Crystal City ISD Board Meeting - May 11, 2026

001The board of trustees of the Crystal City Independent School District will meet in regular session at 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 11th, 2020 6 Administration Building Boardroom 613 B, West Zavala Street, Crystal City, Texas 78839. Call to order at >> 6:00. >> Yeah. Uh roll call, please. >> Mr. Vince Medina? >> Here. >> Mr. Sammy Houston? >> Here. >> Mr. Bruce Mata? >> Here. >> Mr. Victor Walle III? >> Present. >> Mr. Gabriel Espinosa? >> Here. >> Mr. Ray Espinosa? >> Here. >> Mrs. Peggy Young? >> Here. We do have quorum 7-0. Moment of reflection? Item four, public comments. Mr. Deal? Uh informational items, 5A, TA conservative report. >> Sorry. >> Sure. Sure, please. >> All right. Mr. Martinez, >> members of the board, Mr. Grill, >> John Hynes, I'm one of the co-conservatives assigned by

002TEA um because the Nieto war is um and have 3 years in a row. I with Dr. Granado over here, she she's the co-conservative. >> I get to talk about instruction. So, it's good. Let me give you two things. Two handouts I want you to >> We have created a pre-K Kinder Roundup that is going to be awesome. Ms. Mata and her team has created this community event. >> And I'll just help them out a bit. Um and as you'll notice, we have 40 plus businesses. We also have the athletics athletics helping us with the obstacle course. We have Starlettes performing. We have We have the drumline that'll be performing too. We'll have the DJ [clears throat] the Southwest Texas cowboy and Lucky. We'll have our book fair open as well. Um we'll have transportation.

003We'll have bus. We're bringing in the community in hopes to partner up with them. And we also want to make sure that they provide several resources to the community that we're not just a family at school, we're a family as a community. And we want to make sure that we provide that type of information to them. I also want to thank Crystal City Little League for canceling all T-ball games in support of our pre-K Kinder Roundup and its success. >> The intent The intent is to get community involved. And whether the kids you've got kids coming to the pre-K Kinder or not, we want you there. We've got all of these business partners. Hopefully they'll be with us the whole year when we do different events so that we can benefit our community. They can

004come and be a part of the school and the the can be excited about what's going on at school. Hopefully, we can do this throughout the year, maybe with a fiesta or a fall carnival, those kinds of things, and and be a part of the community. We want our kids to be excited about what's going on in school. All right. Do you all have any questions? >> Because this is just to get new fourth I mean K4 kindergarten students, right? But also try to just create community engagement. >> No question. I mean, like I'm not sure if these kids are going to mean or going to be participating uh is there a certain attendance that they must have in order [clears throat] to participate? >> Is there a certain way? >> Their attendance? Well, we

005just we want them to They want to be a part of it, too. And we welcome every type of participation. >> So, you know >> No attendance or anything. We >> think anybody has to >> And hopefully, the the parents of students who will be coming into pre-K will bring their kids to see what the school is about. >> Do we have a full-day pre-K? >> We have a full-day pre-K. Pre-K 4. >> Pre-K 4. >> Okay. >> Other questions? Okay. >> Thank you. >> Nice job, mate. >> All right. >> So, what I had promised the community tonight is there's probably really two large bodies of work happening simultaneously. First is the financial and operational stabilization work that Dr. Rainey and Mr. Grove have been leading and we'll continue to discuss tonight. My primary

006focus this month has been really centered around instructional systems, campus structures, leadership support, and preparing the district for what happens after the stabilization. Because ultimately, once the dust settles financially, the district still has to be ready to teach at a high level on day one next year. One of the biggest instructional projects we've worked through has been the elementary reorganization planning. That has involved far more than simply moving people or positions. We've been reviewing staffing measures, master schedule possibilities, intervention systems, support services, teams alignment, instructional staffing allocations, special ed support, and leadership structures to We create one strong elementary system instead of separate elementary systems operating independently. One thing that has become very clear through this process is that district structure evolved over time as the Crystal City ISD were operating as a much larger

007district than it actually is today. In reality, this is a small district operating essentially three small schools: elementary level, junior high, and high school. Over time, layers of staffing, systems, support positions, and operational structures continued to grow even as enrollment and financial realities changed. The staffing and organization systems moving forward have to reflect the size and operational realities of the district are we are where we are today, not the district we may have been years ago. We also spent significant time working through the lift grant and a hand up and the SI add-on PLC grant, which together represents more than half a million dollars in instructional support opportunities for Crystal City ISD. We've already begun aligning those grant opportunities with leadership development, Blue Banded implementation, STEM scopes planning, professional development, instructional systems, and long-term campus

008support structure. I'm excited about this work because it gives the district an opportunity to build instructional systems that last beyond the current moment. I've also been meeting weekly with parent with campus principals and district leadership teams to work through planning, systems alignment, staffing structures, operational concerns, instructional priorities, and long-term campus support needs. Those conversations have been important because they help us move the district from reacting to day-to-day toward actual planning ahead. I also wanted the board to know that even though many conversations right now are centered around budgets and staffing, we have not lost sight of instruction. In fact, many of the difficult decisions are being made specifically so that the district can preserve classrooms, strengthen leaderships, or improve instructional systems, and create long-term sustainability for student and teachers. I know there's still a tremendous

009amount of work ahead, but I do believe the district is beginning to move from reaction mode toward structure, alignment, and long-term planning. And that's where real improvement finally has a chance to begin. So, that's what we've been working on in addition to everything else that is going to be talked about tonight. Any questions that I can help you with? >> Yes, sir. I have a comment and it's one that I brought up before. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh not really in previous uh meetings and uh And that is about our development. It's It's been my uh my It's my belief that Thank you. Kids they academically seem to do okay uh uh up to the third grade. And then for some reason and this happens regularly uh because in in the years I've been a

010teacher, I think but it's successful uh maybe two times uh then uh things change you know you lose principles of whatever you have. But I think I believe that there's a development issue also, not just academics. Because you can you can uh look into different uh uh systems that deal with academics uh uh but we also need to make sure that our teachers focus on developmental uh uh skills too. Uh it's been my Well, first of all, uh just so people will know that I'm not just talking. I have two master I'm certified in elementary education. Uh in fact, that's where when I came back to teaching that's where I started. And um uh it it seems like when they get to that stage uh it's like there is a slight freeze and and and

011the kids uh I don't want to just say academic but uh something obstructs their development, their natural development as as they were going. Uh because I noticed that uh when they leave fifth grade, which is the the highest grade level at Benito they go to the junior high, they start doing And um uh I have brought it up before that uh, that that the trainings that we give our teachers at at that level should also include, uh, developmental uh, trainings so so we can look at that aspect and not just instructional systems because, uh, like I said, you can throw tons and tons of instructional systems but if something is keeping our kids from absorbing that so, uh uh, I recommend [clears throat] that maybe we also focus on that part. That make sure that

012our our teachers, uh, go back and get some kind of refresher course cuz I know as elementary teachers they also get child development training when they when they get in their certifications. Um, so maybe we can just focus on making sure that when we do the trainings that, [clears throat] uh we also focus on that. >> Put it in. Put it on my list. >> Thank you, sir. >> I have I have I have another concern as much as I can show in here. Uh Right now, you're only doing the, uh, mental part of it or you're also going to the early pre-KK, first, second third I'm pre-K through 12. You're also monitoring how those students are doing there or and how well they're going into fourth grade and fifth grade. >> Are they prepared?

013>> Yes. >> Or mental part of it because, uh I mean if the kids are not prepared from, uh from third grade on then I mean, uh, mental part of it they have to uh try to get them at level and also be preparing them for the test. So, is that something that you're monitoring? Is that something that you're monitoring? >> Yes. no, I mean We have enough kids from the elementary schools that will be ready to take the test. Yes, >> [laughter] >> Matthew and I already got a plan so when the score when the scores hit this is going to pull it, we're going to disaggregate it and we'll study it with the principals. Yes. I want to I want to say something but I'm I'm going to hold back for right now.

014All right, thank you. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Item 5B, the CFO reports. On page seven is the first report. Seven? Yes. Page seven which is the financial status of the district currently. Current standing. You'll find out the bottom of page seven. It's circled in red, the general fund. That balance is actually a little higher than it is as of today as of this report. That's all the money we have available. Puny. Let's catch up on that. Catch up on that. That's actually less than that. Move over to page 11. That's our our clearing account. Simply when we process payroll or accounts payable, we transfer money from the account you just saw into this bank which is our depository. That's where the checks are transferred and are processed through. The next item on that

015list of interim reports is your outstanding debt. You'll find that probably on page 20, I think it is. What you have there is as of the date of that report and it does not include I'm giving you the last page of that report but I added something that was left out which is the balance taken from the debt service fund in the at the end of year 24 and 25. September of 25. You notice that balance of current outstanding back debt is bills for the current year 20 year 25 26. Dragging along that horse that I mentioned, that dead horse, of the prior year bills which this year has had to answer for. Currently, that's 1,178,000. The balance owed to the debt service fund is 2,727,078.92. Combined debt currently is 3,905,600 and 16 cents. That's

016the debt for the bills we know of. I mentioned to you about a while back I called them ghost bills. Well, this is all that's shown up. This is the outstanding balance and debt. Do you have any questions? >> Yes, or is there any way you can give us uh information uh what is what is it that that I mean or outstanding uh bills I mean >> There's a list right there. >> 24 >> There's a list. >> And it's like eight Like >> So, if you look at that page of that document, you'll see the the bills, the names of the vendors. >> But they don't have the PO. >> And those that have a purchase order >> What page, you know? >> It's right there, sir. >> And then page >> They're on

017page 14. >> 14 all the way to page 21. >> board packet >> And there's a lot of them. >> The dates on here is when they became due. >> The dates are they were incurred and the date they're due. And all of them have dates because they showed up. And they were incurred without being processed through the system that the district utilized. So, processes were not followed. So, you have bills that >> So, no POs for a lot of these. >> Correct. >> I have a Were they just overlooked, Robert, or no master? >> I wasn't here, so I don't know, but when I got here, there were stacks of bills at the superintendent's office and the secretary there was trying to process them as she was getting them. The process was that were

018acknowledged at the campus level. There were requisitions. The process should be requisitions, then they're keyed in at the secretary's level at that campus through the system, the Ascender system we utilize. That recognizes the bill or the request against the account and recognizes whether there's funds for it or not. That was not followed. They were basically all by hand brought over to the secretary's office for her to key those in. Some required purchase orders, not by that office's protocol, but simply because they were incurred and brought in. The processes were not followed. >> Robert You were not here, you left, uh you uh retired. And then uh maybe comes in. And I think she was fired. We bought We brought in uh brought in Mr. Padilla. What do you think I mean his response was for

019all of us? >> I I have no idea how the district managed after Ms. Flores left. Um >> What school did he leave that was about 9,000 9 million dollars in the bottom line? >> That was the reserves, yes. >> But anything is something that we can check to see. >> That would be something you might request via the superintendent's office and um I'm sure can identify it or not. That he has put out uh even at public meetings the original budget, the actual revenue, and the actual expenses, and the expenses far exceeded what it was generated in revenue. >> We never >> And because because when we got the report that we started getting into uh on the 24th and 25th of the year, that's when TA took uh the money that we owed

020them because of tenants, whatever. And I think uh what what what's the amount of money that we paid at the beginning of the year from TA? Uh 5 minutes to start the year. >> I don't know how much I'll receive on a on a >> TA didn't take any money from the You need to understand this. TA did not take money from the district. TA did not take money from your accounts. TA stopped giving you that short that overage in the following year. You were overpaid and you used that money along with all the funds that were in the debt service fund. The savings, the district ate them up. The district ate out the overpayments and hence the position the district is in. >> So I mean >> Basically all we've done for the last

