretty sure Miss Becky does and I do I will work with the superintendent to get a work >> okay >> and this is for every school >> or certain schools. >> Um right now we are doing it for well actually let me clarify we have been doing it for our

068high schools >> because the way that program kind of worked out >> um kind of like if I were to go to an after school program for athletics >> either right before or right after they would go to the lunch line. >> Yeah. >> Middle schools have been kind of off and on and so what I'll do I'll make sure we get all three versions. >> Okay. >> That's awesome. >> Thank you. High schools will still be included in that. >> Yes. >> Awesome. Thank you sir. Coach >> that's a very good very good thing for our kids especially uh well all levels all levels. >> Mr. Los Santos. >> Yes. Well on the federal programs thank you for for touching up on that topic. It was very important that those people had an update,

069right? Because I know it was it was very scary for a lot of individuals. A lot of different districts were, you know, taking different steps and measures. Um the funding could have been held on for quite some time and that would have kind of caused some financial stress for some districts. But the the great thing is those funds were released and so I just hope that everybody has their has their grants in and submitted so they can get their their no goods. All right, that is the case here. Okay, good. >> For the official official. >> Yes, but all of our paperwork has been situated. >> Right. Okay. And so, yeah, that was kind of one of the reasons that, you know, the topic's on here was just to give everybody confirmation that they do

070have employment funding is coming. And at the end of the day, I think it regardless of the fact like near the end, that was kind of one of the things that that prior this was requested before the award, but was that, you know, as the board, like I said, we also are responsible for the budget and sometimes we make a lot of investments in different areas, um, non-human capital, you know, track and fields, LED lightings, things like that of that nature. I know the ads probably listening to me right now thinking why are you picking me up, right? But we do spend on a lot. We also have to spend on services to students. We always have to keep that a priority too as far as that human investment, right? And that staff and so

071I'm glad everything worked out. Thank you to the administration and whatnot. And then on the food program, there is a there's districts that have that already um that they have been operating that. I want to say it was like a 30 or 45 minute window. I know where I was working at, they were looking at it, too. It's really great because you're not only providing food to kids, but you're going to have a great return as well financially, right? Looking at it from both aspects, right? That you're serving the community, you're serving kids a hot meal. Some of them may not have that or the quality of that when they go home. But then on the on the flip side of that for the community, those are ex uh extra funds that you're going to

072be receiving as well too. And I I know I looked into that when the that's the USDA program, right? And so you can generally feed every single student pretty much if you were able to run it through through through that every single day Monday through Friday. So that that's a really great program. I'm glad you all looked into that and got that going as well too. Okay. So that's >> awesome. And I think Miss Solano mentioned uh bullet number C and I think Jackie mentioned that one too that it's very important that uh of course Dr. and your staff follow up on those ACE coordinators. Yes. So they can understand that you know what apply for some of our positions are going to be permanent because if next year we don't get the federal funding

073then they don't have that position and we won't have the additional money unless >> we have 16,000 16,000 students we only have 14,000 whatever it is right >> and I it's very important >> I forgot also too letter C that was a really big portion of why I wanted to have the media well I wanted this topic on here as well too because it's not just the responsibility of of voters is not just of responsibility of trustees or superintendents, but also our our congressional representation, right? You have Monica de la Cruz, you know, she's from Brownsville, first Hispanic Republican representative in Congress. You have also Vente Gonzalez as well. He's part of the other district here in South Texas. So, it's not just a you have multiple federal funding programs that are that are under

074review. Actually, you have the whole department of ed. >> Yes, we do. >> That may not be existent, right, in the coming year. But these are all programs and services that service South Texas especially, you know, look at what you're looking at. Migrant education, supporting uh English language acquisition, after school programs for at risk, economically disadvantaged students. These are very, very important programs that service our kids and give parents in our community an advantage. So everybody should be stepping up and saying we shouldn't have waited this long for other states to file lawsuits, you know, because of the accusations of while why the funds were being frozen that, you know, and I'm going to say it because it was put out by Department of Ed because radical propaganda was being spread through these programs. You're

075you're initiating you're the department of ed at the time the administration is stating that Texas, okay, through tea was spreading propaganda through these programs that were cycling through school districts. That's the reality of the accusation and a lot of people should have stepped up. You know, I'm glad so many Republican senators of Republican uh representatives in other states fought sent a letter off too to kind of get the ball rolling on funding getting released. But we should have two here because I'm telling you what, the school districts here in South Texas, the superintendent and these programs, they've done nothing but serve kids and properly and trying to educate them the proper way. I know because I have first access to some of these programs in the school district I work and never did I see

076anything questionable. So, everyone's been doing a great job and I think that later on, like you said, next year when this topic comes up, a lot of us need to step up and kind of voice it. Hey, you should leave these this funding alone. There's a lot of other things that they need to focus on rather than than these type of programs. >> Thank you. >> Last thing. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Yeah, just real last. I know I was reading this um may not be funded. Is there a timeline? Do you know if there is a possible timeline when they're going to let us know if it is going to be funded or >> We don't know. Discuss it again next spring >> in the next open session that they have. >> So it

077would be like next spring into summer >> because we kind of got put in the jam this this summer >> on July 3rd. >> Yes. >> Just like how every year we submit applications. >> We normally hear about it before the year ends. >> Right. So, you saw how this year went. June 30th, we should receive notice saying, "Hey, congratulations. Go ahead and start using your new dollars if needed." >> And then all of a sudden, you saw the notice from the the federal government. >> So, um, >> but on C, it's not it's not just students, >> right? >> You know, it's >> no staff. >> It's not only staff, it's also students. They need these programs. >> Yes. at the school programs >> and and what he was talking about as far as

078the June 30th notice was could they give you a pre-commencement award so they kind of say hey you can already bring staff in July start working with the the admin and things like that but here it was like freeze and halt and you're done for the year >> I don't think we'll be in a situation like that again I'm sure we'll get a prior notice way more we're in transition between administrations right so next year we're not going to be or the federal government's not going to be in that >> hopefully not hopefully they'll give us >> well I'm I'm sure they're going to cut it they'll give us prior a whole lot of notice All right. Any other >> But if we don't, we got to find a way to serve these students locally.

079>> Yeah. No, I agree with you. >> Yes. >> Definitely. >> All right. Let's continue on to an item six update on 2024 budget and 2025 2026 budget. Dr. So about how last year ended. So this is in my head the 2425 school year or fiscal year. It finished back on June 30th. So, uh we are in the middle of closing out last year. We will be working with our external auditors to do the preliminary fieldwork and that usually happens between September and October so that we can have a final report ready for board approval for November. So, that is our um our deadline for TEA to submit our our annual comprehensive financial report. Um, and so as we kind of get closer to that November date, we sh we will be providing updates as

080to how we anticipate how the school year will end. And so, but November 25th, uh, that that's when we'll have the official report ready for everyone's review. >> Okay. But, uh, I know several of the board members have, uh, questions on this. So, uh, I'll start with Mr. Delos Santos. >> You have some slides. Oh, we we do have a few more slides. I thought you had already finished. All right, my mistake. So, >> go ahead. >> No problem. Um, >> I didn't see anything up there. So, >> so one of the questions dealt with in Rome. And so, as we kind of go back to >> There you go. >> Um, >> how are we doing? That's always going to be our first indication. And so, just to give you some history of 24,

