001At Sherryland ISD, our schools are more than buildings. They're the foundation where students learn, grow, and begin to shape their future. This May, voters will be considering a $250 million bond package made up of three propositions that will address facilities, safety, security, and modernizing the learning spaces for all of our students and staff in the district. Proposition A includes $208.5 million in projects across the district. Some existing spaces would be renovated to support student programs and activities. From academics to athletics, these updates would create flexible, multi-use facilities to meet the needs of students. At the elementary campus specifically, plans include gym upgrades, playground improvements, and enhanced access points with a focus on safety and security. At the junior high level, proposed updates include modernized classroom, collaborative learning spaces, and improved cafeteria areas. As you know,
002SA3 is expanding to serve students at both Sherrilyn High School and Pioneer High School. Proposed updates to the SA3 program would support career and technical education pathways, including specialized learning labs. At the high school, the proposal includes expanded collaborative learning spaces along with enhancements to our fine arts program along with the renovations at Sherryland High School's main building, the auditorium, additional classrooms and a new cafeteria. Proposition B includes $6.5 million for updated technology devices for our students and staff across the district, supporting continued access to instructional tools using our district's Untethered Device Initiative. Proposition C includes a $35 million aquatic center designed to support student programs and competitions. Currently, the district utilizes facilities through agreements with neighboring school districts and the City of Mission, as Sheridan ISD does not have an approved competition pool of
003its own. Large-scale facility improvements require a voter approval through a bond. This type of funding allows districts to address long-term facility needs that aren't covered by the regular operating budget. The projects in this proposal were identified through a community planning process that included input from parents, students, staff, and residents, growing from about 100 to more than 450 participants. Early voting begins April 20th and continues through April 28th. Election day is Saturday, May the 2nd. We encourage our community to stay informed and to participate in the voting process. Good evening. Good evening. It is 6.02. I call this meeting of the Shred On Independent School District to order. Let the record show that a quorum of board members is present and that this meeting has been duly called and that notice of this meeting has been
004posted in accordance with Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. Board members that are present today forming a quorum are David Key, Hector Rivera, Andrew Riddle, and myself, Marita Benessia. Next, we will be having the invocation by Mr. Andrew Riddle, and if you could remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance by members of student councils for both Pioneer and Sherrilyn High School. Almighty God, we come together for the good of the children in our schools. Give us your wisdom as we make these decisions that will affect them today and in the years to come. Help us to work well together, recognizing that each of us students, parents, educators, and community members are here because we love the children and we want what's best for them. We ask for your blessing and your guidance.
005In your name we pray, amen. Please stand and kindly remove all headgear as we honor our nation with the Pledge of Allegiance and followed by the Texas Pledge. Good evening, Superintendent Dr. Howard, Madam President Venencia, esteemed board members, and members of our community. It is an honor to be here representing our campuses. Good evening. My name is Gabriel Rodriguez. And my name is Victor Chopa. And we are juniors at Sherrilyn Pioneer High School. And I'm Layla Gill. I'm Robert Garcia. And we're current sophomores at Sherrilyn High School. We are proud to represent our fellow students this evening. Your leadership and commitment continue to create meaningful opportunities for us to learn, grow, and prepare for our future. Thank you for your continued support for our students across our district. Please join us for the Pledge of
006Allegiance followed by the Texas Pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Now for the Texas Pledge. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state, under God, one and indivisible. Thank you. Thank you. You may be seated. Okay, for the record, Julio Cerda, Rev. 604. We're going to go ahead and move up public comment before the commendations. So I know we've got It looks like two speakers and I will just be reading I'll be reading a few rules before we get the public comment started. Audience participation at a board meeting is limited to the portion of the meeting designated for that purpose. At all other times during
007the board meeting, the audience shall not enter into discussion or debate on matters being considered by the board unless recognized by the presiding officer. No public comment presentation shall exceed more than five minutes. Any disruptive behavior by any member of the audience or speaker may result in the audience member or speaker's removal from the meeting. Please be mindful of using names or personally identifiable information as there is no immunity from defamatory comments while participating in public comments. Pursuant to the Texas Open Meeting Act, the board trustees may not deliberate on any comment made by a member in the public on a subject that is not included on the agenda posted with notice of this meeting. As per the Texas Attorney General, the scope of the board discussion for a subject not part of the meeting
008agenda is limited to only a proposal by a board member to place the subject on a future board agenda. Specific specific factual information or recitation of existing policy may not be furnished in response to inquiries But the board shall not deliberate or decide regarding any subject that is not included on the agenda posted with notice of this meeting So first I'm going to call up For the first public comment is mr. Isaac Peters up Mr. Peters, I give you could state your name and address Isaac Petersack, 2202 East 8th Street in Mission 78572. Ready? We're ready. Well, I didn't know there were going to be so many students here, so this really applies. Good evening, Madam President, members of the board, and Dr. Howard. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm here to
009support Proposition B and the proposed $6.5 million technology bond. I also want to begin by saying that I support the bond as a whole. Our district facilities and resources require ongoing attention, and these investments are necessary to maintain safe learning environments for all our students. As a Sherryland parent and an educator of 26 years in the classroom, I have witnessed tremendous change in how we teach and how our students learn. When I started teaching, we still used overhead acetates, the overhead projectors. So I don't know if you're around my age, we have the ditto machines where you could still smell that alcohol. Technology has changed so much in just my career that we need to really start implementing these continued investments into our students' future. Technology is no longer a supplement of instruction. It is