0212 3 years is pay bloated payroll. >> I I don't know exactly how much property >> Because No, and you remember happy when uh uh we had Mr. Padilla I mean you were you and I were not knowing on renewing this contract. It was a mess. Those were the 3 years that he was here. And there was no accountability because the business office had been dismantled. And so he was given the authority to do whatever he wanted to. And in those three years, I mean because he was he he was still here in '24 or '25, and that's when we finally found out that whatever he was doing uh >> Okay. >> But well, that's in the past, but >> Moving forward, the next report that you got there. Yes, sir. >> All these bills

022on here, are there any more that we're expecting or we're >> I hope not. >> You know, or >> I hope not because that's what we got so far, but it doesn't fail that we will receive a call. We will get an inquiry or a letter from a vendor that we had not seen that's not listed. Hence, the term ghost ghost sitting. Get the heck out of it. >> Okay. >> Uh moving forward on the next page is page 22. >> Sure, but before we go any further, just uh I've got a question about this. Uh on that chart you gave us, the one that has current obligations You're right. Sure enough. Will you be here helping us out? Uh those are actual debts that we owe right now. >> The current ones that we're

023aware of. >> Well, I mean >> I mean, those are the bills that we know. >> You just You just uh I just heard you mention the system, the way it works. But so uh the campuses submit uh a bill or whatever or they submit a request. It's approved. And the purchase is made uh under whatever uh uh uh arrangements, whether it was cash or >> We don't do We don't deal with cash. >> Okay. Well, >> A requisition entered by by the secretary at campus level. >> Okay. >> It's entered into the system. It generates a a requisition if it's approved by the campus at the campus level, usually the principal. Uh it moves forward to >> said that. I already said that. >> It goes to central >> It goes over here. Goes

024to central office. And here uh Have you also been uh since you've been here overseeing those those debts? So, you know what's on that list accurate. >> What we have on the list in the bills >> That's what I'm saying. >> When we process a new a requisition, it checks against the account and the balance in the account. But in the last I guess last month middle of last month, our superintendent halted all new expenses cuz we don't have funds to process additional funds. So, any additional bills are reviewed carefully and identified whether they're need on a need basis or not. But prior to that uh like I said, all bills were processed via simple processing and paying them to a vendor. Some had purchase orders. Not all of them had, but they didn't get

025processed and paid timely because of shortage of funds as you can see. They didn't have funds to pay for them. So, they delayed it. So, >> No, Robert, I am not going to beat a a dead horse to death because I mean it's obvious that we are in bad bad trouble, but the shame of it we I don't see any corrections from any of Mr. Eads' reports. >> I did. >> Not a single correction. I mean, it's like we get it, we read it, but nothing changed. >> Let me make a comment to uh what Peggy said. We did make a correction because he kept telling us you guys need a business [clears throat] with You guys need to have a business officer accountability. And we finally got it. That's what he was telling us.

026I mean, that's why you guys were getting into this thing because you don't have a business office and uh >> Well, it was totally dismantled. >> Well, that's what I'm saying. >> On on page 23 or on page 22, you'll see Larkin says uh 26 27 projection Whatever the number Page 22. What I've done is taken the CA template, which is generated by Mr. Omar Garcia. Uh I don't know who he is but he still does the service for them. And the agency of Mo Casey, they do something similar. Using the data that's at a state level and the teams data that's there is simply the fall submission, mid-year submission of this current year. Both agencies, you'll notice the same pretty close the same numbers. They used same projected ADA. The ADA they're projecting for

027the following year compared to what we have in mid-year. Mid-year was 15 I'm sorry, students. They're projecting at approximately 1111 maybe students. A drop, significant drop, but that's the trend this district is experiencing. Okay. So, these projections are based on those numbers. If you look down the column on line 61, the ones highlighted in yellow These are the total foundation school program and available school fund program. These are projections. The difference is about 56,000 between the two estimates that both agencies generated for. If you look at the column A at the bottom, it says 31 37. That is a excess in revenue which is up to the amount that TA policies back recapture. That's what it currently is projecting in the value state about the 10 billion that Oh, I'm sorry, not 10 billion, 1

028billion that the recapture that we're going to have value on property value for next year. That would generate about 10 billion dollars in tax revenue with the same same tax rate. The appraisal district currently is not using that as a preliminary number. They are projecting about 400 million less for next year. Pretty much in the minerals. Values in minerals for production for next year of about 400 million less. Mr. Grullon mentioned a while back that it's almost a a theater effect where you get less money from taxes, state comes up in their support per child. But if we're getting less kids, then we're going to have less money, the district will have less money. So, again, this is simply a projection of what's on hand. Preliminary values and projected ADA not enrollment. The district does

029not get paid on enrollment, it gets paid on ADA, average daily attendance. >> Let me just step in real quick, Robert. So, there's a handout that looks like this with the cover page. It's not the spiral bound one, it says Linebarger on it. Stapled copy. And what's behind that cover page is some preliminary appraisal information. We also have um Sonya Gonzalez from Linebarger here to speak to you all. I just wanted to point out to you what what he's alluding to and then what Sonya will be speaking to here in a moment is our net taxable values is 1.2 billion. But our our adjusted taxable values is 235 million. That's what we think tax rates >> Hey Robert. Um That is >> For budget in a nutshell, what we have as a projection for next

030year. I think it is very preliminary. We still have to finish the year. June is the final submission. We will hit those numbers hard because TA will see those numbers and that's what they plan on paying us for the following year. And we probably want to be conservative with those numbers in case we have to adjust for for whatever it may be. Now one light at the end of this tunnel is if the numbers are [clears throat] projecting higher values once I just showed you and in reality we get less value, less revenue from taxes, we're hoping the state comes in and they offset per child. Um That's on the MNO side. Then we've got a calendar preliminary calendar for for budget planning. That will probably change as we move through the rest of the

031summer. Mr. Grill will share that with you different dates and so forth as we gain information from the federal district and from student council. On page I went Do I need to give you an update on the back? And with respect to the the bank, last Friday they asked for some information. We provided it over an email. They've asked a few questions. We provided the information as best we have. Uh currently, I think we have two signatures that are due. We're supposed to get them out to them ASAP today. I don't think we're we're going to meet the overnight request. So we'll I'll only be able tomorrow that we send the next one one more signal. Um and then we're waiting on them to respond. You've got the documentation of the last board meeting and

032the numbers as well. >> That's in relation to the to the bank note, right? >> Yes, exactly. >> Yes. Uh page 25 is >> Robert, I just want to clarify something. >> [clears throat] >> Uh you just mentioned cuz uh and uh I find it hard to understand the information that was given, uh but I I brought up that question before. Previous meetings, uh you weren't here. Uh that the the money that we get from the state with reference to the kids uh is it based on uh estimated enrollment or everything >> Everything is in >> Okay. Uh we were informed that it was uh uh that it was enrollment. That's that's what we submit those estimates. No, I I I just I just want to point it out. I I heard you say that

033you just repeated it. That uh in- income comes from our average daily attendance. >> Now, going back going back, you look at page I'm not saying page 22 you brought me up to this. You see line 47 it says total cost of 21. TEA and the school district is in the business of instruction and education. Bottom line. So, they project because of that data that is submitted to them by all school districts in the PEIMS system, the public education information management system. Through through that system we hear that system we identify special ed kids, the basic kids, every all these particular services that the district has to provide for the population the district has. That's a projected budget that we should have at the minimum. It doesn't say they're going to give us those dollars.

034That just says you should have something to that effect, no less than that. And then they identify a program and you'll see the programs there by uh under I guess right about line 36. Maybe slightly above that. Actually, it's line 21 starts giving breaking up of different services. The my responsibility comes to the district. We're supposed to fund that number and you'll see it down there. It says about line 48 says less local assignment. If they project we're going to be getting $10 million, they say 9.6 million you have to pay out of your pocket to fund this this budget. The difference comes from the state. Hence, there's a value per child and it's an offset. Either it comes from local or comes from the state. >> You know, we need to thank our lucky

035stars that the Winter Garden school did not submit anything for vouchers. And they didn't uh Yes. >> And I'm I'm trying to get to hold that Move back to this page 25 is our collections and taxes. Line 2F, we got prior year Let me put this together for us and she's showing prior year and current year. Over on the left-hand side, I'm sorry, right-hand side, column F gives you the general fund and for this month we collected about $18,000. $1,360 and that's about 17% of the total projected for the month. As far as for the year year-to-date, we've collected .59. >> So, that's that's that's not over. >> Taxes current taxes for M&O. >> Uh current or >> Current. >> delinquent? >> Current, exactly. >> You collected how much? >> 87.59 at the end of

036this report at the end of the month end of uh end >> My understanding that uh we collected uh since March till April, $120,000. I checked with the appraisal district. >> I And this report is up to April, for the month of April, specifically April. But, from September, actually, from September till end of April, we've collected, uh, 92,000, I'm sorry, 9,214,000. >> Last year it was about the total 14 million, right? >> Uh, last year, for the year, we collected M&O was 12 million. Versus right now, to date, is 10. On page >> Can I Are you still in with the, uh, >> I'm going to get that, but actually, that's that's my report. >> No, are you still with the with the with the tax collection? >> Sure. >> We can ask, uh, a

037question to, uh, the attorney, uh, Sonia. >> I think she was going to actually >> stand to a presentation. >> actually present in a little while. >> That's good. >> Uh, so that's all I have. Um, she's going to do the rest of it and she's going to have fun with it. >> Thank you, Robert. >> Yes, I want to She's going to be part of the this report here. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Medina, members of the board, Mr. Stroh. Since we finished off there on on, uh, some percentages and numbers, before I know it's kind of a lengthy report, but just to touch on percentages, and if we can, we just handle the delinquent property tax collections, correct, not the current. So, we're not going to be touching the 2025 taxes till

038July 1st. That's when they're technically turned over to us for collection. Uh, but just to give you an idea, as of March 31st, 2026, for the year 2021, collection rate was at 99.2, for 2022, 99.4, 2023, 98.2, and 2024, 98.2%. That is the delinquent collection rate, okay? And those numbers will continue to evolve as we continue to collect on those back taxes. Just to give you a base here. But going back, if you don't mind, I left a copy of our report in the front of each of you all there, page six. So basically, I'm just going to run through all of our collection activities. Feel free to stop me. I know it's a lot. Um Basically, we broke it down for years 2021 through 2025. So if you look at page six, we start

039with our mass mailing activity. So there we reflect the number of letters that were mailed out to taxpayers and the delinquent dollar amount. So you'll see there total for the cumulative of over 22,518 letters for a total of a little over 23 million dollars. Um in March of 2022. So COVID, you know, we had to deal with the aftermath. Um but the state reached out to us and asked us to help them roll out a federal government assistance program. So we worked closely with the state and basically what we did, we mailed letters to all the delinquent taxpayers who qualified for this program. And to be quite frank, it was free money. If you were delinquent, you went through the process. We walked you through it. They would refer you to the state. Um and

040those taxes would be paid. [laughter] You wouldn't have to pay it back. That That was a And just to give you an idea, just here in Bolivar County, 67 delinquent taxpayers took advantage of that program. Um and we collected over 390,000 on that during that year. Um and we left sample letters there uh, that were mailed out that we continued to out during that time period. But, we can jump to uh, page 11. That's the target mailing activity. Anytime we go to court or we're able to settle anything out of court, notice of trial, dismissal, non-suit, this is what uh, those mailings consist of. Uh, just to give you an idea, I have court here and we're between two to six times a month, uh, the trial documents. Uh, they're basically our tax trials, uh,

041in the 365th and the 293rd. Um, obviously, they pumped the brakes on those during COVID, uh, on everything related to litigation because the sheriff deputies were unable to serve folks with citations. So, we hit a pause on that and we we worked [clears throat] with the appraisal district on just monitoring payment arrangement for those folks. Um, so that's a reflection. So, you'll see those letters, uh, 4,148 for a little, uh, over $14 million on those. Outbound collections calls, you have our Eagle Pass office as well as the San Antonio office where you have uh, legal assistants and collectors working the Crystal City ISD account. And you'll see the number of outbound collections in during that time period, 5,588 on a little over $15 million of delinquent taxes. If you jump to page 13, same thing.