081you do see those numbers for the first week of school, the end of first semester, the second week of May. So, this slide should look familiar. This this was something that we did talk about back in May, right? >> Um and so really the only num the only thing I'm going to just kind of emp emphasize is that um sad to say when you compare that to last year 2025 um all the checkpoints uh are negative in that sense. So, um, as we start thinking about for this school year, uh, the superintendent did share some items that could be, um, areas of concern, I guess you could say. Um, virtual schools, reszoning, the immigrant uh, enforcement and and the other items. So um we are going or we are doing an uphill battle in and

082trying to make sure that this year uh enrollment numbers are um maintained or better. Um but it's just that there's a lot of factors going against us but at the end of the day we are funded through ADA or average daily attendance. And so again bringing up the history 24 23 24 uh we had so much for budgeted ADA and then other pieces for what actually did happen. So the first year was great. We didn't have that big increase or compared to budget. We hit numbers for this past year almost. We were just short 66 um 88 kids uh for that 14,500. Uh we did initially have a higher number for this upcoming school year. Uh we did retract that and say you know what let's just maintain. So 145 is our budget number for

083for this upcoming school year. And so um so what did that 66 ADA shortfall what does that mean for dollar wise? And again we are using kind of like a weighted average dollar amount 8,500. So times 66, you're talking $561 of revenue that we technically kind of budgeted for but not necessarily hit um hit hit that particular mark. Now we do have other revenues and that's where we're hoping to fill in the gap for for this past school year. Um, and so again, uh, we need to just kind of minimize that enrollment loss, that ADA loss, um, for this upcoming school year. >> But before I forget, >> no problem. >> Budgeted ADA last year, 14,500, but we had we had less kids enrolled this year, right, than last year. and we're maintaining, like you

084said, 14,500, but we didn't even hit that number last year in 2024. Is it safe to to budget it at 14,500 again this year, even though our numbers of enrollment are less and we didn't even hit it last year? Will it come back to bite us? >> We are going to be working with our principles throughout the year to ensure that we are going to hit those numbers. Now, we are tying the second in uh incentive allotment, a stipen. So, if you remember the the payment that we paid for $1,000 in December, >> we had enough budget within our um um in in in next year's budget for that >> surplus >> um the surplus of this year. And so, but not the second. And so the the I don't want to call it, but

085if we hit the numbers for this year, meaning the 145 or even more, if we do hit those, then the second stipen would be available. So if we don't hit it, well, that's bad for the district, but then it's going to hurt everybody's pocketbook. So, we're hoping that with everybody doing their best to encourage the kids to come to school, >> then we will be able to make a second payment. So, there is that incentive. >> They they do a great job. Even last year, you know, they're always on it. Um I don't know what they can do differently this year, but hopefully, I don't know, think of something out of the box, but it's just to me it's a little because we didn't hit it last year and then we had less population this

086year's enrollment. So hopefully we do but just kind of scared about that. >> Dr. Quest that Mr. mentioned now is that incentive going to be school by school or it's going to be district. So for example uh last year I believe central and south palm gardens and there was another elementary school. >> Okay. So if say it was last year and this was the incentive, is that school going to receive the thousand stipen versus the other schools that didn't meet it will not receive the thousand stipen? >> We we've discussed that. >> Okay. >> And so far there's no no concrete answer yet. >> Okay. >> But there it's in the plan. >> Okay. >> To reward those that reach the the goal. >> Yeah. >> It's in the plan. >> Okay. So, so some

087of the schools that were close to reaching last year, like say one of the elementary school was at 94 and they needed 95 or 96. I guess you'll work on maybe they'll receive a percentage of that since they were almost close, >> you know. I don't know. That's up to you. >> The first style is guaranteed, >> correct? >> Yes. >> The second one is going to depend on this. >> Yeah. >> And again, we'll look at school by school or as a district. >> Okay. Because if it's a lot lower than this, even though some schools met it, we may not be able to afford it. >> Right. >> So, >> as long as the staff and the principles understand it >> in my convocation, I'm going to address this. Okay. >> The importance

088of it. >> Okay. >> Can you refresh my mind? What stipen does do they receive for >> $1,000? It's just the the >> the incentives. The second last year they had an incentive stipen. >> The incentive. Okay. >> First semester is instead of stipen a,000. The second semester it depends on the ADA. >> Okay. That's not a retention stipen. That's just an incentive stipen. >> Yeah, we're doing that extra. Nobody else is doing No one's doing it. >> Okay. Cuz I did get messages, are you guys doing the retention stipen? And I said, I don't think we're doing that anymore. >> That's what it is, right? But they're tying it to attendance. The second payment, the first payment's not, but the second >> Okay, so it's retention incentive. >> Correct. That's a good name. >>

089Incentive or retentive? >> Okay, that's a little confusing. It it kind of transitioned >> into from retention to incentive, but we're trying to retain our students as well. So, >> okay, >> it's kind of in the mix. >> It's in the mix. So, that that way we can clarify to people who some of the staff are we getting it, are we not? It is retention incentive stipen based on ADA. >> Correct. >> And and then I we're probably going to be second or third highest paid in the valley, but of those first and second, they don't do that type. >> No. So that's what we need to tell the teachers too. Correct. >> I'll tell them on Yeah. >> on my convocation. >> And the only reason we'll be third probably because the Edinburgh and

090PSJ wait till the very last minute to approve to make sure they're at least 100 bucks more than everybody else. >> But once again, this is only for the schools that met the ADA, not for everybody. >> He's still planning >> just clarifying because I know we're going to get those questions, >> right? >> But last year, who got it? Just the schools who met the ADA? Everybody, no matter what. No matter. Okay. >> And again, we're the only district that I know of correct that gives this stipen. No one else does. >> Plus, if we re if every school reaches the ADA, then the district gets additional money, >> you know. >> Correct, Mr. Correct. >> You know, this year we didn't get that additional money. Correct. >> No, >> we actually lost money.

091>> Yeah, we lost money. >> We lost money because >> the shortfall was about a half a million dollars. >> Yeah. >> And in 24 we received the money. So, we were in good shape in 24. Correct. Correct. >> Cuz it went over by by uh 522. >> Mhm. >> So we had the additional monies and that that went for the stipens. >> Okay. >> So like you mentioned Mr. that uh there should be a plan for that so that way >> we we can do better that they >> and I think we can get recommendations from the three schools that uh reached their idea and what is it that they did versus the other schools. Maybe they didn't do the same thing. You never know. Mhm. >> Okay. All right. Tomorrow meeting with the

092principles and I'm going to bring this up. Okay. Continue, Mr. Oil. >> And so when we start thinking about pre-registration numbers, um again, when we look to last year, uh at peak enrollment 16,316, um we are about 500 short of that as of right now. Um, so the hope would be that in the next weeks that we have the the the big push to get ready for school and again you it's it's every district. Uh you have some kids that just show up the first day of school. I mean the parents that's just the way it goes. Um but it's always nice to have those numbers in the bag saying we have uh that three the 16,500. Uh that is kind of like our internal goal. Um because even after the first day of school

093it starts fluctuating. >> What was what was the number for pre-registration last year? >> I don't know if you have it. If you don't it's fine. But that's pretty big. 15,827 is pretty good because you're 163 is in November. >> Mr. Denim I think it was lower. >> Yeah. So it's a little bit low. We're a little bit lower than we have been the way I'm seeing it after we're looking at it. But again we are turning over and meeting with everyone we can. summer intake center cleared up this past Friday, excuse me, Thursday. And we have, I mean, we've worked tremendously, very diligently at trying to raise this number. But again, as Mr. Robto said, really our our goal is 16,500, a firm 16,500 >> to get them in the building because again, it's