010central to it. Right now, however, many tools we rely on are outdated. We have Chromebooks that are no longer reliable. I see students duct taping their Chromebooks together. Keys are missing. iPads that can't even be updated with the current software. And teachers' computers are five, six years old. They struggle to even run Windows 11 without glitching and needing constant power just to work. If not, they reboot. These aren't minor inconveniences. They directly impact instruction and learning time. Proposition B, those $6.5 million are going to address these issues by providing updated devices for both students and teachers. This is critical. Our students are required to take secured lockdown exams with Google Forms nowadays. They must have reliable resources to do so, reliable Chromebooks. Beyond testing, they also need equal access to technology for college-level courses, research,
011and everyday learning. We have students in dual-credit programs and taking college courses with STC. and they need to use Honorlock. They need reliable resources to be able to take those quizzes and assessments. Equity matters. When students don't have consistent working technology, they're at a disadvantage. Additionally, modern instructional tools, such as interactive TV panels and LED projectors, they're no longer luxuries. They enhance engagement, improve clarity of instruction, and allow our teachers to deliver the content in ways that meet the needs of our students today. These tools help bring lessons to life. They encourage participation, collaboration, and make learning more accessible to all students. The reality is that we... The reality is, what we may have once considered extras in our education, they're now essential. Technology is embedded in nearly every aspect of how we prepare our
012students for the future, whether it's a path through college, a workforce, or the military. Simply put, these no longer are wants, they're needs. And if we're serious about preparing our students, as I can see so many of you parents here are today, We need to prepare them for the future to really be able to enhance their learning now so they're prepared for the future. Then we must ensure that they have the tools to be ready. I respectfully ask for your continued support in Proposition B and that the investments that we make into our students continue with the technology implementations that this proposition offers. And thank you very much and I encourage all of you to go vote. Thank you, Mr. Petersock. Next, Caleb Swearengen. Mr. Swearingen, if you could just state your name and address
013for the record, please. Caleb Swearingen, 909 North 50th Street, McAllen, Texas, 78501. Perfect. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Caleb Swearingen. My wife and I are proud Sherrilyn parents to four children. Two at Martinez Elementary, one at Beale Gray, and one at Sherrilyn High. We are so grateful for the experiences that Sherrilyn has given, not just to our children, but to all the children of Sherrilyn. Coding in Robotics Club, winning multiple UIL Academic District Championships, performing at the UIL State Marching Contest, developing a love of reading through the Battle of the Books, learning to play the ukulele. Performing at a play, growing in discipline and teamwork through sports like volleyball, basketball, water polo, and swimming. Sherrilyn's tradition of excellence does not just happen by accident. It takes remarkable teachers, hard-working coaches, selfless directors, and
014humble leaders. It takes parents dropping off and picking up. It takes grandparents and neighbors and community members cheering on the sidelines. The bottom line is it takes all of us, a community, a team. A family who comes together and pulls their resources, their time, their efforts, their energy, and yes, their money for the betterment of all. I'm here to encourage everyone in our Sherrilyn community to vote yes for our kids for all three propositions, A, B, and C. Imagine students from all eight elementary schools growing strong bodies in brand new covered gymnasiums and playgrounds. Imagine our chess teams developing strong minds in modern classrooms. Imagine our B.O. great jazz band who played so beautifully tonight and our pioneer choir and our award-winning high school bands at both high schools, our mariachi stirring our souls in
015a brand new auditorium. Imagine second graders learning to swim as part of the Sherryland curriculum at an aquatic center that will become the envy of many districts in the Rio Grande Valley. Imagine what our already incredibly successful Sherryland ISD swim teams and water polo teams would be able to accomplish with that kind of facility. We can do this. We must do this. This is the gift of public schools. Each individual doing his or her small part so that all of our children can have the opportunity to pursue what is good, what is beautiful, and what is true. Let's each do yes, it's a small part, but let's each do our small individual part by voting yes for all three propositions a B and C Let's make an investment in our kids future as so many
016generous sherry sherry landers have done before us. This is our time Thank you. Thank you so much for that. Okay, we will now move on to item number five Which is Sheridan student spotlight celebrating our shining stars miss Nancy Hello, good evening, Madam President Venecia, Superintendent Dr. Howard, and esteemed Board of Trustees, as well as our distinguished guest. Tonight, we have an opportunity to hear directly from our students through two powerful features that reflect the heart of Sherryland ISD. So we are spotlighting students this evening, but just in a little bit different way. Our first video, One Team, One Goal, One Sherryland ISD, highlights the unity, collaboration, and shared commitment that drive our district forward in service of everyone. every single student. Our second video, What I Wish My Teacher Knew, offers a meaningful glimpse
017into the experiences and perspectives of our students, reminding us of the importance of connection, understanding, and the support of their educational journey. Together, these stories reflect the strength of our community and the continued focus on creating environments where every single student can learn, grow, and succeed. Please direct your attention to the screen. Dave, please roll the first tape. One team, one goal, one Sherryland ISD. This is what it looks like when our district comes together. Energy, connection, and a whole lot of Sherryland ISD pride. From big ideas to shared moments, we leaned into what makes us strong. Our people, our leaders, our students. We laughed, we collaborated, and yes, we had some fun along the way. But behind every moment was something meaningful. A commitment to how we treat each other, the values that bring
018us together, and the way we show up every single day. Through our social contract, we put it into words. One word at a time. Respect. Unity. Service. Excellence. Because it's more than just a theme. It's just who we are. And when we move forward together with purpose, with heart, and as one team, there's no limit to what we can achieve. One team, one goal, one Sherryland ISD. Because at Sherryland ISD, excellence is our tradition. I do want to take the opportunity to thank Superintendent Dr. Howard for her vision and leadership in bringing this idea to life, reflecting who we are as one team, united by one goal, as one Sherryland ISD. We also extend our appreciation to our district administration for their continued support. This program was led by our Administrative Services Department, as well