042You'll see the inbound correspondence and phone inquiries, as well as taxpayer walk-ins. Uh, just to give you an idea, the taxpayer [clears throat] walk-ins are in the Eagle Pass office and the San Antonio office. And yes, believe it or not, we folks are in San Antonio that call us and want to visit or make a payment. So, they they meet us over there or in the Eagle Pass office. So, we just wanted >> May I uh, ask a question? Yes. >> Or it has it going on in my All right, these totals that you told us about it on page 11. >> Yes, sir. >> This only school district, right? School district amount, but are these individual residents within the district or these include also companies or non-residents, non-individuals? >> It's both. It's everything. Every

043delinquent account. Homestead, non-homestead, agriculture, mineral, and and business personal property as well. >> I have a question. So, uh when is it that uh I mean, when you pay your taxes, uh it'll be you play If you don't pay by January, it's going to be 1%. If you don't pay by February, when is it or I mean, you get involved? When is it I think it gets to 35% penalty for those people that do not pay taxes? When you send them the letter that now it's going to involve 35% and attorney fees? >> [snorts] >> You see people come in and trying to make a range or >> Yes, not as many as we would like. >> [clears throat] >> Uh you know, the first thing they say is why are you charging so much?

044Well, it's not us. This is a state uh mandated penalty and interest charge. This is the state that and a a lot of it, what we've learned throughout the years is sitting down with folks and explaining. It's that education of Many of them don't know that they don't have their exemptions on file. They don't know where to go for things like that or if they're looking for a disability or over 65 deferral. Uh so, um yes, a lot of times we do see that, but believe it or not, many times we send out that I'm having a trial, folks don't show up. They don't show up. A lot of times it takes for us to get to the point where we file a notice of sale, and I'm sure all of you have seen in

045the newspaper when we print all the properties that will be auctioned off if we get to that point. That's when we really see people show up or or make phone calls. >> My second question was going to be ma'am of these totals what percent is individual residents of the district and what percent are companies or non individual residents? >> I can break that down in a in a separate report. There's kind of if you look on page we try to uh break down the status of accounts but I think what you're looking for is kind of an analysis of every type of receivable. >> Totally. >> You In other words, you want to know what percentage and the dollar amount is attributed to mineral delinquent accounts versus homesteads and personal. We can provide that to

046you. We just not individual. >> And the strategy that you guys use either with the appraisal district to >> Yes, sir. >> collect that money is the same or is different? >> It's different. We do walk and talk to businesses where we're here in person and we'll go visit some of these businesses. With mineral companies specifically tax warrants have been the most successful. As a matter of fact, July 1st we already have some tax warrants prepared to file on some of these operators because some of those are your biggest bills quite frankly. Um and with home with uh residences it's it's those phone calls and those letters and trying to make them feel comfortable to have that discussion one-on-one with them. So it does vary. Uh it's just not only just mail every send letters

047to everyone and make the same phone calls and follow the same script and no we we do vary that. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir. Okay, jumping to page 15. Prior to filing any kind of suit, we need to locate not just the owners but all of the lien holders. Uh so, we have a research team dedicated to that. We don't want to file a lawsuit against the wrong folks. We have an abstractor that comes and checks title at the title company at the county clerk's office to make sure that we identify all the potential owners because many times, even though the resident himself will not pay it, the lien holder will because they want to protect their interest in that property. So, that's what those numbers reflect there on page 15. If we jump over

048to page 16, that's what I mentioned, the title that is processed before we file any lawsuit. Uh and again, we do have an abstractor travels in from Del Rio >> [clears throat] >> and actually checks title throughout the region to make sure that we identify all potential owners. And then we jump to 17, that shows you the lawsuits filed. Uh you'll see during that time period 269 lawsuits at 948,236 uh uh dollars. And again, >> These are individual taxpayers or or is it uh corporate owners or whatever? >> Both. And if you'd like later on, we can prepare a report and give you that up. Uh going to 18, you see the tax warrants. Again, these are I can tell you just specific mineral accounts. Okay, so you'll see 30 at 386,000. Um and we

049don't just file the tax warrants. Uh we do file lawsuits against uh oil and gas companies as well. But sometimes on the warrant, especially they go for that year, is the most efficient way of getting these operators to pay. And and we've had a great relationship with the district judges. They know how we operate, they know what we do, so they they really allow us to get this moving and it avoids filling their docket with lawsuits cuz they want theirs moved out. And speaking of as I mentioned to you uh Superintendent Girl earlier, um district courts are now being as far as their funding is being based on the dockets they have in their court system. So, if you've been hearing from constituents that they're getting a lot of lot of letters to show up

050to court, that's because uh these courts are setting dismissal dockets, which mean if you don't have anything to enter, you're not ready to go, they want to dismiss these cases. So, what we have to do to protect the interest of the ISD's claim is enter a judgment. So, we have a trial, we go through the whole process, and we have that judgment in place. Now, even though we have that judgment, it doesn't mean folks are going to be foreclosed on. They still have an opportunity to enter into a payment arrangement with the appraisal district. And if they have that payment arrangement in writing, by law, we cannot foreclose on their property. >> And there the the arrangement is made by >> The arrangement is made by the appraisal district. >> By the appraisal district, yes,

051sir. Um so, going to the bottom of page 18, that just shows you the judgment amounts and the number of judgments that were entered, uh number of dismissals and release of judgments. What that means is they paid. Uh so, we were able to get rid of that judgment and not have to file a notice of sale on that one. And we can jump here to 20. And there's the American Rescue Plan that we were talking about earlier. Uh So, as of May 6, 2024, $319,000 were submitted for 67 accounts to the appraisal district. And I can tell you that's because we do work in Pearsall and Cotulla and Eagle Pass and Del Rio, this was a significant number compared to a lot of surrounding ISD's. And at the bottom of 20, unfortunately, like I say,

052we we don't want to foreclose on folks' homes, but that's part of the job if they're not in compliance with the payment arrangements set forth by the appraisal district. So, we list the tax sales down there. We do two to three a year. If we have a large number of judgments, instead of splitting them up into four sales, we just have big ones, which is what has occurred recently because of what's happening with the district court here. Tax resales. If a property is not sold at auction, it gets struck off to the appraisal district. So, basically, it's not that the appraisal district owns it. They're just holding it in trust on behalf of the ISD, [laughter] the county, and the city. What we will do is combine when we do have our regular tax sale,

053we'll include those resales as again, just to be able to announce it to the public. And then, per the tax code, any individual can come and submit a bid to the appraisal district for either the minimum bid amount or below the minimum bid amount. As some of y'all have sat on the CAD board know, if it's below the minimum bid amount, it has to be approved by by the by the CAD board. But really at that point, it's just a matter of getting that property back on the roll. Because once it's struck off off the roll, it's not generating any tax revenue for the district. Uh and that's a program we've been really successful in. Uh bankruptcy filings, you'll see at the bottom. Again, this goes uh 2021 to 2024. [clears throat] It shows the

054number of the accounts. That's an add-on value service. We provide it no cost to the to the district. Right now, as a matter of fact, I know we're working on a 2025 one um that's pretty significant. Uh but again, they filed in Connecticut, but we were able to file the claim on their business personal property that they had here in Zavala County. So, as we update these reports, you'll you'll see that reflected. And then we can jump over to 20 page 24, which shows the collection revenue for the fiscal year. I want to highlight, if you look at the column, your 2024 to 2025 November. You see the significant high dollar, 723,521. Uh again, and if you look, that was one account. It was a pipeline uh that we were able to settle with them

055in litigation. So, those skewed the numbers, but uh rest assured, I actually have the stack of the mineral accounts that we're monitoring for the 2025 tax warrant. Uh but that was just a significant collection number. >> But that was divided among all entities. >> No, sir, not this one. This is just ISD. Uh everything here is just applicable to the ISD book. And then um the analysis of the delinquent tax roll. We just like to do this so you have an idea of what it is we're working with. What's in litigation, what's in collection. This is on page 25. Um bad address D-cat issue. Those may be double assessments, Uh those may be issues in which we're working with Capital Appraisal, the company that appraises the mineral accounts on behalf of the appraisal district. Um

056This is just especially I like looking at this because it gives me an idea of what it is that needs to get moved, what we're working with, what I need to visit with the appraisal district, and so forth and so on and so forth. And then after that, I just went ahead and listed the top 25 accounts, high dollar down. Uh just for your reference because those are the accounts we're always looking at and monitoring just because we want to make sure uh they're moving along. >> Those are the ones with the big money. >> Yes, sir. And you'll see many say 2025 year. You know, so come July 1st and they're turned over to us for collections. Those are the ones we're prioritizing and and and and and and and and and >> Do

057we have a lot of those come June? >> Yes. Yes. >> companies >> Uh numerous and large mineral accounts, yes, sir. >> That will come through the school >> Correct. Once we follow those tax warrants. >> What's the typical timeline by the time you from You say July 1st every year is when you issue the start issuing letters, correct? >> For for this uh July 1 the 2025 delinquent accounts will be turned over to us. So, once we run it through, make sure we have clean addresses and by the following month we'll already start on the calls and the letters and we'll keep refreshing the database on those. And and we have a system um anytime a phone call is made on any account, it's recorded. So, like that, we're in compliance and if anyone

058complains and y'all want to hear a phone call, we have that recorded and we maintain copies of any correspondence going throughout. >> Like whenever it goes to by the time it gets to being sold at auction, what's the timeline from then from that from the start to that point? Is it like a year, year and a half, two years? >> Sometimes you see here what happens, they'll enter into payment arrangements and and then they fall off. Uh and then they'll get back on and they'll fall off. Now, I do know the appraisal district does have um first time you pay a certain [clears throat] percentage. If you defaulted and you go back, you have to pay a higher percentage, so forth and so on. So, it varies. I wish I could give you a straight,

059but every case kind of varies. >> in a case like that, what happens? Okay, you're delinquent and and they give you a payment option, but then here comes the new tax year and you have to pay. So, now you have what they owe and money. >> Yes. So, we're in litigation, that new year rolls right in there. Uh but obviously, I believe the policy they have is after the third one and you're unable to come up with 40 or 50% uh they give us the green light to go ahead and uh either set it for sale or file a lawsuit because the only thing in Texas that a payment arrangement will prevent is one from filing a lawsuit. Now, if lawsuits already been filed, they enter into a payment arrangement, we can still go to

060trial with that, but we cannot set it for auction. >> Whenever one of these property owners has an issue with the whatever amount, are they supposed to deal directly with the appraisal district or like I seen one note that the first is working with Capital Appraisal. I'm familiar with that name. >> Yes, sir. >> Um is the account the appraisal district also involved in that discussion? Is it supposed to be there? >> Yes, sir. And we actually won't touch that um because Capital Appraisal will handle those mineral accounts. So, once they come to an agreement tax payer, they're the ones who are authorized to make whatever change to the delinquent tax roll. Once that supplement is entered, then it comes to us for collection. >> Yeah, but I'm talking about the appraisal district itself. >>

061Yes, >> So, any kind of any kind of decision is not made by Capital Appraisal by itself. >> No, sir. >> It has to be >> And and just as an add-on, we do we do offer our law firm and we do have the bankruptcy that we it's [clears throat] an added value, right? We don't we don't charge the district for that, but we do also do property value studies. We partner with Moak Casey on any way we can help any district that we both work with. In addition, we do offer a home exemption audit uh with the appraisal district just to identify properties. Maybe they just have not caught certain commercial properties or certain defaults that are on that shouldn't be. So, those are just some added value services that we offer as well.