094one thing to get them registered or pre-registered. It's a different aspect to get them enrolled, which means they've been in a seat. >> All right, I'll stop asking the questions for until they're done. >> Those are good questions. >> Good question. >> Go ahead. >> And so whenever again budgeting wise when we see the number of kids again we do our staffing ratios, it should follow our teachers numbers should follow our student numbers. >> Kids go up, we hire more staff. When the kid numbers go down, that's where it gets real hard. And so, um, one of our reports in our audit book gives a 10-year history, and I'm not going to share with the 10-year history, but it's it's it's one of our reports that we share in our audit book. Um, every single

095staff, how have we been uh holding up? And we did have higher uh teacher numbers. Um but as we kind of do some reshuffleling and and and try to be more leaner uh staffing levels um that is where we are seeing about a thousand teachers uh on staff. So again it should mirror the percentages of what the our kids are coming in. So, I know we haven't talked too much about the taxes for the uh for the school district. Um we we do know that during the summer session over there in Austin, they are talking about making their final tweaks to property taxes. And so, um instead, I know we've been kind of sometimes we have a meeting in August to adopt the tax rate. Last year we did do it in September. Um this

096year um Mo Casey is recommending um kind of holding off and and and do that in September. Um so we are working with the Hib County Appraisal District with the tax office and uh we will be uh preparing for a September adoption. Um a lot of things are changing at the state level. If you look at the November election, two items is going to be on the the ballot and it's going to be letter C, which is the the regular homestead exemption moving from 100,000 that had just barely changed to 140,000. And for those that are 65 years plus and also are disabled uh homeowners, their exemption to increase from 10,000 to 60,000. So those two items are is is on the ballot and we already been told just know that it's going to pass.

097I mean I don't think anyone's going to vote no to those. Um and so we are working with the tax office to u finalize our tax rate. Uh it'll be put in the newspaper for the September board meeting. But as soon as I do have uh those uh numbers, I will be sharing with the superintendent. we will uh as as a board update, we'll get you uh that information as uh letter B, I know I kind of skipped around. Um depending on our final um property values, if it's more than what the state has projected, there may be compression for our tax rate. Um so as soon as we do see that uh the final numbers, we will include that in our update. Um last year there was compression for us. Um this year there

098might. So all that means is that because our tax values increase way more than the state level then our property taxes will take a double um decrease in that sense. Um but we are working with the numbers and we'll have something very short on on that. >> Thank you. >> Now I'm finished. >> The last one. That's the last slide. >> Oh, okay. Any questions? We'll start with this sector right here. >> Yes. Um, can you put the slide back about ADA from 2024, 2025? That one right there. My question is this. As a parent, before I was on the school board and be after I was a teacher, I wasn't clear about the rules of average daily attendance. As a parent, if my child was sick in the morning, well, you're not going to

099school today. even though they weren't that sick. Let's say they my throat hurts, my stomach hurts. Okay, well, we'll give you Tylenol. I'll see how you feel. But they didn't go to school all day, right? So, my thing is as a as a parent, if I would have known that my child could show up to school in the morning and let's say I don't even know right now, they have to be there by 10:00 a.m. or but can they be there? >> Period. >> 10:30. >> 10:15. >> So, they can't get there at 8 in the morning. They're sick, but mom says, "You need to go to school." They have to wait for two hours until before they can leave. >> They have to be there at the official attendance time. >> Okay? So, let's

100say I'm going to take you at 9:30, stay there till 10:15 because they're sick, and then I can pick you up with a doctor's excuse that I took you to the doctor. See, those are things that I, as a parent, did not know or understand. So what I'm trying to say is if we can educate the parents, you know what, if your child feels sick or just give tips or advice to the parents on because I'm sure some of them are willing to help. I know I would be willing to help as a parent if I knew these rules um but I didn't know and sometimes even still I'm on the board and I I was a teacher and I still have questions. So making that clear to parents on this is how you can

101help us and this and that. You know, of course we don't want to take advantage of that. We don't want parents to say well okay fine then but but just give some kind of advice to to where they can understand >> how ADA affects their child's learning and coming to school how you know things they the resources they have is because of the when they come to school. So that that would be my comment on this is just educate the parents um and the teachers too because sometimes maybe some teachers might just say you know what I took attendance at 8 o'clock and and that's it. So just educate everybody on that. That's my my comment on this. And then um you made a a comment and I was just thinking that the comment about

102the teacher to to students. We have less kids so probably less teachers are going to that's what's going to be happening. And I was just thinking a couple of weeks ago I had brought this up about the teacher to student ratio. And I I know that having less kids means less kids in the classroom, right? Which we're saying, no, we don't need that. But I feel like it's an investment into the child because if if you leave a teacher there with 18 kids instead of 23, she's going she or he is going to be able to do a lot more with the classroom. So I kind of see it as an investment not not so much well we need to get rid of the teachers and I don't think we have yet anyway. All teachers

103have stayed. No one's lost their job. But if if it would happen like that, you know, instead of hiring, making up not I don't want to say making up positions, but having other positions that really aren't that necessary. Um, and let the teachers do their work in the classroom. I think that would just something to think about even if we have less kids, little smaller classrooms doesn't mean not necessarily a bad thing. So that that's my comment on that. That's it. >> Any on the update here? um not necessarily with anything that that's here. I had initially seen something about the possibility of uh talking about TIA, but since it's not on the agenda, can I bring it up or >> Part of the budget. Thank you. >> Um my question is and and I

104was asking others if they've had any comments from uh employees that received a an amount but that was a little deceptive after they received the final amount because there was a significant reduction in what they got almost a 30% decrease. Is there a reason for that? >> So the way I I I've had um individual meetings with teachers who had that same concern. Um, the way that I've been sharing back to to the to the staff has been we are following the spending plan that was pre-approved by TEA that the district submitted. And so when we talk about TIA there is an application process where we share this is how we are going to uh do the different designations what are the criteria but then we also talk about the how to the 90% for

105the person who is designated the 10% for the district those are locally defined >> part two and this is the the one that the the staff kind of didn't like as much is that 90% that's going to go to the staff. The big question is and that's this is mine. How do we apply the employer benefits? So automatically they always have to pay the employee portion. But the question is the employer. So whenever we make a payment, there are employer benefits like workers comp, unemployment, TRS that we pay on behalf of the employee. So the question is who's going to pay that? And in the plan from day one, it was going to be from that 90%. >> We were even as a I mean at least me as a board member already know that

106part. >> So it's it was part of the the spending plan. It was part of the um the handbook I guess I guess that was written uh two three years ago >> and so um and so in that documentation business office will always just follow the plan and so when the 90% was announced to the staff um there is in in my head a two-step process one is to determine the employer portion deduct that from the 90% % and then that is what the leftover funds is what will show up on their uh individual paychecks. Um >> there has been other deducted from the regular pay. >> I'm sorry. >> Is that part deducted from the regular pay? The employer portion that you just mentioned >> for that one check for the regular employee to

107pay. >> No, it is something that normally the employer pays. But it is an allowable expense from um the plan I guess or for I'm not in favor of that. >> So So there's two ways to go about it in my head. One is to make a decision to say, well, do we make it a 7030 split because somebody still has to pay for the benefits? >> Well, there are costs. There are employment costs. >> So, so one way is to say, is this going to be allincclusive within the TIA the the teacher incentive aotment or are we the district going to chip in to make the payment for the employer portion? Again, every district's different. Haringen says same as us, but then you have PSJA who did it the other way around where the

