001I pledge >> allegiance. >> Oh heavenly father, come to you in prayer thanking me Lord for this wonderful day that thou has given us father. Uh this afternoon, Father, we ask for your presence, Father, as we gather, Lord, to conduct this schoolboard meeting, Father, and let us make the wise decisions, Lord, according to the message of the community, Father, and visionary staff. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> M. Do we have any public audience? No public audience. Okay. At this time, we go to A4 for the board minutes, special board meeting, November 21st, 2025. I make a motion to approve special meeting November 21st. >> Motion by Martinez. >> Second by favor say I. I. All I can say nay. Motion passes. At this time we go to B1 district report. Morn. >> Good
002evening Mr. Board President, members of the board community members. Going to start with the calendars. We're going to be providing monthly calendars so that way you can see all of the different activities that we have districtwide per campus. Um I believe Marisol left it there for the month of December. Then we'll give you one for dinner and so on throughout the year. Uh in case you want to go to the games, in case you want to visit our school events, you have the calendar. Last week I had the opportunity to uh start the breakfast with the soup. I was able to meet with uh the student council uh of every campus and I was able to get feedback and I wanted for them to give us input as to uh what is it important for
003them and and what type of services we can provide uh to better our quality of education. Uh our little ones were very very honest uh with the answers. Started talking to them about the music, what type of music they liked and they told me that it was junior age and maristra. They're first graders. [laughter] you know, some of them like the classical music, uh, soft rock, etc. Uh, but also, uh, they were able to tell me their concerns. Um, at the high school and DTMS, I can tell you that we need to work on the restrooms, uh, during the break. We're going to make sure that doors lock uh, that there no gaps uh, so students feel comfortable going into the restrooms. Uh, they also talk about after school activities, uh, such as creating a
004gaming club. Uh and it was very interesting to hear that a lot of students were like sir we we want to stay after school and and play games. Uh so I'll be meeting with the principles gathering all that information and we'll continue with the breakfast with the soup throughout the year meeting with teachers custodians maintenance and transportation uh the seniors I want to meet with the seniors as well uh and I'll keep you posted on that but it was very very good. Also we want to invite the community uh teachers and staff and also the board members be part of our Christmas parade. It'll take place on December 17th starting at 6 o'clock. If you know anyone that wants to participate as part of the parade, uh please uh send them to Marisol. She's creating
005the list for the parade. Again, we will have the Christmas parade in our community on December 17 starting at 6 o'clock. I was able to talk to Dr. Tarina from uh TASBY uh because I received some information on trainings and and and I want to share this with you. Let me pass it on. Today we're going to we're going to have the team of eight training. However, I know that uh the board has been very interested in uh getting leadership trainings and this one is one that I think is going to be good for our board as we continue with our staff development. Uh it is called the Texas school board self assessment tool. The value of this training is uh a,500, but Dr. Tarina likes your superintendent a lot, so he's going to charge
006us $300. Once we're ready, it's it's pretty good. U the information is there. If you have any questions throughout the week, let me know. Uh once we are done with a team of eight training, we're going to be uh structuring more trainings for the board. We will be out for a Christmas holiday starting December 22nd all the way to January 2nd. Teachers and staff are coming back on the 5th. We're going to have staff development the 5th and the 6th and our students will come back on January 7th. Uh we will be providing the information to the community through Facebook as well. We are going to apply to uh the electric bus grant. In fact, Mr. Ernnandez already sent some of the information. We're just waiting for the application to open. Up to now, after
007a conversation, up to now, we have four buses that may qualify. I think they are from what 2002, 2000, 2003, 2004. Uh so, if we get the grant, we're going to be able to replace those four buses with electric uh ones. So, as soon as the application opens, we'll apply and I'll keep you posted on that. Also, administration is planning to provide an anonymous staff survey um within the next two weeks. We want to analyze the culture of the campus and and and uh the district. As soon as we uh execute this initiative, we'll get the results and and bring it to you. Uh the reason why we wanted we wanted to do it anonymous is we want for the teachers and staff to feel comfortable and we want for them to be honest about
008the answers. Again, as soon as we get the results, we'll present it to the board. >> Mr. Coronado. >> Yes, ma'am. >> On the buses. So, we're going to replace four. How many regular gas? I was like for the awake. >> Yes, [laughter] we have 13. >> Sir, I'm Mr. Corona. the administration like you're going to do a survey for the whole >> for the whole district focusing on questions on on the campus culture and also the districtwide question. >> And how are they going to is it a technology survey? >> It is it is through it is through Google. Uh they'll get the email, they'll just click on it and and they'll answer the question. Uh again, it's going to be anonymous. >> We won't know who's answering. >> You're not going to collect?