019as by Dr. Lorene Bassan, in partnership with our Athletics Department, the counseling team, Student Council, and dedicated campus sponsors. But we now move on to hear directly from our students. I've had the privilege of sitting in on Dr. Howard's Student Advisory Committee meetings, and I can tell you. The insight, the thoughtfulness, and the leadership our students bring is truly remarkable. What stands out even more is the space created for them to share openly and a superintendent who listens with intention and with care. This next video reflects those authentic student voices. What I wish my teacher knew. Dave, roll the tape. I wish my teacher knew. I wish my teacher knew. I wish my teacher knew. I wish my teacher knew how much we depend on them. I wish my teacher knew the struggles that kids
020go through in their homes. One thing I wish my teacher knew is how involved kids can be in extracurricular activities. You know, sometimes kids with a lot of things going on don't get home until 7 or 8 o'clock at night. So when a teacher assigns a lot of homework or they have a test for the next day that a kid doesn't have a lot of time to study for, it can truly overwhelm a person and just make them feel like the world is falling. I wish my teacher knew how much of an impact they can have whether it's positive or negative on a student. I wish my teacher knew how little time I spend with my parents. I sign a bunch of assignments every day. I go home, I eat dinner for about five minutes
021and then I go into my room to complete assignments. Going to college as a senior, I now notice that that time is slowly shortening and how that when I go into college that time will be decreased exponentially. I wish my teacher knew how much effort and hard work we put into our academic work but sometimes we still struggle to succeed. I wish my teacher knew how grateful we are for her ability to believe in us, the impact that she's made on us, and the time that she takes out of her day, every single day, to move us forward in this world. And I hope that she knows how impactful she is on our lives. And even if she doesn't know this, I hope she does. Let's hear it for our students. We thank our students
022for their leadership and for their service and also for their vulnerability to share some of these thoughts and how much they love Sherri-Lan ISD every single day, but the struggles that they do experience every single day, but how they still perform and do the best that they can every single day. So now we move on to board commendation. No, now we move on to item number six. State representative for District 35, Oscar Longoria, presents a resolution to the Pioneer High School cheerleaders. I guess we all need to get up. Well, I guess I'll start so For those of you that don't know, and first of all... Thank you to Madam President, board members, and of course our superintendent for the phenomenal job that you guys are doing. My name is Oscar Longoria. I have the
023honor and privilege of representing House District 35, which covers western Hidalgo County, running all the way up to eastern Cameron County. So I represent multiple school districts. And one of the things we do as state representatives is not only do we pass laws and work on the state's budget, is we honor Texans whenever they do anything that's phenomenal and extraordinary. And I think the girls did something that was incredible. So because of that, we passed a resolution honoring the girls. And I'm going to proceed to read that. Whereas the cheerleading team from Sherryland Pioneer High School in Mission furthered its legacy of excellence by winning the 5A Division II title at the 2026 UIL Spirit State Championship, and whereas joining the other top Texas competitors at the UIL event held January 15th through the 17th
024in Fort Worth, the Diamondbacks made the finals for the 11th consecutive year and were awarded the top honors. in the crowd leading category and second place in the band chat fight song category. They posted an overall score of 92.70 to earn the 5A Division II crown. With the victory, the team collected its second state championship following the title winning performance in 2018. And the squad also finished in the top three on four occasions between 2019 and 2025. Whereas building on their triumph at state, the Diamondbacks went on to compete virtually at the 2026 NCAA High School National Championship on January 23 and captured titles in the game day varsity large and novice varsity crowd leading medium divisions. And whereas by winning their school's second cheerleading state championship and by succeeding at premier national competition, the
025Sherrilyn Pioneer Diamondbacks have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication and teamwork, and they are a source of great pride to their school and community. And now therefore be resolved that the Sherrilyn Pioneer High School cheerleading team be congratulated on winning the 5A Division II title at the 2026 UIL Spirit State Championship, and that all those associated with the squad be extended best wishes and continued success. I think this wouldn't have been possible without the girls, and of course with their coach Marisa Briceño and assistant coach Erica Torres. Congratulations, girls. Thank you very much. Okay, redo. We now move on to board commendations, but let's hear it once again for our PHS cheer team. And thank you so much for Representative Longoria for being here this evening. I also want to commend our BL Grey Jazz Band, who
026was harmonizing right before the school board meeting. And now we officially move on to item six, board commendations. Before we begin, I'd like to take a moment to recognize some of our most important guests, our parents and our families. So yes, you're going to see your kiddos up here, but let's hear it for our parents. Parents. Your support and encouragement help our students believe in themselves and dream without limits. Thank you for trusting us to walk alongside them on this journey. As we proceed, I invite honorees to join us on stage when your name is called for recognition and photos. Our communications team will capture official photos and share them on our social media. channel so you can celebrate and share. Please make sure to connect with us. Follow, love, like, share and tag Sherryland
027ISD. Excellence is our tradition. La excelencia es nuestra tradición. Corre y se va con... Teachers of the Year recognition! Tonight we celebrate excellence in education at Sherrilyn ISD. Our 2026 Teachers of the Year selected by their peers, these outstanding educators represent the very best of our commitment to student success. Their passion, dedication, and impact in the classroom inspire us all. We are also honored to recognize Ms. Sarah Salmaniego, president of the Sherrilyn Education Foundation, who is with us this evening to present a monetary donation to each of our Teachers of the Year in recognition of their incredible work. We are so incredibly thankful to our Education Foundation and their partnership to allowing everything that happens as well as their generosity and support of our educators. Please join us in celebrating our Teachers of the Year.