108b the the local budget would pay for um the employer portion. Either scenario, all I need to be told is which way because if it is something that the district would have to pitch in, then I have to cut the the budget to make >> So, Mr. What were the teachers told? That's >> that was question. My question, what were the teachers doing? Mr. >> Oh, >> so the DS spending plan, I believe, came to the board, if I'm not mistaken, early 2022. I want to say it was August or September, and it said that the district would put in uh that portion of the not the district, I'm sorry, it would come out of the teachers, right? The district's portion of TRS and benefits would come out of the teachers uh allotment, right? at

109that part. However, that year, um, we didn't see this scenario happening because that's the year that, uh, we had a denial, >> right? But that continue to be part of the TS spending plan. So, we're barely experiencing those scenarios this summer. >> And, and I think that's we didn't know about it unless one of you did, right? >> None of us, but I didn't know about every single line. But I think it you know the teachers if they would have known about it they say okay you're going to get I think for the first phase was 14,000 200 and something the regular. So, if they would have known ahead of time, you're going to be deducted 10% automatically and then you're going to be deducted the different uh uh FICA or whatever, right? >> Then

110they would have known ahead of time, you know, I think that's what what their questions were. >> And there's a board meeting specifically when we were enrolling into this where it was asked not about the tier about the about the benefits, but it was asked, >> are we going to be withholding 10%. Like the other district had options and it was stated no. That was the response that no that we weren't as a district. That's what some remember. I remember as well too and I got contacted and I said, "No, I I remember that portion." >> It was over summer. I didn't have the facts information, but I just said, "Let's we'll have a meeting and we'll figure this out." But >> Right. And and and and as a teacher or a st, you know,

111of course a teacher, they probably thought only the income taxes were going to be deducted, not everything else. Plus, you mentioned the 10%, you know, that the district uh was going to utilize to pay, you know, whatever you mentioned, Mr. Obto, correct? >> Yeah. a staff member is overseeing it or whatnot, but like you didn't know, and I've been arguing with employees all week about this because I wasn't aware. There's no way we're taking away our employer deductions because that doesn't make sense to me. And they're telling me, "No, you're wrong." And so, >> and then the other thing too is on behalf like on behalf goes straight to TRS, right? We don't we see it as income, but it doesn't what >> on behalf >> doesn't apply here. >> It does not apply to

112this. >> So, yeah. So that's why I don't know what the deductions are, but I said, "Well, we'll have to look at that because I know it was like they were mentioning too that it was like it was a very large chunk, 10% plus benefits usually run, correct me if I'm wrong, 19 depending like around 19 average, maybe a little bit less percent of your salary or whatever. >> I mean, when when you see a big chunk, when you see 14,000, it's pretty deceiving. Yeah. >> Because now they're getting n 9,000 something. Wait a minute. Where did all the money go? >> And coach Quad mentioned that to me saying, hey, it's 30%. And I said, "Well, if the district's taking 10, which I know we had, say we weren't, and 20% for benefits." Yeah,

113it's 30. >> I understand that. >> 30%. >> 30 33. >> Yeah, that's why I'm saying I agree with him. That's that's a lot. >> So, my question is this. Can can we still edit this whole plan to to to not have this taken out of the employees who will be receiving it in the next couple of years or how does this work? Can this be edited? >> Yes, the pay plan. >> The spending 9010. That's part of our application that got uh that got sent off in April. But the spending plan, the employer's uh cost can be >> okay. I did I did receive a a chart from some of the employees. It says the recognize this is how much you'll be taking away for your district Medicare, which is 1.45%. Right. And the

114district uh TRSB 2%, which is usually what the district pays. So just for a recognized teacher that's about $400. For master's exemplary it's even it's even higher that they get taken away which us as an employer should have been paying. So I understand that that they're upset because they're playing they're paying the employer part of those taxes. So if you guys would be in agreement and this maybe could be for another meeting of course I would rather us >> I agree. So, just FYI, >> just so that you can have a dollar amount to this, >> uh, we're talking about $400 to $500,000. >> That's what the benefits that we're talking about. >> And so, let's just play it safe. Half a million dollars. The next thing I would have to do is cut from

115somewhere. Mhm. >> So, um that's where we will work with cabinet to say, well, if you want this to occur, in other words, for the district to pay for their benefits. >> Um then in a sense, TIA is not self-sufficient. We would then have to put in half a million and pay out the normal one 1.8 million. >> Um and that's with the understanding that the numbers didn't change for next year. And so if the one of the thing for TIA for this upcoming school year is that the number of teachers >> that are going to be hopefully eligible >> increase >> and possibly get funded. >> It's going up. >> It's going to go up. So it's not going to be 200 teachers. Crossing our fingers, let's say 270 just to make up a

116story. >> Um >> so it's no longer half a million. It'll probably be somewhere around 750,000 or whatever the number would be. And so I just need to be towed by >> cabinet to cut to ourselves though. Workers comp. We're selfunded. >> No, but it's still a brand new cost. >> I But it's still like we're just moving from one function to another function. >> These are brand new dollars that I had to now worry about. >> But we're paying ourselves though. >> We're paying ourselves. But that's what the whole idea um because somebody's going to get hurt down the road. >> But do we want to hurt our teachers or do we want to get rid of a curriculum or something? I mean >> 750,000 that's what I just need to be told what

117to cut from. >> How much is 10% of everything you took away from them? >> So it was it was about maybe closer to 20% of what this employer portion. So if I were to have redone this year's numbers, we had 2.1 million as tier as part of the the TIA a lotment. So 20% of 2 million is about 400 to 450. >> What's 20% though? What what are you talking about? >> That's all the benefits benefits. Yeah. >> But what what I'm saying is that we kept 10% of their check anyway. >> For a math, >> but how much how much was it? >> 30% total. >> So 10% equals 200,000, >> right? The 200. So, it's paying for MAP and um >> a few staff members >> uh for that. >> Paying for

118MAP, >> but MAP is like a general thing that we >> No, not for TIFF purposes. >> Yeah, but we use it for LSG. I'm just saying for our purposes, we use it districtwide. It's not just for TF teachers. >> So, again, it's trying to find a funding source to pay for this instead of local funds. >> Well, you're the guy, man. You got to figure it out. >> So, yeah, I don't think that's and you know, and that's kind of like I had questions, too. Like I understand everybody was talking about 10 10% 20% but realistically I know that you were stating earlier that we have to wait for the fin financial audit that comes in late right but realistically the numbers are in they're already in the system like we already know what

119we finished the 2425 school year and that's kind of what I I wanted to put this on the topic so I want to cut straight to the chase you know um I really want to know where we stand and the only reason I'm asking you this and and the administration and the and Dr. IA is because at the end of the day when we were given the proposed plan at the beginning of the year we were told I'm going to take you back a little bit further 2324 that financial audit's already prepared now. So we we come out of that 23 24 school year and we're told that we have a surplus. We have an operating we we operated we finished the year and we have a surplus. It was somewhere around $12 million etc.

