001The time is 6:32. I call this board work board regular meeting of the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District Board of Trustees to order. Today's Monday, April 13th, and we are meeting in the administrative building board room at 920 West Santa Rosa Avenue in Edcouch, Texas. As we begin, I would like to remind everyone that this meeting is being conducted in accordance with Texas Open Meetings Act. Roll call, please. Present. Here. With a With a quorum established, we will now begin with the pledge followed by the prayer. I'd like to introduce a Sergeant First Class Retired Narciso Martinez, who honorably served in the US Army from August 20th, 2000 to October 6th, 2020. During his 20-year career, he was stationed at Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Ben Rang, and Fort Sill, and served on recruiting duty in Melrose
002Park with the Rio Grande Valley Recruiting Company. A combat veteran, he completed four tours in Iraq beginning in 2003. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Edcouch-Elsa High School in 1984 and brought a state champion in in discussion the same year. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Place your hand over your hearts. 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. Sarge, thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you. Sarge, we have a little something for you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Let's bow our heads. Our heavenly Father, be with us this evening as we carry out the deliberations that are important to the district's operations. Be our strength and our guide
003by giving us patience and understanding so that the issues may be resolved justly and fairly for all. We ask in thy holy name. Amen. Comments from the public. Nobody signed up. Next item on the agenda are recognitions. A, recognition of elementary and secondary campus with the highest student attendance rate for the fourth six weeks. B, recognition of the classroom with the highest student attendance rate for the fourth six weeks. C, recognition of the Edcouch-Elsa Estudiantina for receiving a Division I in UIL competition. D, recognition of the Edcouch-Elsa theater department for receiving first place in the UIL Zone competition. E, recognition of the girls powerlifting for receiving first place at the regionals and second place at the state competition. F, recognition of the 2025-2026 boys and girls JV and varsity wrestling accolades. G, recognition of the
004varsity boys basketball by district finalists in all districts elections. H, recognition of the girls basketball and all districts elections. And I, uh recognize the Future Farmers of America livestock show awards. Go down. Our first recognition is for the fourth six weeks highest percentage attendance for elementary campus. And we have LBJ WITH 94.3%. >> [applause] [applause] >> EVERYBODY SHARES THE SAME TROPHY? YES. AND WE HAVE SECONDARY with 94.3%. >> [laughter] >> So, the next one for six weeks highest percentage attendance for secondary campuses WE HAVE >> [applause] [applause] >> OKAY, NEXT WE HAVE FOR SIX WEEKS best attendance rate. We have Edcouch-Elsa Middle School with 94.3%. >> [applause] >> You can take a picture. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank >> [applause] >> Next we have RCR class with best attendance and we have Betsy
005Longoria. >> [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> Next we have from LBJ the class with the highest percentage attendance we have Lonnie Martinez with a 98% >> [applause] [applause] >> Next we have for 463 from Hector Middle School with the best percentage attendance we HAVE CATALINA MARTINEZ >> [applause] [applause] >> AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST FROM ENCANTO High School the class with best percentage attendance we have Ashley Fuentes with a 96% >> [applause] >> And Ashley >> [applause] >> Fuentes will be here with us and we'll have this class receive recognition. Do we have another representative from High School? We have Rosalinda Fuentes receive recognition. >> [laughter] [applause] >> Next we have our Division 1 CM BETA. >> [cheering] [applause] >> DIVISION 1 IN THE UIL COMPETITION. >> [applause] >> There are working so they couldn't they
006couldn't be here today. We're sorry but hands for work. >> [applause] [cheering] >> The next group we have our theater department for receiving first place in the UIL competition. CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM. HELLO EVERYBODY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. ONCE AGAIN my name is Eduardo Luna. I am the high school director for One Act Play. Here we have the casting crew of our wonderful production of Lonnie Luna. >> [applause] >> Students, we started production around January and you know, all throughout February and March we were getting out of our rehearsal and competition. The students, they were able to get as far as the area contest as area and area tournaments. So, I mean it's it's it's not an easy task and it each and every one of them put in hours and hours and hours of work.