062>> So, on page 28 through I don't know where uh this is where the people that all this money >> Yes, sir. >> 66 uh and I see some companies like 67,000 to the ones that you guys >> Yes, sir. >> Big money and and this is for the >> For this like that 67,000, they only owe 2025. So July 1st, they're going to by law we are required to send them written notices. Um and then at that point, if they do not reach out, they do not pay, we go ahead and proceed to litigation. >> These companies may be waiting to the last minute to >> Oh, yes. >> Okay. >> Thank [clears throat] you. Unfortunately. >> [clears throat] >> Any questions, anybody? >> No, I mean but uh On page 28 through whatever

063numbers money that can be collected uh was that we threw you there lawsuits or people making >> And you'll see some of those say judgment interest. We've already gone to trial. Uh they may have entered into a payment arrangement with the appraisal district. Once that drops, then we go to foreclosure. On that. So that's why I wanted to provide you all with a status on each of them because those are the ones we monitor. I mean we monitor all of them, frankly, but those are the ones we always keep a close eye on. We want to make sure that it's not sitting there. >> Yeah. No questions or anything more? Is that it? >> Thank you, Sonya. >> Thank you. >> Bye. So if I could, I'd like to just hang there a moment. I'd

064like to just summarize a little bit of what Robert's presented and then what Sonya's presented. So if you'll look at page 22 in your board packet here on this particular spreadsheet. As we move into the months of June, July, and August, we're going to be having a series budget workshops. And it's what we understand that we have to have a a very accurate picture of what our potential revenue is going to be. But if you'll look at line Page, sir. If you'll look at line 47 on this spreadsheet, 48, [clears throat] and then 61. So, the total cost of tier one, 15 million, is going to be what our target is for our budget. Okay? And how those numbers arrive is then looking at local fund assignment. So, that's what Sonya's been talking about. That's

065our tax collections and delinquent tax collections. So, local fund assignment, local, okay? And then on line 61, where it says FSP, that's foundation school program, state aid, that's state money. So, those two numbers and you add it up, um your local fund assignment, which is line 48, and then line 61. And we're looking at budget. And you're wanting to know, well, how did you come up with that revenue amount? It's this spreadsheet. Now, this is a very overly simplified spreadsheet. The actual spreadsheet that Robert's working with is is huge. It's multi-pages on legal-size paper. And we have to enter in what we call full-time equivalent, so all our different special student populations. So, special ed, CTE, dyslexia, ESL, bilingual, and so on and so forth. >> But, we still get money from my from migrant

066problems? >> Very little, but you do. So, each one has a an allotment. So, when you hear WADA, weighted ADA, that WADA, the weighted part is is where these allotments play into. All right? So, it's either good information in, good information out, or trash in and trash out. In other words, if if we're not filling out the template with the right information, it's not going to spit out the right revenue amounts. And I I have a feeling that was part of the problem here in the district as we the the templates weren't being uh accurately entered, and so they were giving inaccurate information. Probably out of ignorance, not out of uh someone doing something devious, but nonetheless, the the question about enrollments is just one factor into this equation. You also have to also factor

067in uh what is your M&O tax rate based on uh what we call an MCR, which is a compressed tax rate. Basically, now the state tells us what our M&O tax rate's going to be. So, it's it's this is a good primer, this discussion we've had both with Robert uh previous to Sonia's conversation, as to when we move into the next several months, where we're showing you how we develop the budget. Because we're in a survival mode. We're not in a normal budgetary development process. Normal being one of two different methodologies. It's called zero-based budget, which is where you start out with zero and you make principles and their departments justify all the expenses that they want in the budget. That's one method of developing a budget. Another process is really the better one of

068the two options is you use the campus and district improvement plan plans, which have a needs analysis embedded in them drive the decisions on how to build the budget. Now, that is the optimal way. That is the way you should build a budget. What I'm proposing and what I'm trying to set the stage for in this discussion is where we're moving into in June, July, and August as we start having budget workshops. We have a not to exceed number and I'm just going to say 15 million because that's about what is shown in this these spreadsheets that Robert has shown you. And we we've got to understand that we've got to trim approximately $6 million out of that 15 million. So, that leaves us $9 million to fund everything. Okay? And And when you say,

069"Well, where is that $9 million coming from?" Well, we just took out a loan for $4.5 million plus 7% interest. We owe the district $2.7 million plus interest from borrowing from our IMS account, which was a illegal. Okay? We have slightly over a million dollars of debt owed. Okay? And so, when you start adding all of that up, there's where come up with that. We're never going to hit 9 million. We can't cut 9 million. So, the other side of this is we have to raise our revenue in in different ways. So, getting our delinquent tax rates, >> [clears throat] >> getting our tax collections up is more revenue. The pay-to-play discussions that I've had with you all is revenue in. And then the Vader, the voter-approved tax ratification election, which I'll speak to here

070on a different line of the agenda. That brings revenue in. That's going to be something the voters approve in November if the board so chooses to go. So, with that said, we've got to cut minimally 20 to 25%. in our personnel costs cuz that's where everything's Peggy said, you know, we're just blowing on that. 90% plus of our budget is tied up in payroll and benefits. And when we discuss these things is I'm quite certain many of you at this table and and people in the audience and people in our faculty and staff and in the community are going to say that's too much. That's too much. That's too much. Because we haven't said no enough in years past that we have to do these things. And so I'm trying to set the table tonight

071with this discussion and understanding that these hard decisions had to be made. So, let's just do some simple math. We have approximately 300 employees. Okay? Cut 20% that's 60 people. Cut 25% that's 75 people. They're currently employed that we can't afford to have employed here. Now, who big question right now. So, as we move forward in our discussions tonight and then as we move into future board meetings, keep all those things in mind because we're going to be making tough decisions and if people pull back and say, "Well, not about this and not about this and not about this." Sooner or later we won't be able to get even close to the mark. So, these are tough decisions. When you proceed with the agenda, President >> I have a question. Let me just Your Your

072talking about um the amounts of that we owe here and where. On the report that you sent us uh Friday, I read [snorts] through it and and it says that we have to pay back the 2 million settlement loan that was collected from Fluker architects. I mean, that was not a loan that was uh a lawsuit that we won. So, so why are you putting it here as a loan? >> As it wasn't spent correctly. >> Huh? >> It wasn't spent correctly. >> Well, first I want to remind the board uh or at least refresh your memory. There's a gag order in that litigation so we shouldn't be talking about that publicly. >> You I have a quick question. You mentioned about raised revenues in different ways. Uh one of the things that I've been

073asking since 2020 is the CCMR outcome bonuses. Even though there's a 2-year lag, if I'm not mistaken, I think the state's working at trying to make it in a yearly uh payout >> [clears throat] >> um payout uh CCMR students. And uh just alone this year, I noticed that we had a little around over 25 students just graduating with a certificate, AA, uh and stuff like that. And so, just putting that in in money, so I mean, if we had 30, that was 105,000 that we could have gained. That's not including the CT [clears throat] and CTE endorsements that students might have qualified for. Uh little things like that that that could be And as I'm I don't know if there's something that you can look into. I know I know you you have a

074big plate right now. I understand that, but something that, you know, that's a different way of, you know, getting money in that hasn't been utilized, and we're losing money, and we've been losing money for a lot of years. And if we can establish that, that's something that could be coming in. I'm just, you know, >> If I could just step in. Sarah, if you can make a note of what Reese has just mentioned, so we can >> [clears throat] >> I am not aware of what that is, or what it's brought in, so I I won't answer that, but we'll look into it. >> It's the HB3 model. >> I guess I I just have one, sir. You You mentioned that 947, you know, it's a estimated by >> the locations. >> Approximately 15 million.

075Um I know that last this this current year's um budget is not, you know, closed out entirely, or realized entirely. What is our actual expenditures compared to um the estimated? >> Robert, do you know that answer? I'm >> Not not off the top of my head. So, we didn't generate that report. Uh we did the month before, but we can get out that to the superintendent's office, and they can get it to you. >> Okay. >> And folks, I understand if I don't know, I'm going to tell you I don't know. I don't like to speculate on things. >> [clears throat] >> Uh not that I'm trying to avoid your answer. >> Thank you. >> Is that all the questions, I guess? Now, we'll move on to the superintendent's report. I don't know if that

076was >> Sure. So, that will dovetail into that. >> You know, first thing, you know, it seems like I've been here a long time, but this is actually just my second regular board meeting and and really this is my first regular agenda. So, uh I think uh you see an expanded amount of information on finance. Uh we'll be doing that uh this point forward at our regular business meetings. >> [clears throat] >> So, just a standing report is our um ADA attendance. So, our ADA is ticked up just a tenth. Pardon me? >> Page >> There's a There's a >> I have a handout here. >> It's in the handout. >> Follow along. So, on page 27 of the board packet and then uh follow along on number one on my uh superintendent's report is

077number uh >> packet. >> Our Our enrollment I mean, our ADA is is up slightly. Uh it's it's very marginal, but it is up. That's always a good sign. Usually things are uh trending down this time of year. Uh kids get apathy and non-interest in coming to school. Parents are tired of listening to their kids whine sometimes, so they don't send them to school. Uh so, seeing it come up a little bit is promising. Uh so, item number two on my list >> I guess for the board members, there is a packet attached in front of in front [clears throat] of >> all of us with the superintendent's report. And that follows [cough] along. >> Yes, sir. So, um in your board packet and on page um >> [clears throat] >> I stand corrected. It's

078It's in this separate handout here. Ray had asked for last 5 years worth of numbers, and so I had that in 2021. In 21-22, we were trending at 1882. The next year, 1880. Next year, we dropped a over 100 to 1774. And uh 24-25, last school year, 1730. And then uh we don't have our end-of-year enrollment, so our snapshot is 1493. So, you can see that uh we've seen 2 years of uh uh drops in our enrollment. So, 18 to 14. Almost 400 students. Okay? And of course, we get funded by uh not enrollment, but average daily attendance, but that's usually uh driven by our total enrollment, as well. So, uh not sure where all those children went. Uh there was some speculation, Ray. I think you mentioned something about uh pre-K kids, the three-year-old

079pre-K kids was about 80 kids. That might tell us where 104 kids have [clears throat] gone from last year to this year, but we've dropped about 400 over the last 3 years. All right. Okay. >> Uh legal Yes. Cuz I just want I'm looking at the chart that you were talking about, and it says it has a one column for enrollment. It has six columns for summer membership. What is that What is a summer membership? >> All right. So, we we submit twice a year. So, the last Friday in October is what we call pre-snapshot, so that's our fall enrollment. And then in June, we submit again. And so, the state is able to see how much our beginning of the year and basically our end of the year enrollment numbers are. All right. So,

080another standing report that I'll have is our legal expenses. If you recall, Peggy had asked for that information last month. We don't have any new billing. We do know that we've incurred some billing, [clears throat] but it we haven't received those bills for this month. So, it'll show up in our next report. Um Vincent had asked if there was some type of staffing matrix or staffing pattern information that I could share with you all. So, that's in your your handouts here from TASB. This is just a model. It's it's not hard fast, but it is what TASB recommends. And so, for example, at I'm just going to look at elementary just beside one grade level. For assistant principals, you really don't even qualify for a need for an assistant principal until you hit 450 students.