120somewhere around there the figure it's actually posted online as far as the report but that surplus okay when you looked at the report right you're thinking oh we're just operating where we have a big surplus but we that surplus the portion of that was the err funding that we got back it was also the interest earned and then we did have a small increase in ADA out of that surplus 5 point something% was the ADA increase so it wasn't like it was the majority now we bank and we operate based on ADDA right but the figure at the time looked It it was outstanding. It was great, right? Yeah, that's what we're supposed to do. But then we go into that summer, right? We give out raises, very, very huge raises, very large. Usually administration

121raises are 1 to 2% on general. That's what you see in normal times. 3 4% success. It's great. It's a great thing to do. We give out raises. We give out stipens. The stipens and loans are bonuses. Retention to keep people or whatever the case may be, but they were bonuses, right? Free money for staff. So what I'm trying to say is that when we finish the 23 24 school year and then we go into the 2425 but knowing that we were banking and hoping that we'd hit 88 and it would cover everything that we would have a surplus. So my question is here because and and we've been talking about surplus and our budget etc all year long and and there's some other factors but I'll bring up those other factors as soon as

122you answer my question because in June when you presented the 2425 budget currently standing and showing us showing us the 25 and 26 it showed that there was a deficit there because you we we said that we were going to have operations and I'll tell you the we said that we were going to have $21,861,000 of revenue and that we were going going to spend for the year $200,656 and two $200,656,176. That was what we were proposed and told at the beginning of the year. This is the proposed budget. This is what we're going to spend. This is how we're going to operate. But in June, right, in that same meeting, I kind of was asking questions. I wanted to kind of go a little harder, but I didn't because it was full of parents

123and students. But in June, it was showing that we're currently operating at 223 million for the 2425 school year. Correct? Yes. So a majority of those costs it deal goes back to the some construction the food the the construction projects that are part of the right fund >> general fund right items. So >> yeah that's because there's a total deficit of 31 million but part of that was the construction monies that was taken out and put for construction. the other portion that's the question that I have because I'm looking at the numbers but the only thing is is that the instructional costs that we're going to spend that year are much higher at the in the beginning this is the thing that I have and this is my opinion right I'm going to be factual

124when it comes down to funding and it comes down to operating this is the one that I I just really need answers for right and I'm hoping that I'm wrong but at the beginning of the year we were told that we're going to have it total instructional cost salaries and whatnot at 91 million I'm sorry 93845,000 that the figure that was put out there, but that we're looking at now just currently, we still haven't finished off the year. We still have payroll to close out, right? So, there's still a couple tallies adding up and that one's at $107 million 156,000 and some change. That's a $14 million gap in payroll. And this and this, and I'm just stating this is a $14 million gap from the predicted cost on payroll to the end. Now, I

125know for a fact that every single district before they give out contracts, they run numbers, who's staying, who's going, restructuring, promotions, demotions, etc. Salaries. It's all on a spreadsheet and Excel sheet because I know we've all seen it when Dr. Cornell was here. So that exists. So my red flag here, okay? And I've already had other red flags because I've, you know, I'm going to be honest with you. I was getting people reaching out to me and telling me staff was that, hey, stop. They weren't telling on any employee. They weren't mentioning names. They just said, you guys need to stop spending because there's some some glitches with your numbers. Okay. and you I checked and I verify right LSG that's what they say to do and that's what I'm being presented and told but

126now I come here in June and then I see that there is a deficit there and then on the instructional costs we're $14 million that's a lot of money if you if you said hey we're going to spend 93 but we actually spent 107 that's $14 million difference from what was proposed on on staff everybody owns a business knows when I show up to work you know exactly who's showing up a medical knows exactly how many directors and supervisors or coordinators he has showing up on Monday. Right? So, those are costs that can't deviate and be dictated or you have a margin of error. Some people leave. I picked up a couple people, but that number there is the one that's kind of concerning to me. Okay. And it's concerning to me because I because

127in June, we went ahead and gave out another round of of raises. We we we increased our operational our operational cost for next year. But were we also carrying over an operational deficit into from the previous year? You see what I'm saying? Because if we did carry an operational deficit from the previous year 2425 into 2526 and it is significant like that and now we just had and now we just had a change where we went out and gave raises and stipens. You see, I just made I just made operating even more expensive. And then just like Mr. Sista said, you had a drop in enrollment. Okay, your ADA since I've been here, I know cuz when I ran, I looked at all the years here for nine years back, you're always off 1300 to

1281500 students from your enrollment, right? That's traditional here. I don't know why, but they just stick around that range. My worry is kind of was like that day when I said if what we're doing, are we going to be able to sustain? And these are like red flags for me that kind of other people were telling me about and reaching out to me about and I ignored. >> So what what is >> they don't know all the answers. >> Exactly. That's why I'm >> so um some of the things that we do get to work with is with the whole team. >> Right. >> So in a sense um they have a very skewed u bias right >> um interpretation of of certain things. Um, luckily, um, and I'm not banking off of that. >>

129We do work with, uh, other staff of the district, right, >> to make sure that all the funding is in the appropriate p places. >> And so, uh, we did get to work with our, um, federal programs department, which used to be called external funds, right? >> We're going back to the old school way of saying it. >> And so, there is other funding to help with this uh, item. So the numbers that you were using for the June meeting, luckily it's not the final numbers, right? And so that's why we're working towards November to get those numbers finalized. Um and so we this is some of the items that we do work with cabinet and with with Miss Dr. Aduetta to ensure it, hey, how are we going to end the year? How are

130we going to start the new budget year? >> Right. >> Um and in sense, it's just making sure that everyone's budgeted at the appropriate place. So sad to say that person does not know the whole picture >> and and like I said it was people like just from the from the district. I don't want to sing single anybody out. >> Yeah. And and that's the other portion I want to bring up too about that too. But the question is here is do we have a deficit at this time like we the the the books are closed June 30th like we're in July 28th. So we've had a month to look at everything. So >> um the the deficit is technically using fund balance >> right savings to cover >> to show um the different uh

131construction projects >> and so um >> but nothing none of that is for operational deficit. It's just straight construction. See that's my question here. I I don't fun balance but >> and no no problem. And so any of those questions could always be shared to the superintendent and that way we have enough time to actually put put together a good answer. Yeah, because yeah, that's a report that I need. You see, because we need to see, the board needs to see because if we're if they're coming and saying, "Hey, I need new positions." Kind of like Mr. Sait was saying, "Hey, some position be created, things like that." But if we can't, we can't. Like, you know, I we're we're we are a board that's fiscally responsible and has been. We built up a very

132large general fund, you know, through multiple superintendents. We we stayed on the path so that we could have a savings that was large enough to sustain us in case we do hit a roadblock. Right? That was the whole point because every single district in the real Grand Valley has been people have asked me how did you do it and I'm like well based on information right but at the case may be though if we do have a deficit we need to address it especially if it's a large one when two million one to $2 million margin okay >> shared that we used maybe about 17 million and so it's going to show it has to show on our books somewhere >> and so because you have a 31 mill from your last presentation is $31

133million deficit. I know 17 is from the construction. >> So there is >> and the other one >> Yeah. So so again those are interim financials. They're not the final, >> right? And what what is the what is the response as far as the proposed budget being $23 million off other than construction? Because I looked at the I was going line by line. >> So we could go back and and provide a report, >> right? And then also for the 2526 school year, at the last meeting, it was said that we were going to replicate and carry over last year's budget to this year's budget. I want it worked on like I'm sorry, we got to work on it because nobody anybody at home, your budget doesn't stay the same year for year. You the

134car broke down, you bought another car, the the insurance went up, your taxes went up. There's no way that we can replicate and change the same, especially when we've been adding salaries, stipens, positions, etc. We have to be very cautious that we can sustain what what we're doing. And that's and that's my my main focus here. And right now at this time, there's a lot of red flags that I I need answers for. And I think the whole the whole board >> to be shared to the superintendent, then we could answer those. >> Okay. And and good points there, Mr. Los Santos, but we're still in the fund balance because you mentioned fund balance, right? We still have the three months that we should have not >> because we I I believe we had uh