028As I call their name, they are welcoming us on stage. Ophelia Garza, Sherrilyn High School. Ophelia Juarez, Sherrilyn Pioneer High School. Sofia Ledesma, Sherrilyn Advanced Academic Academy. Alma Aguilar, Beale Gray Junior High. Marina Aguilar, Sherri Land North Junior High. Melba Garza, John H. Sherri Elementary. Anabeli Nojosa, Olivero Garza Senior Elementary. Elsa Alfaro, Jessie Jensen Elementary. San Juanita Lopez, Romulo D. Martinez Elementary. Diana Bella, Ruben Hinojosa Elementary, Deborah Trevino, Lloyd and Dolly Benson Elementary, Ailani Morin, Harry Shimatsu Elementary, Asalia Davila, Donna Warnicky Elementary, and Katherine Wilson, Sherrilyn Alternative Education Center. Let's hear it for all of our teachers of the year. Big smiles, everyone. And while we're waiting and they're taking pictures, can I please have the audience give us a drum roll, please, on your laps. Our Secondary Teacher of the Year is Ophelia Juarez
029from Pioneer High School. And let's do another drum roll please. Elementary District Teacher of the Year is Deborah Trevino from Benson Elementary. Once again for all of our Teachers of the Year and all the work that they do every single day. Thank you so much for joining us on stage this evening. You may exit the stage. Have a great evening teachers. moving on to sherryland isd support staff of the year recognition it's an honor not widely seen across the district in our region and one that we are especially proud to uphold at sherryland isd nominated and selected by their peers these individuals represent the heart behind the scenes the steady often unseen presence that keeps our schools running and our students supported each and every single day from the warm welcome to the front office
030to the care and the clean of the safe campuses as well as our bus drivers we are so immensely thankful for this group of individuals we're also grateful to the sherryland education foundation which will be recognizing these honorees their work may not always be in the spotlight but it's an impact that is felt in every single corner of the district starting off with valerie montemayor sherryland high school Let's hear it for her. Mike Ortiz, Pioneer High School. Virginia Pena, Sherrilyn Advanced Academic Academy, Alisa Guerra, Beale Gray Junior High, Gumaro Guerra, Sherrilyn North Junior High, Sabina Solis, John H. Sherry Elementary, Michelle Martinez, Olivero Garza Senior Elementary, Leticia Garza, Jessie Jensen Elementary, Sarai Rodriguez, Romulo D. Martinez Elementary, Elizabeth Flores, Ruben Hinojosa Elementary, Mayra Gomez, Lloyd and Dolly Benson Elementary, Alondra Treviño, Harry Shimatsu Elementary, Jessica
031Garza, Donna Warnecke Elementary, Oscar Loredo, Service Center, Juan Raul Rodriguez, Transportation, Jose Solis, Maintenance and Operation, and a drum roll please. Let's hear it loud and proud, Sherri-Land ISD. Our District Support Staff Winner of the Year is, from SHS, Valerie Montemayor. Thank you so much to this incredible group of individuals. We are so honored. Thank you for your service. We appreciate you. on to region one assistant principal of the year alyssa campbell assistant principal of john h sherry elementary has been honored as the 2026 region one assistant principal of the year by the texas elementary principals and supervisors association also known as tepsa thank you for exemplifying sisd excellence this peer-based award celebrates assistant principals across the states 20 types of regions who exemplify remarkable leadership and create a thriving culture of excellence for pre-K
032through eight students on their campuses. Thank you so much, Ms. Campbell. We're so immensely proud of you. Moving on to Distinguished Library Service Award School Administrators, Texas Library Association. On March 31st, 2026, Mrs. Pam Montalvo, former chief instructional officer from Sherrilyn ISD, was honored at the Texas Library Association Conference in Houston, Texas. She was an honored guest at the Texas Blue Bonnet Award Luncheon sponsored by TASL, Texas Association of School Librarians. She was selected by a TLA member and librarians to receive this prestigious award. SISD lead librarian Nicole Cruz nominated Mrs. Montalvo with the backing of of all the district librarians and a letter of support from vendors, district administrators, Region 1 ESC service centers, and a school board member. Only one administrator is selected from the entire state, and we're glad that it was
033awarded to Mrs. Montalvo. Let's hear it for Mrs. Montalvo! Honored to recognize this next. commendation because it's the first time that we're awarding this the 2024 2025 sherryland isd teacher incentive allotment we are proud to present to our community the 2024 2025 tia designated teachers this year 74 of our educators earned a designation reflecting exceptional performance based on a combination of teacher effectiveness student growth measures among these honorees 43 achieve recognized 23 earned and eight received the master designation, the highest distinction award. We celebrated their dedication, impact, and commitment to student success. I also want to give a special shout out to administrative services as well as to Ms. Leila Culberson for spearheading this endeavor. So let's hear it for them and that team and we start off with our recognized educators. Joining us on
034stage. I will read their names while they get settled in, but they're all coming on stage at the same time. Alma Aguilar, Trisha Alaniz, El Salfaro, Erica Alfaro, Carla Arevalo, Valerie Barbosa, Jacqueline Bermudez, Carmen Caicedo, Maribel Correa Galvan, Alicia Cuellar, Azalea Davila Garcia, Nancy Diaz, Erica Diaz-Chapman, Selena Escamilla. Norma Flores, Juan Flores, Vanessa Garcia, Vilma Garcia Amador, Melba Garza, Monica Garza, Vianney Garza, Ruben Garza, Laura Gonzalez, Tanya Guerra, Susana Guerrero, Michelle Guzman, Flora Hernandez, Gina Ho, Gonzalez, Cody Lane, Claudia Loredo, Diana Lozano, Vanessa Manrique, Yesenia Medina Jaramillo. Let's hear it for all these amazing educators. Again, in this category, we have 43 teachers that achieved this recognition. We are making sure that they all fit so we're asking them to split up in two different roles so we can make sure that we get all