009>> No, we're not going to collect email. >> And is is there like going to be a deadline? >> Yes. Yes, we're going to set up a a deadline, a meeting with the principles this week just to finalize it. Uh I want their input as well and then we'll send it to uh all the employees that's required. >> I think you should provide some format and Spanish and >> that's a very a very good point like for the custodians. Yes, >> people that are afraid of technology, we'll have that. Thank you very much. That's a good idea. >> Also, we're in the process of creating uh parent and staff committees. Uh I know that we are going through a transitional period especially at the high school. We want to get uh the parents involved as
010well uh as to what type of action plans we need districtwide for certain things. Uh as soon as we get the names of the parents and also you guys are invited to be part of those committees as well as board members, uh I'll let you know. we we we'll create some and uh as we're moving forward with our strategic planning uh parents are going to be uh key component of that plan as well. We contacted a construction company uh because as you know we're planning to have different projects and this company was part of the last uh board training that you guys had. I believe it was in Dallas, right? >> Was Dallas at one Houston. >> It was Houston. So, this was one of the companies that was part of that uh >> staff
011development training limpaz. Since part of the plan is to remodel the farm, uh we we wanted just to see more or less how much it would be uh to redo our farm. Uh we contacted them. They they said that they're not uh working with that type of project. Um if the board decides to enclose the gym, then we would contact them as well because we're going to need engineers. But just so you know, we contact this company uh and he was part of that Houston training that uh we attended. And also during the Houston training, there was uh this company that was providing information on uh the LED signs. I think that would be a good idea for the district to have one screen outside with with our information. Uh we're going to get prices
012and we're going to meet with other ones. Again, right now, this is just a a plan phase. If we get the funds, then I'll let you know, but I want you to have the information. >> Have we ever voted on fixing the one that we have on the And then you would assign somebody, right, to keep up with it because like with that one it was >> Yes, I was going to say that that one is already uh very old. So it would cost more to try to fix it because the the parts are are very old. Uh again, this is just a planning part as we move forward. This is going to be something that we'll present to you in case the board is interested in adding a sign uh out there for our
013community. >> Or do they offer like insurance? >> Yes, they do. Uh this is just one company. Juan is going to have a meeting with two other companies just to see more or less how much it would be and then we'll bring it uh to you. >> Will we ever will we ever put uh some for the elementary and the early childhood? I know I would submit I don't know how many post. >> Yes. Uh depending on the cost. So I know you were waiting for this. Let me present it to you. So, what I'm about to present to you is a plan to start our projects without having to tap into the fund balance at once. Uh, I think I explained to you last time that uh we would uh take the route of
014borrowing money uh at a specific APR and then move forward with the charter bus and also uh the roof, the farm, uh the auditorium, the enclosed gym. So Juan was able to meet with our financial advisors. So I'm going to pass it on to him so he can explain to you the plan. First option you have this for 400 500,000 for just for the activity bus sevenyear note right now the average uh rates 4 you have a it will be for seven years have a payment plan for principles also this 2.5 million is just an estimate get some numbers But at the end when we actually go out for for the note will be we have an exact amount. I don't think we going any uh work on that budget and that will be for
01515 years also on a 4.25. Basically what they do is they go out to banks they see the rate right now in the market you do better bank loan start you do better than that >> so the fixed rate we do prove it could even go low >> yes so yes that's illustrate right >> this way we don't have fun balance all and we don't have to get a bond what we going to use for the tax. >> I like this option. >> Yes. So, so let's say you decide we're ready to move uh and let's buy the charter bus. We would pay $70,000 on a yearly basis instead of just putting the $500,000 at one. Uh this would help manage our fund balance better. Uh for the other projects, I think last time when
016we met, we decided that we had certain priorities. the farm was one, the enclosed gym, uh the AC at at the auditorium, um >> the roofs as well. So, so we put the $2.5 million and we would uh invest $125,000 year one, then $130,000 year two, 135,000 year three. So instead of getting the $2.5 million out of our $ 8.5 million that we have in the fund balance, that would give us an opportunity to fix our priorities and not tap into the fund balance at once. >> I like >> it'll take about month and a half, two months. If we decide to move forward with this, you let me know. I can present it to you in a formal manner. We'll bring the financial advisors in the January meeting and we can start forward. we