135more than the three months. >> Well, that well that was the point. The the the reason we saved that we we we created the er deficit the $15 million E er deficit was created specifically by the board. We did that we started doing that when Canales was here and when Valdez came in, Dr. Valdz and we did that to supplant so that we can build up the general fund to have for emergencies and and when the 20 million was taken out of there for construction, we were told that with the surplus it was going to be replenished and that's in a recorded meeting. So we did that because most districts will never have an opportunity like that again where the federal government comes in and says use my money and save yours. Never has Weso

136hit those those numbers as far as in the general fund. And the only reason we did it was because federal monies came in and said do it and we did right. We started making that move. I think with uh Mr. Aguilad was there when that push was going over to switch over there with Sanchez and I think it really took place with Valdez and they started transferring over teachers and whatnot. Cornell did the same. Dr. did the same when he came in too, right? Put them all in there. Let's build up the general fund. Everybody contributed to that. And the thing is is that helps you in the future because it gives you financial stability and strength, right? The one thing is that you operating and you're getting great grades. The other thing is to

137show the taxpayers we're fin fiscally responsible and look at our general fund because that's future bonds, right? That's future improvements and and things like that for schools. So that too is what is the plan? We were told it was going to get replenished, how much have we used, right? And then what is the timeline or how we how are we going to add to that every single year? Because that's something that we owe not only to our community but also to our staff and those kids, you know, we want to make sure we put that back. and and I believe Dr. I'm sure will provide us with those uh updates to make sure you know like those are good points Mr. Los Santos uh so that way we can make sure that we're responsible uh

138especially for this coming year. >> Okay, any other questions? >> No, just to cut to the chase and not beat around. So the TIA thing again, it can be edited and we can >> fix it, right? That's like the most important question for me because >> So if we say that the employer paid for those employer benefits, >> then we just need to know where to cut the 750,000. >> Okay. >> For that. >> Okay. >> Can we put an item on the agenda at the next meeting, sir? >> We can. >> And maybe we can. I'm not saying let's get rid of anybody, but you know, with that we all the compensation plan has positions in there. I don't know if they're all filled. that I know there's vacancies, but just really take a

139hard look at those positions um to make sure that everything we have in there is necessary and that we're not just sticking people in a position because of whatever x reason. Um let's just take a really good look at that compensation plan and then you know whatever other expenses we have to because I know that we ask for a lot. We ask for stipens and we ask for this and we give this give us give us for the staff. Um, but I know it's hard because you have to cut somewhere. >> Um, so it's not easy, but but if we take a good hard look at that, maybe we can come up with a plan. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Castile. >> Yes, sir. >> I know you had a several questions. >>

140Yes, sir. Thank you so much. All right. So, I do have a couple on our 18 on our on our college career and >> readiness. Yeah, the 18 to 26 >> the development college career. Can we here's one one avenue of kind of generating extra funds. I mean, specifically for that program is uh looking at an 1882 agreement. Region One's a good partner. They have a couple of 1882 agreements out there. And I know the leadership really likes this program, too. Uh there. Can we explore that potential of uh getting into an 1882 agreement with region one so they could run our >> CC? Molano has an answer. >> Awesome. Yeah, because we get a million bucks right off the bat. All right, great. >> Check. Uh, I was writing notes for what Mark was

141saying, too. Hold on, I lost my place. Uh, so like this year kind of on the funding thing on the ADA, our performance, we did really well academically, Doc. So, a good job on that. A-rated high school. Uh, Westico High Central's A-rated. A couple, you know, a bunch of our our elementarymentaries are A-rated. I think if we're out there and we take the time to advertise these this performance and then also this whole thing about the dinner for kids, that could help in incentivizing parents to enroll their kids into school. Uh, and so I I know we have a really good PR department, but I think we really need to shine a light on those accomplishments cuz that it's amazing, right? Uh, so I I I would like to see that high statement, right? Uh,

142especially the afterchool meals and our all of our our newly A-rated campuses and the ones who sustained as well. >> We can do that. Yes. >> Who was talking about that? >> I'll see if I can add also Mr. Trinetto had and just to for to add to those um accolades for mostly Kawaid, we did get five area school systems recognized as 2025 districts of distinction by Texas Arts Education Association and out of the whole valley only five districts and was the Kawaid was one of them. So I know a lot of parents look for some good fine arts programs and schools. So we are we did get that. Congratulations to the fine arts and and and uh department for that. Let's add that one to the list for that's something we can uh the

143next board meeting recognizes Mr. Fernandez and the risk. >> Yeah, cuz that's good stuff. >> Brought it up for >> Okay. >> the next meeting. >> Okay. >> But then let's just let's try to figure a way to advertise that to our to our community so they could you know like I have a daughter who's really into sports but I have a son who just likes to play piano. So you know what I mean? >> Uh so things like that. And then somebody was bringing up uh oh the teacher counts. It was in the It was in the presentation. Uh, you know, and then I I think Mark brought it up as well when he was when he was uh speaking and asking us questions. Can Can we look into and can somebody potentially bring

144us a draft of maybe some policy? Does how many folks do we generally have retire at the end of the year? >> Like how how many folks retire at the end of this year? >> Yeah. I I don't know. We had a large retirement uh window during co but yes recently it's been very >> Oh wow. >> Right. Last time it wasn't that many. It wasn't many. >> I don't remember. We get the list but I don't remember. >> I just scanned it. >> We don't we don't get a lot you know especially now with TIA >> and uh pay raises. Uh some are hesitant to retire. They want to wait a few more years. So, but I you know people leave throughout the year and whatnot and then people retire at the end of

145the year. What if instead of just replacing these vacancies so we're not you know, 2016 teacher count this year we're 18. Instead of just replacing them, can we do some type of analysis to see if they need to be replaced or we could shuffle folks around so that Mr. Ro is not getting mad at us that we have more teachers and we have less students. >> We do this all the time. Dr. I was going to say that we moved to >> when there's a vacancy >> is maybe you could kind of incorporate just kind of a report to the board as far as that's concerned. Uh just so we're kind of aware as well. Um and then what else do I got in here? I'm hesitant to ask this question but do we have

146any idea of what the compression is going to be this year? >> I'm crossing my fingers for zero. So, one of the things that you look to is what was last year's tax values versus this year's. And so, 2.5% is kind of like what the state is saying. I think this may be where the protest made a big effect. And so, I'm seeing more of a flat number. So, initially I was had a number of, oh my gosh, I'm going to increase like 12 to 15%. >> Uhhuh. Um I want to say on the 25th which just a few days ago we got the latest draft from the county and they're saying that you we are now flat based on the the protest. So we had to have been more than 2.5% to have compression.