081Counselors, you don't really qualify for a full-time counselor until you hit 351 students at the elementary level. Librarians and nurses, 1,000. Okay, so just giving you some food for thought when you say, "Well, you know, we have three counselors at the high school." Well, do we really need three counselors at the high school? If you look at the TASB matrix for high schools, it shows uh 2.5 counselors for up to 875 students. So, Houston, how many students we have at the high school? 450 students. So, if you look at that matrix, it shows we only need 1.5 counselors. It's kind of hard to have a 0.5 with anybody, but my point is is we have three. Okay? So, we will be trimming back in those areas. Um and we'll be discussing that later tonight. All

082right. Um on the our financial exigency plans that Dr. Reyna uh spoke to uh at our last meeting. Tonight, we'll be doing our contract renewals. Uh We're basically recommending all of our certified teachers that are are eligible for contract renewals uh Tomorrow, we'll be issuing those contracts. The difference in contracts that we'll be issuing there chapter 21 uh contracts uh modeled that if after uh TASB uh model contracts. The contracts is They will not have a specific position listed in it like administrator or counselor or athletic director or teacher for that matter. They're all going to say certified educator. And And what that allows us to do is then if after we issue contracts tomorrow, if we need to reassign people, there's not a property right to that title anymore because they're all germane in

083title. They're all certified educators. So, we need to move the extra counselors in this location to that location or back into a classroom. Point is is that gives us the greatest flexibility in reassignments. >> Sure. My name is Amber Jackson. Well, our administrators also have a particular >> Absolutely. >> What's it going to say? The administrator? >> No, certified educator. Just >> Oh, we have across the board. >> Everybody. Every single contract will say the same. Certified >> No matter what level. >> That That way, if we're moving them from one position to another, they don't have that problem right anymore to what's on the current contract. All right, so um Thursday this week, I'll be issuing termination letters. Uh this is primarily >> [clears throat] >> the all your at-will employees that we determine

084uh we can manage without now. There's a lot of good people here, and I don't want to say anything other than that. The problem is is we're just grossly overstaffed, and so we have to make these tough decisions. And I have actually had a few people uh at-will employees speak to me and ask me directly, "Am I going to be one of those people?" And I've had the courage to look them in the eye and say, "Yes." And they It's only been three different people, but my point is is they've handled it very maturely. They said, "I figured that's what was going to happen." But I'm arranging a time at the elementary school, then at the junior high, then at the high school, and then uh I'll do all the departmental district staff uh in

085the afternoon on Thursday, and I'll I'll have a few words of of hopefully kindness for them to hear, and then uh be handing them a letter. Some of them will probably be hurt, and you might get a phone call or two or three. Understand that uh this isn't [clears throat] personal. It what we've got to do to move forward. And at-will employees, at-will means they're employed at our will and they can be terminated at our will. >> I have a question, sir. When you say at-will, do you mean you're also >> [snorts] >> uh talking about maybe custodians, uh cafeteria workers >> Yes, sir. >> And do you do you know right now if we how many Cuz I know about four or five that had submitted their letter of uh retirement. >> And those

086are at your desk. Uh there's a stapled packet of resignation letters that that didn't make it into the board packet that I've received since we sent the board packet out. And I did ask the principals and directors to just have a faculty meeting and just tell them that if they're planning on leaving or they're planning on retiring, if they could just verbally let us know. A verbal is not a commitment. That means until they put it in writing that they're resigning it's just verbal, but if we know that there's someone who's leaving, we might say we need to keep a person to put into that position because not every position is going to get cut. Not every at-will position's going to get cut. I mean, we still have to have bus drivers. We still have

087to have custodians. We still have to have people cooking the food and serving the food to the children. So, those are all at-will employees. We still have to have police officers. We still have to have a level of instructional aides. But we don't have 75 at-will employees. >> No. >> And we're going to need to eventually get close to that 75 number. So, there might be another round of cuts once we get a fine pencil to how many people we're letting go. And understand we've been working. We've been John Hein, Dr. Reina, the principals, the directors, and myself. We've been working on this night and day, through the weekend, trying to get the right list together and the right numbers together and and it's probably going to be all the way down to Thursday before

088we get it all done. So, bear with us because this has been a very quick turnaround to get all this done. I mean, literally, I've just been here a month. So, you know, trying to figure out how to coordinate this with all the people here that work with me to make these decisions. All right. So, then on Friday, we'll be issuing letters of assurance to those at-will employees that we know we're going to keep because again, we got to have a secretary or two. We've got to have instructional gentlemen in different roles driving buses, serving food, things like that, too. The letters of assurance just basically say that there's an intent. But, that doesn't mean we that draw that. Nothing binding. It's not a contract. It's just a practice. And it's basically a practice for

089people not to file for unemployment during the summer months and during holidays and things like that. And that's what the letter basically outlines. It's so they don't turn around and file for unemployment in June, July, and the first half of August. All right. So, some other things that we need to be working on is improving our tax collections and delinquent collections. So, Linebarger spoke to us about that this evening. Uh I've mentioned the beta the voter approved tax ratification election. So, we have to do what's called an efficiency study. I'm going to talk about this in a moment. Uh but, the efficiency study is is is a requirement through legislation. So, and it's expensive to do, but we have to have that done before the board can call for the beta in August. So, when

090we call for the board election in August, we also call for the beta if the board so chooses to do that. Okay, it's my strong suggestion that we at least look into it very uh heartily. All right. Um once we get the elementary schools restructured and settled into their location, it'd be my recommendation to the board that we look at selling this building that we're sitting in tonight. And possibly some other property that I'm not fully aware of, but I've been told we own. In other words, we don't need this building if we have empty room in one of the elementary schools. Okay? And I don't know what this building is worth. I don't know if there's anybody be interested in buying it, but I will tell you that uh when I worked in Bandera,

091uh if you're familiar with Bandera, they had a horse racing venue there back in the '90s, and um anyway, it went belly up. And the school district bought it to build a new high school on, and that turned into a real big thing. Well, uh the powers be at the time, I was just a principal, uh central office to that property, and then later that became a lame duck and the district sold it. Okay? So, I've been through the central office move in, move out thing in my past, and so this is a nice luxury, but we don't have money for luxuries here. All right? So, more to come. Uh on the beta, well, a Moak Casey has a submitted to us and Sonia Brown and Moak Casey a moment ago, they work on Moak

092Casey as well. So, in your handout, there's this looking document here. It says Mo Casey on it. And I'm not going to go page by page. I'm just going to tell you that we're required through legislation to have an efficiency audit. The efficiency audit proposal from Mo Casey is $19,000, which is a lot of money. I've been asking around this weekend. I was told that was actually a pretty good price. So, I don't know what a good price is, but I was told by a reliable source that 19,000 was not a bad Mo Casey is a a very well-known uh group of advisors that advise from school finance to uh school accountability, academic. They're really well-respected and well-known amongst education uh folks. So, they do this. Um they have the former um last two people

093who've been in charge of school finance at TEA, um Leo Lopez and then Oscar Ayala, that now work for them. So, uh I'm going to have them set up to do a presentation at the June board meeting, so we can make a more informed decision on both Evader and also if we're interested in hiring Mo Casey is doing the efficiency study. The thing that I want to point out is we we can't cut enough out of our budget to get this district out of the situation. We have to raise revenue, and and Evader will do that. I've attached I'm not going to go into it. I've attached uh the former superintendent's payment disclosure form that we were required to submit to TEA on Friday last week. Uh Martinez came in and signed it, and we

094submitted that. Uh I just gave you the basic front pages. It was 84 pages long. It's three pages. Uh this was sent to us from our uh law firm, Walsh Pruitt. And so they got a copy of this as well and and I and Sarah worked on this and Sarah worked with the business office on getting this completed and submitted. Okay, as I previously have committed to the board, I've I've met with the Dean of Southwest Texas Junior College and then later uh with President uh Hector Gonzales. Um so Dr. Gonzales uh provided me a proposal which is in this packet right here. I mentioned it in my Friday update. Um basically um they'll offer all the dual credit courses that they can offer to us at no charge, [clears throat] regardless of students' income

095family income level. Um if there's a course that's offered at the university that the college can't uh provide us, then yes, we can go with other higher ed institutes. With that, uh the old loan $127,216, they're willing to wipe that slate clean, too. Um And in exchange, they're asking if they can use our facilities for two night classes. One of them we're already providing, which is in construction technology, and the other is a proposal [snorts] that I'll bring to the board next month, and it's for welding tech. These are night classes for adults that would be using our facilities. I did uh contact Dr. uh Gonzales and make sure the MOU stated that they would be responsible for any consumables that they might use at the district in like a welding class, welding rods, whatever.

096And also if anything gets damaged, they'd be responsible for fixing this as well. But it wouldn't >> Be done with that with the college? >> I'm wrapping up. Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> So um I'll be bringing that MOU to the board. What do you got, Ray? >> Uh any report that you send us in the following uh the week previous week I think that uh you went to uh Region 20. I don't know if Robert uh went also that you have talked to the commissioner or somebody there and that had that they got a asked you that question or asked a question but uh you were uh doing college something or charter schools and that they were upset about it. So I we supposed to charge or I mean there've been >> Well, what

097I can say is uh in Mr. Morath, our commissioner's presentation he was talking about just new legislation that's happened over the last session that uh schools could be qualifying for. And so in that he just asked you know, how many of you have you know I mean um dual credit classes. Well, everybody raises their hand. I know all school districts provide dual credit. Not everybody pays for their students. Some schools students have to pay for themselves, but anyhow when he said, "How many of you are having to pay for the classes?" I raised my hand and I think I was one of three people raised their hand. And so, he just pointed at me and he says, "I need to know who." And so, after the meeting, he pointed me to David Marks, one of

098his subordinates. I told him. But then, I I talked to Dr. Gonzales afterwards cuz I let him know, Dr. Gonzales know I had this conversation. I was curious what we owed money on and whatnot. And so, that's when Dr. Gonzales came in with his proposal on wiping that slate clean. I can't say why they charged or why they shouldn't have charged or who did what. All I know is I got this proposal and it was basically >> on this deal that you're making with the college, we won't have to pay or again, if this student I think that he mentioned something about it's called the FAST. >> Yes. >> I mean, supposedly with that, I mean, all economic kids should be getting uh the credit uh free. >> That's my understanding. Yes, sir. >> Well,

099I guess there's a misunderstanding. The way uh FAST works is a page for those who are economically disadvantaged. So, yes, about 75, maybe 80% of Crystal City might fall under that range, but we still got about 20 to 30% that don't. So, those students who do not qualify technically still have to pay. So, that's when the district comes in and pays. So, and that's where the CCMR comes in. That's why I've been keeping pushing for CCMR outcome bonuses to alleviate some of those costs. If we had done it 20 back in 2020, back in when I first came in, we would have been getting money $200,000, $300,000. That would alleviate those costs, plus we would have a surplus. But there's a misunderstanding and I think what they're working on right now with the men in

100the state, they're working on trying to get it where at zero cost, especially with books and and technical programs. But I mean it again, you know, it's [snorts] it's for low economic advantage students. That's how the fast started. It wasn't It wasn't supposed to pay for all the students. It was just for those who were economically disadvantaged. So, you know, if you have 10 students, of course they're going to pay You're still paying $55. So, there is a big cut. >> But the amount that we were paying, I mean, it was more than those kids that could not pay, right? Well, I'm not going to get into that, because I mean, he'll be looking into that with the >> Um what I can say is what Todd said is >> Can you put it in

101writing? >> There's going to be no charge for any student. >> But just this year or >> Well, I guess he didn't specify. I would assume it was now till >> Till >> whenever, but he didn't say that specifically, so I can't say that specifically. And he didn't say that specifically in his his letter. What I gave you in writing is what he gave me in writing. My assumption is I don't like to assume. He said this is something he wants to keep us actively involved with their their junior college. Now, I did ask if there was a course that they didn't offer that Sul Ross did offer, was there a problem? He said, "No, that would be fine." Okay, so wrapping up the superintendent's report. I know it's pretty lengthy. Um I I appreciate

102it That's just uh before along your report, you remember we had a discussion once on on the amount of money that our district invested in security. Uh that we uh we invested 1.5 million. >> Yes. >> And uh the the the state only reimburses uh 200 some thousand dollars. And uh uh I to find out why we only got that amount reimbursed. Uh and not the whole amount cuz that was the understanding. At least that's what when it got to us here, and before your time ends, uh it got here that there was the understanding that we'd get reimbursed. >> So Ray also asked me about that. I did look into that. >> All right. >> And why y'all didn't apply for the grant, I can't say, but y'all didn't apply for the grant. And

103that money is long gone. So we can't qualify for getting that grant money. There were two $250,000 or $500,000 grants. >> I know we got some money back. >> So I guess it's >> If you can get us if you can get us some information, I'd appreciate it. >> Well, I've already looked into it. That's what I'm saying, Victor. Point is is that that grant period's expired, so regardless if we get it it we won't get it. We can't apply for it anymore. It's gone. It passed. >> Just personal knowledge. >> And [clears throat] that's 3 years, 4 years ago. Okay, so [laughter] um I had inadvertently uh stated to the community in my town hall meeting that we owed HELOC $99,505. I made a a misinformed statement there. I thought that was for the

104track. >> No, that's an outstanding payment for the new synthetic turf on the football field. >> When I did talk to Hellas about this, you want to get that track done. That's $376,875. You have that in here. Um we don't have $376,000 for the track, but I would assume someday someone's going to say, "Why didn't we finish the track?" So, I just wanted to give y'all what it would cost. Right now, I'm sure in a year or two it'll be more than that to finish that track. >> And and let me ask you another question. Have we paid Hellas the rest the remainder or >> No. Still to owe. >> No. Uh what I have asked Hellas is if they would wait till October and then we'll we'll have next year's money in our hands

105where we and then if we could pay it out. And I've done that. We even owe our offer Juan Cruz quite a bit of money. We owe Region 20 $180,000. In fact, the reports here Robert gave it to y'all. We have over $1.1 million worth of unpaid bills. Okay. Um >> [clears throat] >> do have a few donation letters. Uh uh help sponsor our our kids go to Special Olympics. And so, in my understanding the board approves donations. I hope that y'all don't mind me on small donations like that on the fly where the kids are either going to stay at the house till the next board meeting or I approve them let them go. >> That's I approved it to let the kids >> that was part of bringing it to the board meeting.