035of them in the same picture. Thank you so much teachers. Thank you for your service every single day. The work that you do is a work of heart. Big smiles everyone. Back straight. We're celebrating you tonight. And once again, what a milestone for Sherryland ISD. of teachers that are going to be joining us on stage are recognized educators. This group consists of Erica Ortiz. This group consists of Loreen Arteaga, Jose Barbosa, Clarissa Casares, Fernanda Esparza, Maria Farias, Veronica Garcia, Marsha Gomez, Daniela Gonzalez, Amy Gonzalez, Lindsay Gutierrez, Sofia Ledesma, Margarita Lopez-Castillo, Tatiana Miranda, Monica Moreno, Melissa Ochoa, Yesenia Olvera, Deborah Perales, Reynaldo Puente, Zoraida Ramirez, Angela Salinas, Diana Vela, Judy Villarreal, Andrea Westman Chavero. Let's hear it for this amazing group of educators. Teachers, thank you so much for all the work that you do every
036single day. Thank you for making a difference. Tonight, you get recognized. Teachers. of teachers that will be joining us on stage is our master cohort. It's a smaller group and we're immensely proud of them as well as recognizing them this evening. We start off with Mr. Mark Bewley, Mercedes Cuellar, Leticia Garcia, Veronica Gonzalez, Aracely Lara, Hailey May, Corey McManus, and Jessica Nanez. Let's hear it for them, our master teachers. Congratulations teachers. Now that we've recognized most of our educators for this evening, now we move on to our students. We're going to start off with the Texas Youth Creators Awards, Texas Library Association, and they're going to begin. Joining us on stage as I read their recognition on March 31, 2026, students from Pioneer High School, Sherryland High School, Sherryland Advanced Academic Academy, Bill Gray Junior
037High School and Harry Shimatsu Elementary were honored at the Texas Library Association's conference in Houston, Texas. We had 40 students participate in the Texas Youth Creators Awards and 33 are state finalists. Let's hear it for them. We are also immensely fortunate to have their sponsors here with us this evening. Thank you so much teachers for what you do, your time, your effort, traveling with our students, everything that you do. It does not go unnoticed and it's appreciated. No, we have a few more. Let's hear it for our Texas Youth Created Award recipients. Thank you so much students for everything that you do, your creativity and your passion for your craft. Congratulations. Moving on to item G, Autism Awareness Month. This April, Sherrilyn ISD comes together to celebrate Autism Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of inclusion
038and honoring the unique strengths that make every student special. Autism Awareness Month is a time to recognize the strengths, perspectives, and talents of individuals with autism who inspire us every single day. Our students remind us that everyone learns differently, communicates in their own way, and brings something valuable to our schools and community. This month and every month, we commit to building understanding, showing patience, and creating inclusive spaces where every student feels accepted, supported, and truly seen. When we embrace our differences, we build stronger schools, meaningful connections, and a community where everyone belongs. Together, we celebrate inclusion, compassion, and the beauty of our differences. Let's hear it for Autism Awareness Month. We also use this opportunity to recognize the magnificent educators behind our programs that celebrate our students every single day. So we do have a
039few. We're going to move on to Special Olympic, but some of them are going to join us on stage again. So they're just going to do a quick turnaround and they're going to come right back up. This April, Sherrilyn ISD proudly recognized our Special Olympic athletes from elementary, junior high, and high school for their outstanding participation in Special Olympics track and field meets. Our students demonstrated incredible effort, determination, and pride on the court, reminding us of the joy, teamwork, and strength they bring to every event. Their hard work and sportsmanship truly inspires our district. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the parents, coaches, and staff who support and encouragement makes this experience possible. We are truly proud of our athletes and grateful for everyone who has helped them shine. Athletes, congratulations. Let's hear it for
040Special Olympics Room. Let's get loud. Everyone, you look amazing on the cameras. Congratulations, athletes. All right, as we have our other teams join us on stage, I remind everyone to please go on stage, hold up your certificates, and big, big smiles so we can make sure to capture you on camera. We move on with Sherri-Lan North Junior High FTC Robotics Texas State Cup. On March 21st, 2026, FTC Robotics Team, Venombots, proudly represented Sherri-Lan North Junior High at the Texas State Cup, earning the Judge's Choice Award for their division. This honor is given to recognize a team whose unique effort, teamwork, and performance truly stands out. This award reflects their dedication and overall excellence throughout the competition. Thank you for exemplifying SISD excellence. Look at that sharp looking groove. Let's hear it for Venombots. Moving on
041to Beale Gray Junior High TMEA All Region Band. On December 5th and 6th, 2025, Beale Gray band members proudly represented their campus at the All Region Band auditions in Roma. earning 37 chairs in the all-region bands. Beale Gray earned the distinction of being the top performing school receiving the highest number of chairs among all schools in the competition. Congratulations to all the outstanding band members who participated, as well as to their dedicated directors, Monica Blum, Erin Vaughn, and Cesar Hinojosa, for their leadership and commitment to excellence. Let's hear it for TMEA all-region band. We do want to mention as they get settled in for their picture, Leopoldo Barrera, third chair, alto saxophone, Maximiliano Tenopala, second chair, tenor saxophone, Hania Tegues, first chair, barrio saxophone, Elliot Bassett, second chair, trombone, and Nicholas Wilborn, second chair, guitar.