147>> So govern Governor Abbott in when he announced the special session he put in property tax relief. Again, I don't know what that is or what that looks like, but there I don't know. We'll see what ends up happening. But, you know, whenever there's compression, there's always kind of a an opportunity to see if there's a potential maybe for a bond election in May or something for the other things that we need. If we could just kind of be on the lookout for that. I think November would be too close, but potentially May. >> Next November. I'm saying wink wink, but it's always going to go back to the superintendent and and we'll follow his lead. >> Yes. Um, and so in the next month or so, we'll have that. >> I don't want a

148bond election next November. >> I'm sure four three other people are not going to want to bond election that November either >> or or Yeah. I'm so sorry. I didn't think about that. >> Uh, so anyway, but uh but yeah, I mean, we could do November or May. That law didn't pass as far as that you have to have it on a a general election, just a uniform election date. But yeah, if those are kind of my only comments as far as that, just let's be on the lookout for that. >> I have a couple of questions, but it's just this are updates on different projects. Uh the tennis courts over at WCO High School and Westco East resurfacing or or completely doing it. Wesco High, where are we with that? because I know that

149uh Wesco High believe last year couldn't play any uh tennis matches there because I know I saw the court and it was cracked big time but I don't know what's the update on this Mr. Medco. >> The project is currently bidding right now. It's out on the street for bidding. >> So this year they won't be able to play uh say a hosted tournament there. >> It depends on the schedule that we have for the construction sir. Uh, so if we're able to get something done this fall, they may be able to get in on it next spring. >> Okay. Because some people had asked on that. How about the swimming pool demolition? I think we had mentioned something. >> Yes. On on that one, we're working with the the contract uh and only because

150of the back and forth, the uh with the engineer to get that project going with the engineer. They had some comments. So, we're going through legal to review those comments and it's just the back and forth right now, negotiations. And how about the central gym uh demolition? That's that was also this past year. >> Yes. So that one we're working through the there there needs to be a best abatement first and we've got the the uh the PO ready for the contractor who's going to do the abatement first before we can demolish. But the the demolition uh contractor is already in line for it. >> Okay. And I think coach Senna had one also uh on the middle school tracks. He had uh >> No, the middle school tracks. Just the update at Barry Hul.

151Is it are we online with that? Are we on? >> Yes. Yes. So that's another one of those. We're finalizing the contract with a contractor. Um and and >> so three are complete. >> Yes. >> Three of the three of the tracks. Yes. I saw the one that's central. Uh it's a pretty good track. >> The only one pending is the Mary Hogan and that's already uh in line for for construction. >> Everything's set. The soil has been rectified. the problem. >> Well, that's going to that's part of the the project. Yes. It's been addressed through the project. Yes. >> On the on the swimming pool, are we in the process of entering into a contract with the architect/gineer or with a contractor? >> They're with the engineer. >> Okay. So, we haven't selected a

152contractor yet. >> No, the engineer is half associates and I know well they had some comments on on the contract on the terms and conditions and so we just uh provided those comments to the uh attorney for review. But once we get that squared away, we'll go out for bid. >> And >> yes, once the engineer gives us the >> We don't We don't We don't have a contractor that's already working and maybe we could just do a change order and add this to the scope so we could save some time. >> We can look into the options of doing that. Maybe revise the contract. >> Yeah, >> that would be an option. >> I mean, yeah, one of our contractors that's currently working that has good reputation that's close could mobilize. >> I would

153certainly look into that. Mhm. >> Um the the flat work uh for the uh baseball field, softball field, the flat work that was started or was it started already or where we at on that? I know the fencing is going up at Westco. >> Yes. >> And I know Westico East baseball had a problem with the slope and right field. Are we are we addressing that or where are we at on that? >> We're we're working through that. Uh uh coach, I know we reached out to the engineer and uh and we're still looking at uh the their proposal and whatnot, but we're working through the documentation to get >> there's no timeline for the coach. >> We don't have that just yet. No, we'll we'll reach out to them. >> So, we get another

154rainstorm. Nothing's been done to that at West. I know they had a problem during the season. >> So, we're crossing our fingers and we we're hoping it's not going to be the same type of storm we had that one time with the flooding. uh any smaller storms. We haven't had that that problem. It's with huge rains, but yes. So, we're just hoping that we won't get that similar type of rain. >> And the fencing along Panther Drive looks like it's coming along pretty good. No. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I was out there the other day >> and I noticed the pool. No movement over there. >> No, that's what we were talking about. Uh the contract with the engineer >> and uh what about the scoreboards? Where are we at with that? So, the scoreboards

155uh also the contractor is ready to get going. We had a two-part. We bought the scoreboards, but um the uh uh forensic uh engineering company, Robert Kitner, came back with recommendations to replace the structures. Remember that? Yeah. >> And so, it it was it became a two-part project. So, now we're ready to go with the structures and and that's about to get started as well. >> So, for the baseball softball season coming up, they'll be fine. >> Yes. Perfect. Yes. We're looking uh to get those ready by then. And one one more uh I know we're going to start school within a month. >> Uh parking areas where I know there's potholes in schools uh to make sure that we follow up, you know, before school starts uh because there's a couple of schools that

156do have quite a number of potholes. So Dr. Va, you can follow up with him. We'll >> follow just lastly before we move on to something else. I wanted to touch base on that just the enrollments and and just as long because you guys are there. You guys You guys I'm not talking about as long as we support our teachers and we support our campuses. I mean, we can't go wrong with that. But we've got to show that we're moving in that direction. I mean, that's that's all I'm going to say. I think Jackie touched up on that earlier, too. helping the teachers with the teacher student ratio, making sure that we are fully equipped to especially the schools that are that have a high rate of economically disadvantaged kids because to begin with they're

157already, you know, struggling a little bit and to have a teacher that's overloaded with students that need that extra help, it's very difficult. So, just keep that in mind. >> Okay, Mr. Santos, you had a question. >> Yes. I just wanted to to make a statement and and and um these these things are never easy, right? I've been here five years and and I've I've publicly asked for certain things on the agenda and some sometimes are very difficult, but I've always done it in fairness of of every single employee within the district and our department and also the the organization as well as the brand, right? to give to be clear and transparent and we have a responsibility for that too as far as financial information and whatnot that it's not that is that it

158is as accurate as possible and presented and available for us to review. I you know I asked for this topic specifically and I had gave more than enough time not waiting for an audit but to say what is the final expenditures and what are the revenues and there's red flags other than people that were reaching out to me in fall of 2024 spring of 2025 I did what LSG taught me to do which is to trust and verify right I asked questions here at those meetings I got and everybody was getting the answers and the responses of our financial stating situation today the numbers presented in June were a major red flag right because they showed something completely different and we we can go around in circles for for days on this. But at the

159end of the day, I think that it's best this is probably the best thing I'm going to do and ask one board member and it can be discussed at the next board meeting whether it's approved or not. It's just something that I feel that I have to do as responsible that I think that we should probably look at getting a third party uh doing a a financial forensic audit and getting a third party to go ahead and do that audit and do that review. I think it's essential that we know exactly where our standing is before we continue to make decisions because our decisions are increasing the the expenditures and the overhead and the operations of our school district. Mind you, you've already pinted exactly major major financial cues. You have a homestead reduction coming

160in. You have people that are fighting their taxes. You have a drop in enrollment. You have uh you're not you're not going to you're not hitting ADA as other trustes has hit here. And until we've have a clear financial picture of where we stand now, not in December or late fall or early uh spring, I think it's it's it's what I just need one trustee or whoever wants to support. I think it it's being in the best interest of of everyone and fair to everybody, our superintendent, our CFO, our business department, those employees that you talk to as well, right? Because there, you know, there's there's there's allegations out there of of discussions, intimidation, and then they've been transferred out and things like that. But I don't know what the facts are uh out of

161those departments and and then not getting the answers, right? I'm going straight to facts here. I'm looking at numbers. I'm looking at what's projected at the beginning of 2425. I'm looking at the deficit now for that as well, right? And we still don't have the finals. And I think it's fair to everybody, not using internal auditors and so that nobody feels uh you know um that they're going to be put into a tough situation to get an independent review, right? and then and then based on that then we move forward and and actually get a clear picture and I think it's the best investment especially when we have a bond of this size and that we're making major financial decisions and so I'm going to be I guess reaching out somebody support me I'm going