106>> Right. >> I mean, if they're going to give it they can now so the kids So when I've been asked, you know, about donations, what I've what I've told sponsors here in the district as well as a few people in the community is write a formal letter saying this is what I'm donating and this is what I want it spent on and we'll see that it goes to that direction. If it's a large sum and it can wait, I'll bring it to the board, but if it's something on the fly, I think it's common sense. I'm going to go ahead and move on it with your understanding that it's for the kids or for the program, okay? All right, good. >> Just tell me and I'm going to go let us know so that

107we see one of them and they see the beautiful hair. >> Sure. Sure. >> Thank thank them for >> I think we're we're required to take action on that or I don't know prior to you, but if we can place on the next agenda just to take the action. >> And it is in your local policy, so I could do that if y'all are okay with post tense, I bring it to the board for approval just to have it approved. I mean, um I'll try to keep y'all informed as I get those in my Friday updates, things like that, and then we can just save them for uh a consent agenda agenda. It's a They might be post tense. That's my point. >> All right. Um Item 13 on this superintendent's report and audience, I

108apologize. It's long, I know. Um I'm going to be proposing as we move into this next uh this school year to a monthly payroll instead of bi-monthly payroll. For example, paying on the 25th of the month. This isn't an action item or anything right now. I just want to bring it to your attention so when we get there next month because there is a process that we have to go through in the business office with Region 20 to change our our payroll system and how it's set up to pay for monthly payroll. Uh I was telling Vince earlier this evening in my 41 years in education, every district, which has been five districts before Crystal City, it's always been a monthly payroll, not a bi-monthly payroll. Now, state employees are on a monthly payroll as

109well. Doesn't mean we have to do this. Just makes some efficiencies in our business office by not having to generate payroll twice a month. >> Yes. >> And people who live paycheck to paycheck still live paycheck to paycheck. It's their total income isn't going to change month to month. They just they'll get a check on the 25th of the month instead of on the 15th and the 25th of the month. Is there any strong feelings one way or the other on that? Okay, good. All right. Um, it's my understanding as we start looking towards the summer, um, the central office, and this has been standard in the last two school districts I've worked in, you go to four-day work weeks. They work four 10s. And Pat Friday's office, still getting the same number of hours

110out of everybody. So, they're working a five-day work week. They're just doing it over a course of four days. It's just a nice little perk for the central office staff to have a little bit of time to breathe, too. Uh, if that's okay with y'all. >> We've been doing it for the last couple of years. >> That's what I understood. So, we're probably going to move to that. Just FYI, that's in a few weeks. Um, item 15, uh, I think it's time next month at the next regular board meeting that we start turning the page on, uh, beginning the search for your permanent superintendent. I think it would be wise for the district to have the person that's going to sit in this seat with you all here when school starts or closely thereafter it

111would be my suggestion that we begin that process. I have made the offer that I'll assist in that. There's no extra charge on my end to do that. I've done it in Savannah. Um fairly straightforward work, but I can bring you timelines and and initial information at the June board meeting. So, for you know uh I'll I'll bring that and then y'all can make the final decision there. Um and lastly, I'll be out of the office this Friday. I I have a little medical procedure this Friday and then I'll have a follow-up doctor's appointment on June the 4th, so I'll be out of the office that day. And that's my superintendent's report. >> Mr. Brewton. >> Yes. >> I want to thank you for um making it a little bit more personal, going to the

112campuses. As you visit with the ones that will be terminated, I mean it's better than an email or something cold like that. I know it's very difficult. I but I appreciate it. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you for >> I really do. >> appreciate the compliment. >> On the >> [clears throat] >> on your item five, when you were talking about um you know, cuts and then as we fine-tune the pencil, possible, you know, a little bit more cuts during the summer. Right now, is there any idea of timeline of of when that may come? >> All right, so legally speaking on our contractual employees any any change in assignment or change in pay 45 days before the first day of instructions are cut off. So, it usually falls around the 1st of July, July 4th,

113somewhere around there. So, we'll have basically the month of June to make more decisions. Okay? But once we get into that 45th day, the employee can grieve their position. Now, this is only our professional staff that are on under Chapter 21 contracts. Our at-will employees again, they're at our will for employment, so we can make those decisions at any time throughout the 12 months of of the calendar year or the school year. >> Okay. Does anybody have any more questions or You have more surrender report or what? >> that's it. >> Those items six pending construction litigation. >> Oh, excuse you. I did fail to bring that up. My apologies. So I have a appointment with 60-something entities on July 2nd in San Antonio. So, Juan Cruz is representing Crystal City and then Bartlett and

114their whole string of sub contractors that did work at the high school. The the litigation is pending on the auditorium. Um That's the most god awful situation. I When it rains, it's full of water. I mean >> Well, I think it's more than the auditorium because the lawsuit the lawsuit is for $10 million. >> Yeah, and I I I won't pretend to know everything, Ray. All I know is we're meeting on the 2nd. And I'm the new person on the block, so uh Juan's going to be speaking on our behalf. I'll just be there in attendance. Now, I'm highly versed in school construction issues. I've been dealing with school construction for 20-plus years now, so I feel uh confident that I can speak to our our needs. It just uh My very very first day

115on job, I had Chief Rios take me on a tour of all the campuses and I wanted to know what was going on with that auditorium. I walked in there and the whole front end of the building inside is just full of standing water. You've got all these acoustic panels like you have in here and the fabric seats and everything they're just soaking up the humidity and then the smell of mildew in there. Plus you have bats, but that's that's not the issues. Building wasn't built correctly. And I didn't realize that the district had already settled with the architect cuz my first comment was this >> [cough and clears throat] >> is a civil engineer issue and a design issue. The general contractor builds the building the way it's designed. And and anyhow, uh Mr.

116Cruz has has educated me on the finer points of litigation, which I can't say I've gone through any litigation on behalf of a school district like this. So, uh but I have been around school construction and it's a beautiful facility. It's just a It's um it floods every time it rains. So, I'm sure it's full of water. You know, tongue in cheek, we'd be stocking catfish in there. >> Mr. Medina, is he also recommend that uh the three board members so you decide on them? >> I think uh he actually sent out an email. It's going to be us two. He's going in and he's sending the information as well. >> Fine. >> Okay. Now I'm through with my report. >> Okay. >> Uh just tell me if if this is uh not allowed, but

117uh I understood that uh that uh for we had those kind of contacts that uh our previous super was also on that 10 cuz uh the previous super was one of the directly involved together with Mr. Cruz and and and those kind of discussions. So, she that's what I understood one of the reasons why we did what we did in reference to pay. >> And I believe Mr. Cruz will involve engage this previous superintendent when needed. >> Okay. >> Um you know, he'll he'll advise us in that that instance. >> Okay. >> Now, I'm moving on to item six, [clears throat] consent action items. We have item six A, consideration of approved the minutes for board meetings held on April 13th and April 27th, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> I'll motion. >> Second.

118>> Uh discussion? >> Is only for the April 13th? >> Yeah, April 13th and April 27th, both. >> Uh sir, if I may I was on April 13th meeting, >> Yeah. >> but I was present for the 27th. And I would hate to uh abstain for one that I attended. So, I guess we have to take them individually. Uh >> Yes, this is our this were consent item. We can take them all together or if >> Oh, you you can if a if a if a trustee asks, it can be separated because there's some other issue other other things on the consent items that would require individual >> No, and I don't want to take all of them together. I know there's different items >> So, >> that will require additional discussion. >> asking that

119we separate the the the minutes. So, on the first one, April 13th, I'll be able to say I abstain. And I can then have my vote count on the April 27th one. >> Okay. Yeah, we can we can take that vote separate. It's the the motion to consider and approve the minutes >> Oh, well, we have to amend the >> We have to amend >> I'll go ahead and amend my motion and and we'll [clears throat] do it for the two motions for >> And the motion would be >> Just the >> Consideration or approve the minutes Consideration or approve the minutes for the board meetings held on April 13th, 2026. >> That'll be item A or 6A. >> Do I have a motion? >> It's a motion. >> Second. >> Um discussion. All in

120favor. >> For number 13. >> All against. >> I abstain, chair. >> For the 13th? >> That's why I was asking. >> For the 13th? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We're doing it for 27th. >> Yes. >> Chair, can you clarify that motion and what he's actually asking for the for the public? >> Yes, the motion's to separate or the what Mr. Bonilla was asking is to separate item 6A into two different motions for April 13th and then April 27th. And um since Mr. Bonilla was not here part of the April 13th meeting, um he wants to be able to abstain and not approve or not vote for or vote for one and not the other. Um so, that's the clarification. >> [snorts] >> Now, um do you have a motion to consider >> A

121motion to approve the minutes for the board meetings held on April 27th, 2026, which was a special board meeting. >> Second. >> Discussion. >> No discussion. >> All in favor. All opposed? Abstain cuz I wasn't here on the the meeting. A motion passes 6-0-1. Item 6C or item 6B, consideration to approve the monthly bills for April 2026. A motion to approve the monthly bills for April 2026. Second. All in favor? Or discussion, sorry. Sorry about that. No discussion. All in favor? All opposed? Motion passes 7-0. Now item 6C, uh consideration to approve the renewal of the lease for the building located on 805 East Crockett Street to Little Tykes Daycare and to authorize the superintendent to negotiate this lease. I second to approve the renewal of the lease for the building located at 805 805

122East Crockett Street for to the Little Tykes Daycare and to authorize the superintendent to negotiate the lease. Discussion? Sir, have they provided anything from the last I know we approved it last year. I don't know if they >> The The lease is in here and I was told it's >> the same. >> It's the same. >> Uh I I didn't verify that, but that's what >> I've been told. You got it. >> All in favor? >> Favor, a little bit helps. >> All opposed? Motion carries 7-0. Item 6D, consideration to approve a resolution designating investment officers. >> A motion. >> Uh >> Mr. Considine, I don't strike so funny. >> Yes, but uh sir, I don't >> So, motion second? >> Yes. >> I'm sorry. You just you all passed a a motion and correct

123me if I'm wrong uh to approve the lease. >> Yes. >> It's dated for April of 2025. >> It's It's to authorize the superintendent to negotiate the lease. Um what they submitted was the last year's. So, you'll be negotiating a new lease and would you present to the board again? >> I can. >> If it's Yeah, we can present to the >> I asked I asked uh this morning because I I thought it was what they told me. But uh discussions were made with the uh the people that were renting and I I think you all added a just a >> The last year's was here for us to reference and that's why >> Yeah. >> information that was last year's. >> Last year's lease, yes. >> So, I think it's been In other words,

124they're want to know they will grant me authority to negotiate a lease similar to the one that's >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> Yes. I think we're just We're What we are doing is giving Mr. Guerra the >> authority >> the authority to negotiate the lease. Let's talk about routine items as well. Move on to item 6D, consideration of approved resolution des- designating investment officers. I have a motion. >> A motion. >> Motion by Mr. Espinosa second. >> I'm going to second for the purpose of the discussion. Uh I know it says at least two of them, but uh it's my understanding that we don't have say chief financial officer. Uh we do have we do have a business manager. I don't know if we have an accountant. Uh so it comes down to to uh