042Congratulations to our talented musicians. This is a great problem to have when we are having difficulty squeezing in this large group into a picture. Let's hear it again for our talented musicians. We are so immensely proud of you. We continue with recognizing musicians across our district and now we move on to TMEA All-Region Jazz Band. On February 3rd, 2026, B.O. Gray Jazz members proudly represented their campus at the All-Region Jazz Auditions in Roma, earning five chairs in the All-Region Jazz Bands. Congratulations to all of our band members who participated in this achievement, as well as to their director, Monica Blum, for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success. We are so proud of you students. Thank you for being here this evening to receive this recognition. Congratulations, let's hear it for them once again.
043On March 11th and 12th, 2026, Beale Gray Honor Symphonic and Concert Band members proudly represented Beale Gray at the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation Contest in Valley View. The Beale Gray Junior High School Concert Band earned an excellent rating for their performance. They are now joining us on stage. Additionally, the Honors Band and Symphonic Band Each received superior ratings and were awarded the prestigious sweepstakes award in recognition of their outstanding achievement. Congratulations to all of our outstanding band members who participated as well as to their dedicated directors. Again, Ms. Monica Blum, Erin Vaughn, and Cesare Nofosa for their leadership and commitment to excellence. As they get settled in, let me just. Spotlight that the honors band earned a superior rating sweepstakes award the symphonic band earned a superior rating sweepstakes award and the concert
044band earned an excellent rating on to Pioneer High School and we're going to switch gears and go into athletics and we go with golf first. The week of March 30th, 2026, Sherrilyn Pioneer varsity boys and girls golf team participated in their annual district golf tournament at Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen. Both teams just missed out on a regional berth by less than 10 shots. However, three golfers did qualify individually due to their outstanding performance. They are Alejandro Barrera finishing in the seventh place in the tournament, Chloe Lopez winning a playoff for third place outright to earn her spot, and Alisa Mosqueda ended up in sixth, punching her ticket to the regional golf tournament. Congratulations to our golfers! Continuing to recognize our athletes, now we move on to tennis. On March 7th and 8th, the
045Diamondback tennis team competed in the 315A district tennis tournament here in the city of Mission. After two days of intense competition and mixed duo, Josiah Guerra and Allison Gonzalez finished the tournament placing second and earning themselves a trip to the regional tennis tournament in Corpus Christi. Josiah Guerra and Allison Gonzalez, second place mixed doubles and second team all district. Let's hear it for them. So switching gears, now we go on to Sherrilyn High School and we're going to start with academic spotlight. Quest Bridge match recipients. Tonight, we proudly recognize a group of seniors who earned the prestigious QuestBridge Match Scholarship, a full four-year award to top universities. Their extraordinary academic excellence, resilience, and determination reflect not only their hard work, but also the support of families and educators. Please join us in celebrating these exceptional
046students for representing our district with pride. and achievement. While they take their pictures, I will read their accolades. Emilia de la Garza Garza matched with Princeton. Valeria Regalado Ramos matched with MIT. Edgar Valdez matched with Rice. And Itzel Garcia Mendivil matched with Rice. Congratulations, students. What an accomplishment. We are so proud of you. Congratulations, students. No easy feat, but you accomplished it. Moving on to National Merit Scholarship recipients and Coca-Cola scholar and Cook scholar. Tonight, we proudly recognize Lucas Garcia, a National Merit Scholarship recipient and Coca-Cola scholar. The National Merit Scholarship honors students who score among the top of the country on the PSAT reflecting exceptional academic achievement and potential. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program recognizing outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the community. Lucas exemplifies excellent leadership and we are so proud of him. We
047are proud to recognize Itzel Garcia as a Cook College scholar, one of the nation's more Most Prestigious Undergraduate Scholarships. This award supports high achieving students with financial need, providing funding for college and expenses, and accessing to mentoring at the National Network of Scholars. Let's hear it for them. Congratulations Itzel and Lucas. Now we recognize ROTC scholarship and military academy appointment. Marcelo Gonzalez Diaz has been awarded a national ROTC scholarship from the US Army Cadet Command. This highly competitive scholarship provides full support for a four-year college education and a pathway to serve as a commissioned officer in the United States Army. Marcelo's accomplishment reflects not only his academic excellence but also his strong character, leadership potential, and deep commitment to serving his country. He represents the very best of our district. Sharabel Buchol has received an
048appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, one of our nation's five federal service academies. This honor is highly competitive and requires excellence in academics, leadership, physical fitness, and character, as well as a rigorous nomination and selection process. An appointment to this academy is not only an academic achievement, but also a commitment to serving our country. Thank you both students for your service. Next we move on to JROTC archery team. We proudly recognize our JROTC archery team who has earned a spot to compete at the JROTC archery national competition. This skill, dedication, and teamwork have earned them the honor of representing our school at the national level. Congratulations to the team on their outstanding achievement. This is so amazing, students. We are so proud of you. Big smiles, everyone. i also want to commend our
049sponsors for our present here with us tonight for all of their hard work and dedication thank you for your service we also salute you on to sherryland high school winter guard on march 21st 2026 the sherryland high school winter guard proudly represented the district at the teca south color guard championship held at the city of palmview earning first place state champions in their class scholastic regional a the winter guard delivered a powerful and emotionally driven grand finale to their season, which captivated both judges and the audience. Thank you for inspiring the community and exemplifying SISD excellence. Let's hear it for our Winter Guard. to golf we're gonna start off with the boys first on April 1st the Sherryland boys golf team proudly represented the district with a strong performance finishing as district runner-up and earning
050a spot in the regional tournament their dedication teamwork and perseverance on the course were key to their success and qualification thank you for exemplifying Rattler pride and excellence We're also joined by coach minors. Thank you so much for being here coach and thank you for what you do every single day Congratulations students We now move on to girls golf. On March 31st, 2026, the Sherrilyn Lady Rattlers golf team proudly represented the district with an outstanding performance, winning first place and earning the title of district champions. Their hard work, focus, and determination on the course led them to victory and secured their advancement to the regional tournament. Thank you for exemplifying Lady Rattler excellence. Congratulations to the athletes and their coaches for a job well done. Last but certainly not least, we move on to tennis.