162to ask that it be put on the agenda because that' probably be the most fairest process to everybody involved in this situation right now >> case to do it Casey does we put on RFA and see who applies that's kind of what my general thing was to do is to do do something like that that would be independent from the district with no ties they could do it they could do an audit just but just financial nothing else no other topics just a review that and I'm just stating that right now where I feel because I want to be honest I'm not leaving the meeting very comfortable at all based on all the figures that we have and that we've seen and what we've been told >> good points Mr. Santos and and uh if

163we need to follow up there on the next uh board meeting uh and have a an audit, we uh the majority of the board members will probably agree, you know, so uh we can >> can we get quotes so we don't have to go out for a a formal bid because that takes time, right? So this could be a professional service exemption. So we get three or four quotes from different companies that might be quicker. You go out for bids, it takes two weeks and then a month. I know last time we not for our phase but I don't know whatever the process is there. I'm not too I'm not an expert on that level. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? Oh >> yes. Just one more thing. I was remembering in my head I

164I know that I had seen NWA that we had already approved the price for this, right? So I went back into my meetings and we did approve uh the funds for in June for the NWA map and it was a little over $200,000 with the funds. uh the account was I don't know the account 289 but then you mentioned that the TIA the 10% was going to be used for this so I'm confused because you said we're going to pay MAP with it I think Mr. mentioned that at at one point MAP was considered before being approved Missa but because MAP we still have to cover everything that's not LSG because MAP is only used for really K2 right for the LSG we still have to fund all the way to high school but I

165believe that 10% is not being funded for MAP if I'm not correct I I believe it's for the TI leads it's salaries it's not funded for MAP as we use it as well for other items Okay. That confused me because I'm like, well, we approve the funds here. And you said it's being used for TIA leads, >> right? So, the state calls whoever takes care of TIA a TIA lead, right? Like the staff, it's a salary. >> Okay. And and who how many people do we have on a TIA salary? >> So, it's uh two individuals. >> Mhm. Two individuals. >> Wow. 10% of everybody for two individuals sounds like a lot. >> It it does not pay full salary, but it go right. No. Whoa. Right. And the so the TIA leads, >> right?

166It's it's those who lead or or direct, right, at TIA for our district. Who those >> Do we still have a TIA coordinator? We had a TA coordinator before, right? >> No, no, no. This is >> I have no idea. >> No, >> we had somebody that was doing that, right, that was rolling out TIA before. They're not doing that. >> A couple of years ago, right? Right. >> Mhm. >> So, they're not. >> Our CNI department takes care of TIA with the other duties assigned. See, so this is confusing to me as a board member because I know there's funds, but I don't know who's where is all this going. So maybe we can have some kind of a report or something like these are the people taking care of TIA. This is what

167we're paying. This is what we got the 10%. This is what we paid. Just a kind of a report to show us the the numbers on that. That would help a lot, I think, for us to know where it's going. >> We can provide it. >> I I I agree with Missa. I I support her 100% on that on where she's where she's standing there because TIA is a a stipen. Correct me if I'm wrong. It's a stipen that's given out to teachers that are in the room meeting instructional goals. >> Right. >> Yes, sir. >> So, if you're telling me you're going to use 10% that you're withholding from their awards, then the the reality is is how how many times are these people going into all these teachers classrooms? Because it's all based

168on instruction. The teacher goes in there, >> they give it their all. They're going home, they're taking stuff home, they're creating uh plans. These people meet on the weekends. You got a great staff here at WSD. You go by schools, they're there on their own, >> meeting as departments, you know, you don't have that everywhere else. You don't. As parents, those principles, they know their staff are showing up still working on on lessons and working together as departments and and and it's internal, right? I I'm always going to say it. I'm not afraid to say it as politician. >> Your bang for your buck is in that classroom as soon as that door closes. teacher is what makes you or breaks you, right? Everybody else is supplemental and everybody else is making sure we're just

169on track. >> But those are the ones that that drive our district forward. >> To take 10% out of their award to say, well, we're going to pay use it to pay for staff. That that's that's kind of hard to swallow, you know, especially as an educator. It's going to be real difficult because especially I never see that person. >> I I believe the 10% is already a state kind of um guideline. We can't change that plan. But what we can change is the employer 9010, right? The 9010 is kind of already kind of a state >> guidance. Would the 10% cover I don't know if this 20 but at least do half. >> Yeah. We cover take out the other half. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Well, that's all I wanted to say. That was

170just where I stood that I agreed and that um yeah, I agree with that too as presentation at the next board meeting on that topic. So uh good workshop, good discussion and uh we'll follow up on the different topics that were mentioned by the uh different board members. Mr. Rodo will also follow with Dr. Vera on actual uh budget uh that we're not in the deficit uh so we can sustain like Mark always says we need to sustain especially with all the stipens that we give the raises that we give uh being one of the top schools you know Dr. you do an excellent job there. But we want to make sure that our budget is aligned with what we are receiving so that way we won't uh be in the deficit. Okay. Any other

171last uh comments? >> No, just thank you very much. I know it's been about what two and a half hours almost. So, thank you for uh giving us your time. I know it's it's been a long day for you guys. Thank you. >> Mr. Castillo, >> uh just thank you to everybody. I know, you know, we're asking a bunch of questions part of our our our oversight uh kind of role. So, thank you for answering those questions and being honest with us, especially the the construction folks. Mr. Lo, too. Also want to say, you know, what what coach Sedna just said, you know, supporting uh those campuses that that needed a little bit more. We we always state, you know, equity is not doesn't mean equal. Uh so I I totally agree with what he

172what he stated in his comment and just thank you to everybody. Thank you, Mr. Netto for calling this meeting as well. Yes, coach. >> No, just uh highlight our accomplishments. That's a that's a big push for us. It's brought up earlier. Thank you all very much. >> Any final comments, Mr. Los Santos? >> No, just thank you for the information and thank you for for hearing me out and the concerns. >> Very good concerns. Dr. Any final comments? >> We're good to follow up on all all the questions that we had. >> We're a good school district. >> Yes, sir. >> Are we perfect? No. >> Can we improve? Yes. >> Yes. >> But compared to everybody else, we're second to none. And we have a great >> I know you have concerns, but let

173me tell you in the fund balance, those are onetime expenses. >> So when you spend the money here, you're going to have more expenditures than what you have your revenue. So it's going to be off, but it's a one-year thing. So we are balanced, but they're one-time expenses. You know, you all mentioned things you all want done. They're onetime expenses. So you're going to spend more than what you have, but it's fun balance. And we'll explain that next month. >> All right. I also want to say we have a great superintendent. Yeah, sometimes. >> No, but you know you but >> no one's ever happy in this in this district. >> No, you know you know what >> I hear complaints, guys. >> That's you know >> it's okay. That's your job. I understand. And

174all I hear is this and this and this and >> we work very staff and I work very hard every day. >> Yes, you do. >> And we don't hide anything. Everything is upfront. >> Yeah. But you know what I it's good discussions because that will make us better. you as a superintendent, you know, uh you've always done well and you'll continue to do well, you know, but when when uh board members have questions, I I think it's important to have a workshop. That way, we have an idea of what questions they're asking, why we need to >> I understand >> kind of I understand it's all negative. >> Thanks, guys. Okay. >> He said, "The life unexamined is a life worth that's worthless." So, just always ask questions. Yeah, >> the philosopher said, >>

175"All right, so >> nothing bad." >> A German. >> So, it's 7:43 and we finish our workshop. >> All right. Thank you.