125superintendent of schools and the business manager. Just wanted to point that out. >> Yes. I think we have an action item on that will recommend the persons uh uh or have been recommended. I'm not >> We're acting on that. >> That's what we're acting on right now. >> There is in the future uh >> That's why I pointed That's why I second it for purpose of Actually, I wanted to point that out that uh we don't per se have a chief financial officer. And uh I don't remember if we still have an accountant if we have that title. >> We do have a person with that title. >> Okay. >> So >> And uh >> the other one. >> All right. >> Yes. >> Roberta's business manager, so she would be the de facto the

126CFO. >> Okay. >> So motion discussion. All in favor? All opposed? >> All opposed. >> Mr. Nocera, did you vote? >> Yes. >> Mr. Are you >> Uh I'm going to abstain. >> Or. Or. >> All opposed. >> Mr. Russo. >> I'm going to abstain. >> Motion passes 6-0-1. Item 6E, consideration to approve the suspension of board policy DC local permitting the superintendent to temp permitting the superintendent temporary hiring authority from May 2026 to September 2026. >> A motion to approve the suspension of board policy DC local permitting the superintendent temporary hiring authority from May 2026 to September 2026. >> Second. >> Uh discussion, sir. >> Question. >> Is this the same one that we've been agreeing to before and with the previous superintendent where they were giving giving delegated authority? >> Slightly different. It

127says April to August and what I've asked for is May to September. So, it's a slight deviation. >> But y'all been doing this because it's been your policy. >> It's already in place. Because I'm getting here later and and hiring usually will go into September with just that deviation language. >> Point of clarification, Mr. Chair. >> Yes. >> You have uh the motion is to consider the suspension and the time frame changing it from from the April 1st to and August to the May to the September. >> Yes. >> Also contained within that policy is the final hiring authority for this board. And what it speaks to, it speaks to that time frame only for classroom teachers. Are you waving all employee hires to the superintendent? >> Is that the recommendation of the superintendent? >>

128It would be my recommendation for all professional hires cuz I already have authority to make uh at-will hires. So, yes. >> has more than just professional. That's why I'm clarifying because it is all then it's all >> So, we're looking at we're talking about uh certified teachers and at-will. Not all. >> Everybody. >> Basically. >> This uh >> administrators. >> Let me read. The superintendent has the sole authority to make recommendations to the board regarding the selection of personnel. The board retains final authority for the employment of contractual and non-contractual personnel. However, from April 1st to August 31st, the board delegates superintendent the final authority to employ classroom teachers. So, I'm just asking for clarification if the not only the time frame is changed, do they also include all personnel, contractual or non-contractual? >> Thank

129you, Dr. Anna, for pointing that out. Yes, that is my intent for all hires. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. If uh letting go of people also, um want that resignations once they resign, you can't stop a person unless they're within the 45 days before the first day of instruction, but I think the reason would that we did it is because I mean [clears throat] around that time, I mean uh there's a lot of people trying to uh uh find employment here or there or whatever, and the superintendent the the principals might recommend somebody, they have to wait till we have a board meeting. And by that time, well, La Pryor wants me right now or Carrizo wants me >> And it's uh it already reads that in the policy. That's written in the policy to hire

130teachers. What we're what the intent is to all hiring, you know, practices will be delegated to Mr. to the Mr. Girl, superintendent. >> I just want to be clear so that everyone understood that so that when he actually does this, that it's within the the the understanding of the board. >> That's right. And also, I mean even though he's having the authority, we stated that the principals would sit down with whoever apply and would submit uh their choice of person, and you would sign it based on the recommendation. We didn't have to wait for >> Correct. >> a meeting. principal. >> What I what I mentioned to the principals is to the degree possible interview they find someone they like to call my office and bring them over that day. I meet them, ask them

131a few questions. If I concur, then we offer them the job there on the spot. And this is what I'm I've been accustomed to doing and helps us get people hired where they're not getting a job offer like you said at Le Prior or Caddo or somewhere else or waiting for a board meeting. This could be an administrative position. I don't I'm anticipating an administrative position, but it could be a counselor, librarian, or anybody else for that matter. So, I appreciate you pointing that out, Dr. Reno. >> I'm Dr. Reno, would you recommend us making a our amending the motion to read that or >> I I don't think that it's necessary because you're asking to waive the policy, but it specifically only addresses the time frame. So, as long as the record shows that

132that the intention is to be inclusive of contractual and non-contractual and that you know that that's what you're voting on. Uh I think that that that would be acceptable. >> Can you Ms. Dallas, can you make sure that the minutes reflect all right. >> [snorts] >> I'll have a first and a second, discussion. All in favor? All opposed? Motion carries 7-0. Item 7A, discussion and action to approve the open to approve opening a deposit account with Prime Bank to facilitate the receipt of tax distributions. >> A motion to approve opening a a deposit account with Prime Bank to facilitate the receipt of tax distributions. >> Do you have a second? >> Second. >> Discussion? The any discussion? I guess my only clarification is that this is just to receive the the loan payments, right? This

133is not for any additional >> Uh we may if when it all goes through, we'll have to deposit our tax receipts there. That's part of the yeah, arrangement. Uh to secure the loan and prepare for the payment the upcoming payment. >> And it wouldn't be a problem. >> Is that going to be all the tax receipts or tax receipts up to a certain payback? >> the year >> Okay. >> this coming year >> Who? Kenneth >> So so discussion? >> What's going to happen to >> That would still That would still be our depository, correct? Zavala County Bank. Whenever we decide to to to cut payroll, we transfer money from here to the other. >> And they even offered to match the Lone Star Investment Pool rates if they for the funds that they do

134hold. >> Does that have anything to do Does that do anything to our Lone Star Investment Pool or or anything with Zavala County? >> match, so we shouldn't lose any. >> Okay. Any questions? Any other questions? >> I'm concerned about the the depositing of tax receipts. Um Uh I don't mind opening up one for their loan uh that they're going to give us to put the money there >> [clears throat] >> and to be able to take it out to pay bills or whatever. But uh >> [snorts] >> sounds to me that uh we are guaranteeing payments uh on that loan uh by depositing tax receipts to that account. And then uh but if I may how they'll be able to get them out and with I mean just automatic at a certain time. I

135know that's why I have a prepayment or something like that for the the the Brazos River Authority. >> And I and I think that's what a tax anticipatory note is. We're securing them with our our tax revenues. So, in order for us to secure that loan, that's part of the requirement. But, um as far as cutting payroll and everything, it'll be the same as we do now as we deposit from the Lone Star Investment Pool into Zavala County Bank. It'll be the same. The reason we deposit into the Lone Star Investment Pool is because it accrues a daily interest rate depending on the money that's in there. But, Prime Bank will go ahead and match the interest rate that the Lone Star Investment >> all that. I just >> But, as part of the agreement,

136there isn't any agreement or there isn't anything in the agreement that states that we have to open up for them to be our depository or anything like that. >> this written I think every couple of years. I I I just to be the same thing. Whatever Whatever we put in writing, we put things in writing. And then it specifies that. But, stipulation about tax receipts. Um since we could get the money, goes into our general fund, they we can dedicate some of the money over and maybe put it into that account. But, there has to be some kind of um >> Mr. Mr. Glass, can you explain a little bit more of how the depository works from whenever we receive funds from the tax tax entity? >> Currently, what we do with the president district

137takes our funds with the common district to our account and makes that deposit. It's a single deposit which includes the maintenance and operations and the debt service funds. In this case, we separate the funds. INS goes to to uh Lone Star Investment and MNO fund will deposit in the uh the holding account at Prime Bank. It'll sit there and generate revenue for us in this business with opposed to Star, which it was on that document. It secures your payment, makes them comfortable, and that's also a place where we'll be depositing the revenue or the proceeds from the loans that they will provide. >> Uh my concern rubber would be that uh uh If we If we deposit the first 1. something um or or much is it? How much is it or How much is

138the loan? >> 1.5 >> 4.5 All the way I mean cash the first tax receipts that we get are going to be put over there. Uh I mean it's like uh we're going to have to run our Besides uh the loan uh how we're going to run our business? Uh >> It operates the same way. And it's going to get deposited over there, but as soon as we need money, we do a wire transfer to >> If I put I'd I'd be more comfortable if it's put in writing specifically stating that and how it's going to work. >> We're in a little bit of a crunch right now. We scheduled up a payroll for Friday. We're in great anticipation that the bank will lend us the money by tomorrow or Wednesday. I'd really like not

139to hit them with or throw any obstacles in that direction. Currently, we're under the understanding they cannot provide us the proceeds on the account that we opened. We're looking at an emergency and after that, any details are in that document that you approved last week. Uh and they will not they will not get in the way of us conducting business as we've done in usual. It only has an an additional account with a hold on everything. It's a guarantee guarantee the end of the loan. Shouldn't have any problem. >> If I was loaning somebody 4.5, I would want to sure if there was cash to me. >> That loan is 4.5 million dollars. We are unsecured. It would be a gift to us this way. After that, proceeds will start to build up from the

140receipts and that's not until September. Those receipts go out to the bank. >> Uh [clears throat] Robert, uh appreciate the efforts that that you and our superintendent have put into this. And I'm not trying to put any grease into anything. It just says it is I personally feel like I really let down on my fiduciary duties to our our citizens. I don't want to make it any worse because this thing about should, could, would to me doesn't hold any more water. I I'd like to see it in writing that specifies those things for me. Uh uh But uh yeah, uh put it in writing, I see the problem. >> Is there any other discussions or anything? I mean, the way it's written now, I mean, we're going to you know, we're going to There's already

141been a motion and second to accept the way it's written now. >> Uh >> Any more discussions? I know that we got the we got the packet over a week ago and then we if we had questions, you know, in the policy you could ask questions throughout the week and send the emails in to superintendent and we could we could iron them out that way. Um so we'll be moving forward with the vote. All in favor? All opposed? >> I'll abstain. >> I'm opposed because I I've never heard anybody say we're going to put it in writing. Uh that's why >> Motion carries five one one. >> [clears throat] >> Motion carried. >> Yes, sir. >> On the consent item items on on the >> Yes. >> And that's the same thing that we have

142in page 64 of the agenda. Next one item. >> We made some changes, so the handout is the one that >> It's the same problem. I mean, we already approved it here in the consent. We don't have to approve it in 64. In page 64. So, it's the same thing. >> The one that was listed here was the one The one that's listed is different. >> I mean, it's the same thing. >> Well, we'll get there. >> But I think it's it it in this one, it's it's We have the people that are going to be recommended >> Yes. >> for for that position. >> Okay. >> Is that a revised version on your desk? >> Yes, that's right. >> This one's revised from what the consent action is, right? >> Right. >> Okay. >>

143[snorts] >> We'll go to item 7B. Discussion action to approve the 2026-2027 allotment and TEKS certification. Do you have a presentation or Do you have anything, Sarah? >> Huh? >> 7B. >> Yeah. Yeah, we can present before. I don't know if it's going to be a >> This is the annual certification that the board of trustees approved the verification of the 2026-2027 certification of provision of instructional materials survey. And this is the basically saying to to the state um that the local school systems are required to annually certify to the State Board of Education and TEA Commissioner that students have access to instructional materials covering all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills TEKS for all required subjects except for physical education. School school systems are required to certify that they protect against access to obscene or

144harmful content in compliance with the requirements for certification under the Children's Internet Protection Act. Uh we do this every year and this is for all the TEKS. Um RLA K-12, math K-12, social studies K-12, and science K-12, and uh again find the Children's Internet Protection Act. We do this every year. Okay. Asking that you approve the certif- the ratification of the 2026-2027 certification of provision of instructional materials today. >> Do you have a motion? >> I'll move. >> [clears throat] >> Second. >> Discussion? >> Any discussion? >> No questions. >> I have >> Yes. >> Second. >> Uh yes. Oh, Mr. Espinosa second it. >> How much second discussion? Does anybody have any questions? >> No. >> All in favor? All opposed? [clears throat] Mr. Espinosa, did you >> [laughter] >> Motion carries 7-0. >>

145[clears throat] >> What was the first thing? >> Item 7C. Discussion and action to approve a resolution to participate in a joint election with Zavala County to be held November 3rd, 2026. >> Motion. >> Do you have a motion? >> Second. >> Mr. Espinosa second. >> Second. >> Mr. Gabe. >> Mr. Espinosa second. >> Gabriel. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Discussion? >> No discussion. >> All in favor? All opposed? Motion carries 7-0. Item 7D, discussion and action to approve a contract for election services for the November 3rd, 2026 school board trustee election. >> Do you have a motion? >> Motion. >> Mr. Espinosa motion. Second. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> Mr. Espinosa. >> Discussion? >> Who's up for who election? >> Uh up for election, I believe, is Mr. Houston. >> Mr. Samaniego,

146Gabe. >> Oh, okay. >> Mr. Bonilla and Mr. Espinosa. >> Your favorite. Four-year [clears throat] term. >> Is that all the That's all the questions? No, no more questions? Um all in favor? All opposed? >> [clears throat] >> Mr. Martinez. >> Yes. >> Uh >> Motion carries all. >> All right. >> 7-0. >> Uh Mr. Carlos to find out when people can start filing for So, I've I've been asking you that way we can put in the newspaper or >> And it it's required to be posted on the website and all that information will be posted at the time. Um make a >> has to be on the website at what bill is it? >> What whatever I mean >> I believe the last day is sometime at the end of July. Not too sure.