051On April 8th, 2026, the Rattler Varsity Tennis Team proudly represented Cherryland High School at the 315A Varsity District Tennis Tournament held at the Mission Tennis Center. Several players competed and earned district champion recognition and qualified for a place in the Region 4 Tennis Tournament to be held in Corpus Christi. Thank you for exemplifying SISD excellence. Congratulations to all the students and the sponsors for a job well done. Thank you for what you do every single day. Congratulations athletes and thank you coaches. That wraps up commendations for us. Thank you so much. Thank you for recognizing our students this evening. Oh, are they getting coffee? About to cool off in here. Okay, we are on to item number nine, mission statement, read by Mr. David Keith. Yes. I actually started looking up mission to figure out
052the definition of it. Not that I don't know it, but a specific or important task, duty, or purpose assigned to or adopted by an individual, group, or organization requiring a sense of calling. And I love that because when you read this mission statement, it wasn't just thrown together. And we really need to focus on what's there. Sherrilyn ISD's mission is to inspire, educate, and empower all students to reach their full potential. and become leaders of the highest moral character. And I think it's poignant with the position we are in right now at this time in this district. And I hope people are able to see this mission statement and read it and understand what it means, the inspiring, educating, and empowering all students as far as full potential to become leaders. That's awesome. Thank you,
053Mr. Keith. On to item 10, board reports. I move that the Board of Trustees approve the administration's personnel report. Oh, I'm sorry, wrong report. The State Board of Education requires the district announce the name of each board member who has completed the required continuing education hours, who has exceeded the required hours, and who is deficient. Maritza Venezia, myself, President. Hector Rivera, Vice President. David Keith, Secretary. Megan Sullivan, Assistant Secretary. Dr. Noe Rivera, Member. Andrew Riddle, Member. Julio Cerda, Member. All board members. Have completed and exceeded their requirements for the continuing education hours requirement for year 25 26 and on behalf of the rest of the board We'd like to congratulate Megan Sullivan. We are but mere mortals compared to Megan who completed 71 hours and continuing education 11 hours felt like I had 71. I'm
054serious. This is the first time I've ever completed 11 hours. I've always completed like five and a half, not even six, right? So congratulate me too. Congratulations. How you feel matters. Yeah, he's the salutatorian. I put five more hours than I usually do. That's amazing. Yay, Julio. Yay. 11 hours, Julio. Congratulations. But wow. I know you've put the time in. I've thought about wanting to go to what you're doing, but wow, that is incredible. I love it. Thank you so much. Thank you. Okay, on to item number 11, superintendent reports. Madam president we do not have any reports on behalf of the administration tonight. Okay, then we're on to item number 12 consent agenda 12 a March 20 26 month-end bills Well, actually before I start the consent agendas would anybody like to pull anything
055from consent agenda before we move forward? No, okay 12 a March 20 26 month-end bills 12 B Third quarter investment report for March 31st, 2026. C, February 2026 financial reports. D, February 2026 tax collection reports. E, March 2026 tax collection report. F, previous meeting minutes. F1, regular board meeting March 23rd, 2026. F2, board workshop April 2nd, 2026. G, approval of out-of-state travel to attend Black Hat DEF CON annual conference. In Las Vegas, Nevada. H, approval of out-of-state travel for career and technical education students organizations, 2026 national conferences. And I, approval of contract for election services with Hidalgo County Elections Administrator for election services between the County of Hidalgo and Sherrilyn ISD. I will now entertain a motion for consent agenda. I move to approve consent agenda. Okay, I've got a motion by Mr. David Keith.