017can move forward. Um, as uh I presented to you, if we decide to buy the bus, it'll take about 10 months to get it. We we have to order it. They're going to have to customize it and then they'll send it to us. So, if if you feel that we're ready, can probably bring it to the table in January so we can move forward. >> Any questions? >> Perfect. the interest rate is pretty low inflation >> and and if you decide to move forward, we'll try to minimize it as much. >> So, it's going to be two months for the FFA. I mean, >> so if by January we say let's move forward. >> I'm just trying to figure out because I think stock show ends in January, February and March. It'll be March. >>
018That's fine because by the time we need to get the money for So by the time we get the money. >> Yeah. But then if you're bringing it down and then we need to put the animals back in there in June, I believe July, where are we? >> Yeah. But the but the project that I mean the FF project I think we should take at least two months, right? Oh, you me the farm. Yeah, it'll be it'll be in between two or three months again because we have a electrical cords going on. So, it's not about just taking it off and putting it. We have to work on the electric blanks as well. Uh once we create a resolution to go forward with with the money >> can also bring to the table the u
019actual specs for the farms or the specs for then a timeline. Uh so that way you you have a a better perspective on the enclosed gym. We would have to go out for RFQS uh to get an engineer because that one we're going to need an engineer to get us the specs uh for the farm. We're ready. We're ready because the line the electric electrical lines are there ready. It's just a matter of rerouting the cables. one of the board members from have a real nice setup. I'll get to you. >> Perfect. I I'll go visit over there. Yes, that's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. >> At this time, we'll go to item B2 and Mr. Jacob How with the leadership training presentation. >> This is something that we've been discussing
020with the board, you know, bringing more quality trainings when it comes to leadership and and uh we have Mr. Jacob How here who will be presenting to you what he has as part of the uh leadership training. Thank you for being here sir. >> Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Can I approach the bench? Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, honorable board members of Progresso. It's uh great great to be back, a proud graduate of Progresso High School. Been about 30 years, believe it or not, like it was yesterday. Sounds like you guys are doing a lot of amazing things. I kind of keep up on social media. Red ants, lot of positive great things going on in the community district. Well, so with that being said, sounds like superintendent is doing a great job as well.
021Just to kind of just adds to that, I would like to just start off with with a question as well with what if your board would increase student performance, boost staff engagement, and rebuild trust starting today. Not that you're not doing that, but we could always improve, make big improvements. you can position your team or your ISD organization to win. We look at the data uh or what tells us as far as Harvard Graduate School of Education Center of Emotional Intelligence align school boards working together which I see that you all are doing a great job. You guys have to see yourself as a heads of think of the school district as a organization. 30% higher student performance. And look at that. If you can make 30% higher student performance, staff engagement increase by 40%.
022That's your human capital. Community trust, community progress, 20% improvement. Would you be good for that? Would you position your team to win? I would say yes. These are great quality things to do. Qualitative insights metrics are critical for educational success. I'm a administrator at a neighboring district certified superintendent. So I know the challenges as well to that as far as education the hurdles that small districts and districts across the valley are dealing with. I've worked with region one done presentations at your state regional conferences or region 16 as well Houston ISD and some of the issues that not only progresso may or may not be having issues with but everyone is for example the culture increasing that that's always a plus drop in students attendance ADA pay your water. So, those are just things to
023look at. But when we're thinking about leadership, that's always a plus. And I have here a leadership and cultural development one, two, three, three plan. So, you look at number one is number one is assess and align. We would review strength barriers and opportunities, clarify boards and superintendent roles. And how we would do this that would help you all as a team build and create a framework that will drive high impact actions in a structured measurable approach and build a culture of trust and accountability. Some of the things that you guys were talking about, I think they're great. This is all for student and district need. Uh the number two strategic organization for optimistic. Uh we would do this with the SPO with performance optimization and this is done by apply the win analysis to
024identify high impact actions uh to plan midterm initiative and measurable outcomes and align decisions with longterm district goals and student success. You all were talking about the buses, uh the signs, all that is the is a mission and vision you guys are creating. That's good. Uh some of those things uh we would talk about is one of the books that I have. It's 99 problems for teaching student one. Some of that plan, some of those things that talking about are laid out in this book. uh with this leadership training, I would simplify it, go over it with you in a session or two uh or as many times as guys would like. Uh again, I've worked done trainings with region one, region 16, Houston, United States. Uh I've worked with the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