147Yes. That's the last day. >> [laughter] >> Item 7F, discussion action regarding Senate Bill 546 on the three-point seat belts. Item one. What's that? Item 7E. Sorry, I was running ahead. Item 7E, discussion action to change the date of the June regular board meeting to June 1st, 2026. Motion. Do I hear a second? Second. Discussion. Mr. Gregory, you have a minute. >> Now we're moving it because of me, so >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> The time will be the same. I'll be gone on the eighth, so uh that's why we're moving it. >> The time The time in will still be same. >> Oh, everything will stay the same. Yes. >> 6E. >> So, who seconded the the motion? >> Um it was Mr. Mata. It was First by Mr. Sinosa and um second by

148Mr. Mata. All in favor? All opposed? A motion carries 7-0. Now item 7F, discussion action regarding Senate Bill 546 on the three-point seat belts. >> Mr. Martinez, members of the board and Superintendent Mr. Gregory provided a little presentation for y'all. With this resolution gives you a little bit of information on what we're speaking about here. Today we're going to be addressing the Senate Bill 546 which requires that all new buses have three-point seat belts on them for safety issues. Um before 2018, buses were exempt, but now after the legislation approved Senate Bill 546 and in 2025, it has expanded the requirements to include the entire fleet of our buses. All right, so I've provided in this document an audit of our current fleet and uh an estimated cost of what it's going to take to

149uh to be in compliance with this Senate Bill. Um some of the uh of course the improvement of the seat belts is going to be for safety. Um You did uh the padded seats are are uh are good for frontal collisions, but they're not good for side impacts or rollovers in case of a rollover. So that's where the seat belts come into play and make it lot safer for our students who are traveling in buses. Uh some of the added uh benefits are a calmer atmosphere because the students are tied down in the seats per se. Uh noise reduction and driver focus. The drivers get to focus on driving instead of what's going on behind them when students are walking around perhaps. Um We're getting to the financial challenge though. I'm already in the the

150next page with uh title financial challenge, right? So now we're faced with having to be in compliance by September 2029. So that's what we're faced with, right? All of the districts are currently facing this. Um currently right now our bus fleet we have uh that we currently using we have 17 buses we're using them anywhere from buses from the year 2005 all the way to 2024. Uh we're kind of staggered in in in the age of the buses, but they some of them are are getting up there in age. Um So we have to make a decision whether it's feasible to just improve the the buses that we have, the current fleet, or buy new buses. Then we got to compare the cost, right? And I provided some of those numbers here for y'all today.

151Um the current cost estimate of retrofitting a bus with three-point seat belts is anywhere between $7,000 and $10,000 right now as we're looking at these prices. Um So we have to find funding sources for it. See if we can put it in our budget. Of course, right now we're we're not in that in that uh we're not we're not in a house budget where we could do that right now. Uh grants we speak of grants right now, but there are no grants out there right now for this. Uh so we're hoping that in the near future the state will provide some financial uh assistance for this and perhaps open up some grants for us so that we can apply for. Um >> [clears throat] >> As I mentioned earlier, if if you look at your

152in your presentation, there is a a small chart that kind of gives you a little uh brief overview of our our status. And I know there's another spreadsheet in there, but this one's a little bit more simpler to understand. Currently right now we have five uh transit buses with four-point harnesses. Uh these are the the safety seats that have little booster seat for the smaller children. Uh what happens is that the the older children cannot use these seat belts. So eventually we probably have to install those three-point seat belts for the larger students or for the older students, right? Uh we're looking at four transit buses right now that have no belts whatsoever. Uh estimated cost is like I said, I mentioned $10,000 per bus. So we're looking at $90,000 right there alone to retrofit

153the buses. We do have eight buses on on the on the positive side, we do have eight buses that are uh they're compliant right now with the three-point harnesses. And they're 77-passenger buses, 71-passenger buses as well. So they hold a lot of children. We're We're currently sitting at 47% compliant. All right. And like I said, we're looking at about an estimated cost of $90,000 at a comparison of a bus a brand new bus is around $135,000 more or less to purchase a new one. So, you all can see that the benefit of just retrofitting our current fleet. Now, we do have four buses that are uh have mechanical issues in our current fleet. So, uh you know, we have to address that as well. See that they're you know, they're high up their needs. All

154right. So, uh today we wanted to stick to This is the first step in this process. Uh This information this resolution that you're about to take action on is due in the Sentinel portal the Sentinel TX portal by May 29th, which I will upload as soon as you all approve this you all approve this tonight. Uh I will enter all the information that is necessary including the estimated cost the the the audit that I have conducted. All that will be in there. I do want to give uh credit to the maintenance department for assisting me with this. Uh you know, cuz it's it is a lot of information to look at. So, I appreciate their assistance with this. Uh but that's the information I have and and I'll open it up to questions if you

155all have any questions for me. I'll answer them. >> For for this this is going to be We're going to be asking for a waiver to >> Yes, sir. This Yes, part of the decision today was will be uh whether we are in a good financial status to purchase this uh these upgrades or new buses either one. Of course, we know without a doubt that we're not. >> My question is like for our special ed kids it is mandatory, right? For this waiver. Will we have any any >> Yes, sir. >> For our We have enough buses right now to cover our special ed. >> And our students, yes, sir. We're We're good right now, sir, as far as especially as concerned. They They They are driving the newer buses. >> Mention also on mechanical

156problems. I mean, I know uh Mr. Hernandez is not here. Where Where are those buses going or or >> Uh those buses right now as far as for repairs, you mean? Or well, we're having a a company from Eagle Pass coming over to repair them as as needed. But, right now we're focusing on the on the buses that travel out of town for sure and repairing those first, but >> Is there a need one that we can hire hire here? >> Not that I know, sir. As far as my knowledge goes, so I'm not sure. >> We can look at that because there's there's a person I know that uh he's very good and he's willing to apply here in Crystal City at a very low rate to help us. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh

157maybe we can advertise a position. I mean, uh I think he came one day to look at the buses and he spoke with Albert Tico. >> Okay. >> He's way cheaper than [clears throat] the >> I can visit with Mr. Hernandez and see if he can >> Yeah, man. And then they Sometimes I feel like we went when we send them to like you guys and then what's happening with our our with our softball and baseball field, I mean, when we're having the problems of uh the leaks and everything, people from from Eagle Pass were coming and would fix [clears throat] the thing and a month later something something like And we got somebody here somebody that was in Crystal City. And uh they fixed them all and we haven't had any problems, so >>

158I understand, sir. >> So, you just for the notes. >> I mean, we can I think right now as Sir, way our budget is, I don't think we can be opening positions as as freely or anything, right? Um in terms of in terms of the um the funding last year the state did uh you know, they had a safety allotment that that came through as part of the legislation. I don't know if that type of money or that that allotment can or this can be fit into that allotment spending. >> From my understanding, sir, with all due respect, sir. >> I can speak to that. So, the commissioner actually spoke to us 2 weeks ago now about this. So, what uh Juan's got to upload into Sentinel is this resolution and and we also have

159to sign that we don't have the money >> Yeah. >> the buses with the three-point. So, the law goes into effect September of 2029. So, he's he's supposed to give the legislature cuz we'll have a legislative session next spring. He's supposed to address this to the legislators about how many school districts in the state of Texas can't meet the intent of the new law. And so, uh he he made it clear he couldn't promise that there was going to be funding, but he felt like that the legislators would be compassionate to hear how many school districts couldn't meet the intent of the law without undue hardship financially. So, I would speculate based on what the commissioner said that there'll be some kind of a funding or grant or something to apply for. So, you all

160need to kind of keep that in mind as we're in this time of the year next year, May of 28 or 27 I should say, because they'll be winding down the session and we should know or be hearing something to that effect. We just don't want to miss funding like maybe was missed on the school safety allotment money. >> Hopefully we'll cross >> a question oh I have a question [clears throat] about uh I passed by the the the the bus barn is a regularly and I I was wondering You mentioned a total of 17. That's all the buses we have there? We have more >> No, there's plenty more but those are the ones in the back row are deemed uh uh uh on on the buses anymore. >> maybe a a source of

161revenue. >> So I talked to Tico about that uh specifically cuz I went with the walk around with him and I said, "You know, what about all these old buses back here?" And he says basically they were junk. And I said, "Well, then we need to declare them surplus to the board so we can get rid of them." And uh he said he does from time to time get some of these larger game ranches come by wanting them cuz they would turn them into like apartments or something for hunters. And I said, "Well, then let's get this to the board." >> Yeah. >> You know, if they're not doing any good for us, let's get them out of our inventory and if you know, nothing else down in Sabinal, we we'd haul them into San

162Antonio with a tow truck and we'd just sell them for scrap steel at a pick and pull place. But either way, you know, getting them out of our inventory and even if we don't make a bunch of money, if we can just get them out of there cuz they're eyesores. >> Let's put it on our next agenda for our next meeting. >> We can do that. We can do. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> I'm going to move for it though. There is a pick and pull that just opened in the prior. We did call them and they're willing to come pick up the buses. >> Oh, that's good, Mr. President. >> So they don't have to even haul them. We don't have to drain the the fluids. >> We just All we have to

163do is declare them surplus material for the board. Is there anything we can look into with Right now we'll just get back to the Any other questions regarding the three-point seat belts? >> I was just curious. So, back to student behavior, do do these seat belt installments will they have like a like a notification system if they're not >> No, no, sir. No, they're all manual, sir. So, they don't have any type of digital interface. No, sir. All right. Any further questions? I appreciate your time. >> You have a motion? Mr. Mr. Espinosa. >> Second. >> Uh but what is the what is the actual motion? What are we going to adopt? >> What is >> What's the What's the action item or is discussion action regarding Senate Bill 546 on three-point seat belts? >>

164All right. What's the action? >> What's that? Page 123 has a recommendation. >> Mr. Gallegos, can you read the recommendation or what's the recommendation of the district? >> Clarify financial hardship. >> 123. >> Yes, that would be my recommendation. >> Can you read it for the record, sir? >> You read it out. That the Board of Trustees approve a resolution regarding Senate Bill 546 claiming financial hardship and temporary exemption from 546 compliance. >> You have a motion? Mr. Motion. Second. >> I'll second it. >> And by Mr. Espinosa. Discussion. >> [clears throat] >> All in favor. All opposed. Motion carries 7-0. This time the Board of Trustees will consider item eight close session. Uh we'll meet in close session as authorized by Texas government code chapter 551 and the open meetings act. >> 8:32