056I'll second. Got a second by Megan Sullivan. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed same sign. Motion passes. We are 60. Okay. We are going to move closed meeting to the end and we're going to go up to item 15 business 15A discussion and consideration to approve the certification of provision of instructional materials. Madam President I'll allow Ms. Parvin to present our certification for this year. Good evening board president board members Dr. Howard. So it is our recommendation to go ahead and approve our instructional materials as it is yearly. We do this every year. So we want to bring this to the board. It is a comprehensive coverage of TEEX and we certify that we do do that as well as protection against obscene or harmful
057content for our students. So at this time I would like to move the board of trustees to certify. that our instructional materials comprehensively cover all of the TEKS and that are required to teach our students. Okay. I will now entertain a motion. Move to approve. I've got a motion by Julio Cerda. Second that. Andrew Riddle. Got a second by Andrew Riddle. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed same sign. Motion passes 6-0. On to item 15B, discussion and consideration to approve Bluebonnet Learning Math Instructional Materials K-Algebra 2 and Geometry. So good evening again, it is our recommendation to bring to the board the approval of our high quality instructional materials for math at this time We are seeking to approve blue on it for kinder through
058fifth grade with one of our vendors and then sixth through eighth grade as Well as algebra 1 algebra 2 and geometry all of these funds will be purchased through the EMAT system Which is a state of Texas system and so we're looking for that approval Madam President, I did want to just make sure that we get on record that the selection process for this curriculum did involve the sitting of a committee. We involved our teachers through a comprehensive survey of the options for our curriculum for math instruction, as well as having a sitting committee of administrators and instructional coordinators who reviewed the information. Currently, Blue Bonnet is... probably the best in the state right now as far as high quality instruction for math. We feel confident that it will be easily implemented into our instructional
059framework and deployed into our instruction for next year. We'll be working with a consultant who will assist us in that process to to prepare our teachers on how to utilize the curriculum. But again, I did want to just stress and reiterate that we did bring stakeholders to the table, provided a thorough survey to get feedback and response, and then brought forward the recommendation tonight. OK. Thank you. I will now entertain a motion for item 15B. So moved. Got a motion by Mr. David Keith. Second. Got a second by Hector Rivera. Is there any further discussion? I'd like to say that I had an opportunity a month or two ago to see a campus, to see Blue Bonnet Math Elementary in action. The campus in one year of implementing Blue Bonnet for Math and changing their
060curriculum, a new principal, first-time principal, comes into a D campus and in one year they ended up in a high B by the end of the year and watching the kids do the watching them through the process of the instruction I was blown away it was unlike anything I'd seen before very cool thank you for that I know I made the motion for it but I've done some research on it from curriculum experience myself And I haven't actually gotten to see it, but in speaking to people and looking for pros and cons of it. No matter what change happens, there's always going to be cons because change is cons, it seems like, for most people. But the pros of it were also the fact that it was aligned and it was consistent. We have spectacular,
061amazing teachers that innovate and do amazing things, but for those that aren't innovative or spectacular, this gives them a really awesome framework to follow. And especially younger teachers, it gives them a framework and teaches them. And I can recall myself being a very young teacher myself. i look i listen to what they're saying and i that is why i'm in full support of it thank you okay thank you i've got a motion by david keith second by hector rivera if there's no further discussion all those in favor signify by saying i i'll oppose same sign motion passes 60. okay we are on to item 15 c discussion and consideration to approve ed pack consulting services uh agreement lasso cycle lift but cycle for lived program Yes, so this is our recommendation. We are wanting Edpact
062to be our grant provider and this is going to be an agreement that we have. The services will include leadership coaching, PLC support, framework development, as well as support for Bluebonnet, like Dr. Howard mentioned, and it will be district-wide for all of our campuses. I'll now make a motion. Okay, Julio Cerda made a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Second by Ms. Megan Sullivan. Is there any further discussion? When it comes to these grants, right, what this deals with, is this in retrospect looking back on previous opportunities for grants? No. us not attaining those grants, missed opportunities kind of thing? Actually, this is a continuation for us. So this is cycle four. We were previously a recipient of the LASSO grant. So it's building upon the services that we were able to provide through
063the prior. So this is an extension for us, and it's also an expansion. So this year we'll receive a little bit more funding to be able to provide additional supports for our staff. The interesting thing about the Lasso and Lift is it truly is about lifting the instruction through better leadership and better quality teaching. And so EdPAC will, we have partnered with EdPAC this past year. They've assisted us through our TIA process, also with supporting our turnaround. elementary campuses and principals this will elevate the expansion of that support to also include teachers and implementation of the ongoing implementation of the instructional framework which was introduced last year so this is building upon the work that we did last year at a little bit more of an intensive level nice okay so i have got a
064motion by julio cerda and a second by megan sullivan if there is no further discussion All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed, same sign. Motion passes 6-0. We'll now go back to item number 13, closed meeting. Before we go into closed meeting I do need to read items made to discuss to in closed meeting 13 a personal matters Texas government code five five one point zero seven four a one resignations a to employment of personnel a three deliberation regarding the administration's recommendation to propose a non renewal term contract employee Jose Rodriguez Piniella a for discussion employee public officer and our board member a five deliberation regarding the appointment employment evaluation reassignment duties discipline or dismissal or proposed termination of a district employee or public officer Employee pursuant to Texas government code
065551.074 13b student discipline 13c deliberation regarding security devices or security audits Texas government code 551.076 13d deliberation regarding real property Texas government code 551.072 and 13e consultation with attorney regarding a pending or contemplate litigation a settlement offer see A matter in which the duty of the attorney of the Shreya and Independent School District under Texas disciplinary rules of professional conduct of Texas State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with Chapter 551 of Texas Government Code, Texas Government Code 551.071E1, consultation with legal counsel regarding recommendation to propose the non-renewal of a term contract employee, Jose Rodriguez-Pinera. I will now entertain a motion to go into closed session. So moved. Okay, I've got a motion by David Keith. Second. Second by Hector Rivera. Any further discussion? Just in case our good employees are leaving, I love you guys.
066Do the heart. Don't cry. No tears. Okay. And then all those in favor, take a moment to say aye. Aye. All opposed, same sign. Motion passes 6-0. And for the record, Ms. Megan Sullivan, right of 6-14. Okay, we are going into closed session at 715 It is now 812 we are back in open session item 14 a discussion of possible action on closed meeting items Madam president. I moved that the Board of Trustees approved the administration personal personnel board including the assignment of certified staff resignations proposed non-renewal of term contracts and employment contract recommendations for the 2026-27 school year and authorize the sending of notice of proposed action to employees. Second. I've got a motion by Mr. Julio Serra and I've got a second by Mr. David Key. Is there any further discussion? All those
067in favor say aye. All opposed same sign. Motion passes 6-0. We are now going on to item 16 adjournments. I will now entertain a motion to adjourn Thank you, mr. Hector Rivera, do I have a second second second by mr Julio Seda is there any further discussion? Although the paper signal is a knife. I'll post same sign motion passes 60 go vote 813.