025Um and I know Mr. we had shared some people that acquaintances u Mr. Ramos. Uh so my background speaks for itself. I'm uh I'm like I said I'm proud of the school district that Progresso is becoming. Y'all have grown tremendously and the future that you guys can lay out for the future generation is is going to be tremendous. and and I'm glad to see the the board working together for the community for the needs of of the children. And lastly, uh these cultural and leadership trainings, we would do uh impact and sustain. How we would do this? We would build a unified high performance uh board. talk about why it's important to have that with some activities obviously uh strengthening governance culture and communication and deliver visible wins that empower staff students community of progressive
026again aligned boards are measurable improvements in student performance staff engagement and community trust within the first year. So within the first year alone, you will see some of these things within a session or two. I could you you will get to see what the power and actionable impact you as a board have. You can position a progressive now that you're again now that you're not doing that you're doing great things could always add on could always improve these things and Is there any questions? I made it short and sweet. Uh I don't know if you guys have ever done a SWAT analysis. I think that would be step one. There's different things that we would do of some of these training. And again, they're hands-on, they're active. I always put myself where how would I
027like to train? We all learn differently, but I'm more of a hands-on guy. Of course, you get u information. I will be there to answer questions. Again, hands-on active approach. I'm an active guy and I think I u nobody likes to just sit there, listen, and information, ask questions, be involved, and of course, we all want to see results for the great students. Any questions? Any questions, ladies and gentlemen? Sure. Appreciate it, man. >> Thank you. God bless you. God bless you. [clears throat] >> At this time, we have one cast dispersion at this time, Mr. L. For the month of November, total cash dispersment were $570, $216 with 11. >> We have any questions from Mr. on cash dispersements. If you have any questions on any checks, please let them know. >> No, hold
028on. >> I had a question. They they did charge $400, but what did they do for the $400? >> Oh, was to fix the uh gates >> On the football stadium, right? It was >> Yeah, this. >> Yeah, >> the two Yeah. Uh the one next to the home side, next to the concession stand and then at the beginning or they >> they they redo the Oh, okay. >> There there wasn't an accident like a month ago there. >> There was an accident that we had to cut up the chainer. Did they fix that? >> Yes. >> And then for low menucation is it at the secondary level or is it break? Can I the bottom >> Middle school. >> Yes. >> The legal services,000. That's like for how many months or >> October? September
029and October. >> Well, October and September. >> October is the 6,000 and September is the >> So every time attorney. We get charged. [laughter] >> This is for September and October. No, I think we had just mentioned last time like for all the turf payments, would you be able to just give us um that list because I know I see we see them in all of these but like to put them all together because I already lost track >> for for all the what? Sorry, >> the chair the payments for the track. >> Okay, you want listing over the payments? So what we >> don't have like >> Yeah, remember it was it was postponed. >> So we had to pay the >> we had to pay the what was it? >> It was not
030approved. Remember it was approved one first. The second month we approved the retaining >> this show. >> And they're going to like this Friday. >> Oh, okay. >> You know what I'm talking about? Friday and they were looking at them and they handle a better price for everything. I think >> there's no extension. >> But I mean, >> yeah, it's a thing right now. >> But then you and then if we go with like It's it's a way of like at the end of >> any other question with the test. >> All right. At this time we got to invest report in this Total investment for current earnings for the month is $30,479 which bring the total investment to 9. All right. Those required questions. >> I make a motion to approve the investment report.
031>> Motion made by Mrs. Martinez. Second by Mr. Cost say I name. Motion passes. assistant we have the tax collection total collection today is 69,574 total levy is 4.5 4.5 million compared to last year we uh collect last year we collected 10.5 as of right now and right now we collect so we're doing good >> it requires more approval >> I make a motion to approve Tax collection >> motion by mine second. >> All right. Motion pass. Do we have a budget update? >> Uh revenues received as of today 6.3 million total expenditures 4 million incumbances 1.5 any question of the budget update go to G1 for the record. Um Mr. Mr. Pettis is here. >> Good evening. >> Oh, at this time we have G1. Do we uh we go with the school board
032team of eight training or we just we just you want to go to executive? >> You want to do executive? All right, >> let's do that. All right, ladies and gentlemen, 6:32 and we go to executive session.