007Um, this Friday we are going to be having a performance at 6:00 at the Fine Arts Center. It's for free for anybody who wants to come and check out the show. It's Don Quixote and if you're familiar with the story, it's a great adventure and there's a lot of heart, culture and comedy, live music and we just need to show we showcase all of the talents that our students have. So, round of applause for all OF OUR WORK. >> [applause and cheering] >> UM, I'D BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T MENTION THE support of our wonderful administration. Thank you so much to Ms. Patton, our principal. Thank you so much to Dr. Canales, our wonderful Fine Arts director. Thank you to the board for everything that you guys do for us, all the papers, everything that
008you guys sign and approve for us. Thank you guys so much. A lot of receipts, a lot of receipts, a lot of burger cases and everything. Thank you guys. Those of you that know about you guys know. Uh, uh, again guys, thank you so much to the community. Once again, we'll be performing this Friday at 6:00 and this Sunday as well at What's Eating Gilbert Grape? Yes, 6:00. Friday at 6:00, Sunday at 6:00. We'll post a flyer as well for you guys to check out. >> [applause] >> Right here. All right, everybody over here ready? One, two, three. One more. Ready? One, two, three. Got it. >> [applause] >> Next, congratulations goes out to the girls powerlifting team for receiving first place at regionals and taking place at the state competition. Go ahead, coach. Say
009a few words. I'll grab the boys. Oh, okay. Okay, awesome. As y'all know, we placed first at regionals, huge accomplishment. That was awesome from our beautiful ladies here and also we placed second at state. We missed it by very little. We were first all the way along, but they caught up to us at the end, but it's okay. Second is still great. Uh, my girls are an excellent group of young ladies, strong young ladies. Actually, I put them right up against any guy in here, so yes. >> [applause] >> All right, everybody over here ready? One, two, three. One more. Ready? One, two and three. >> [applause] >> We have about four coming back. Four coming back, yes. That I actually reached at state level, yes, it's four. Great question, thank you. Yes. Actually, we
010first placed I do want to say this, I placed first in all our meets. So, yes, we went first all the way through to state. So, yeah. We competed in five meets and we placed first in all our meets. And all these meets were over 12 over 1250 students in all of the part of the meets that we actually joined in. So, yes, not a 4x4 or meet team, these were meets, huge meets. So, yes. At Harlingen, Edinburg, Brownsville and We crossed out McAllen. This is the one. But yes. Yeah, so it's 4x4, yes, 4x4. From my junior year, yes. Thank you guys. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> THAT'S IT? OKAY. WE'RE GOOD. WE'RE GOOD. YES. OKAY, CONGRATULATIONS to the Congratulations to the 25-6 boys and girls JV and varsity wrestling accolades. We recognize them
011in the CP UNIT ON STAGE. >> [applause and cheering] [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT, CAN I GRAB THE GIRLS PLEASE? ALL RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. EVERYBODY OVER here ready? One, two, three. One more. Ready? One, two and three. THANK Y'ALL FOR COMING. >> [applause] [applause] >> OKAY, UH, NEXT WE HAVE A OUR BOYS our varsity boys basketball bi-district finalists and all of district selections. CONGRATULATIONS. >> [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. EVERYBODY OVER HERE One two and three. One more. One, two and three. Coach, do you want to say a few words? Uh These guys, uh, you know, we did something that wasn't expected of us to do. We weren't supposed to make playoffs in the top district, but these guys worked really hard and and you know, they they did the unexpected and I'm real proud
012of these boys. AS WE ALL KNOW. >> [applause] >> WE HAVE 10 COMING BACK. 11. OH, THERE YOU GO. THEY HAVE something here. Everybody over here ready? >> [applause] >> All right, coach, say a few words. Uh Congratulations to the girls Congratulations to the girls basketball all district selections. >> [applause] >> All right. Okay. The girls are seniors. A lot of girls have wonderful games for our group, but this is our senior, uh, Madison Solis. She's the first team all district, all academic team. Very very strong team. Thank you for having me. All the support athletes. And you know, this side we have Evelyn Martinez, our other senior. Right here to the uh, she's the main of all defensive team and she's actually qualified for regionals and globals. So, she'll be there on Friday. SO,
013THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> ALL RIGHT. RIGHT HERE. READY? ONE, TWO, THREE. ONE MORE. READY? ONE, two and three. >> [applause] >> And lastly, we are recognizing the Future Farmers of America livestock show awards. >> [applause] >> JJ, do you want to say a few words? Yes, sir. Uh, good evening. Uh, Mr. President, members of the board, Dr. Joe, thank you for having us. This This past March we participated in the Mercedes Benz show. We went to 68 entries and we were fortunate enough to put 20 places in the top 10 with four being in the sale of champions. And this is this is my partner >> [applause] >> All right. 2 3 on March. 2 and Good. You guys Thank you all. Great work you guys. Thank you very Thank you very much. We
014should be able to walk to eat up here or watch Next item on the agenda is presentations. The next presentation is Region 1 mid-year SB 1882 presentation. But before we do that, I'd like to recognize Mr. Julian Alvarez who sits on the Possible Dream Board of Directors. Good to see you again, MR. ALVAREZ. >> [applause] >> PREPARE YOURSELVES TO BE AMAZED, RIGHT DR. KING? Good evening. It's my pleasure Mr. President and members of the board, superintendent, to be back here before you at Ed Couch Elsa and here to give the spring semester update on the 1882 partnership that we've embarked upon. I won't spend too much time on the slides. I know you have a long agenda. These are just some reminders. The first few slides of the purpose which is to support particularly the
015what have been the low performing campuses and help start up a dropout prevention and recovery campus and move all these campuses to high performing status. Um We've gone over before. There's it's very specific law and contract that gives the district specific authorities on this at partnership and gives the operator which is Region 1 very specific authorities as well. It's a performance contract so the primary role of the board is to oversee the performance contract and evaluate the the performance of this partnership. Um The employees continue to be employees of Ed Couch Elsa with all their rights under that. The partnership we had mentioned in entering into this. This is the first year. We were under an operating agreement last year. This year under the 1882 which generates a little bit additional annual funding for the
016for the school district. This year it's generating an estimated 340,208 dollars based on the pupil attendance at those schools. Um In addition to that this year Ed Couch Elsa received a startup grant to support this partnership. The the school district received 3.6 million dollars for this year and the uh the administration of Ed Couch Elsa has been working on spending that to support the performance and the progress and other needs of the district. Together with the annual funding it brings almost 4 million dollars this year to Ed Couch Elsa ISD. Uh these are some of the things that that the the administration has used the grant for. Some additional equipment, technical assistance, extra duty pay for teachers and so forth and they're continuing to to work through that work through that grant. Um just as
017a reminder last year we the last school year we began the partnership prior to the 1882 under an operating agreement. The district initially asked us to assist Garcia and Rodriguez Elementary. These two campuses had back to back F zone performance. The end of the year both of them wound up with a C so raised to the passing standard. In in mid-year the district asked us to pick up Kennedy Elementary as well and even though with only a few months work that one came out to a 71 average. However it was it was assigned a 69 by the state due to something called the 3D rule. They got three Ds in three of the elements so even though they averaged a they were assigned a 69 so a D. The College and Career Center was not
018a campus at that time so no rating. This through this work Ed Couch Elsa was able to move from a D the two previous years to a C this past year. On the campuses for this year and I think administration will go over some of this with you also but I'll just go through kind of the bottom line on last year overall on benchmark one the performance of Kennedy was a 59 this year 48. Benchmark two last year 62 this year up to a 65. A new assessment that had not been given before an interim to help identify specific objectives the students are weak on. Uh last year this campus is the one that was assigned a 69. We're targeting based on the teachers and principals are working really hard on the areas that the
019benchmark show the students need extra assistance on. We're targeting a 75 to an 82 range for this campus based on past past experience. Santiago Garcia very similarly benchmark one last year 54 this year 49. Benchmark two last year 59 this year 69. Uh the interim of 55 last year they came out as 72. We're targeting a 78 to an 85 as far as a projected performance for for that campus. And then uh RCR last year benchmark one 57 this year 49. Last year 56 on benchmark two this year 55. They matched that on the interim. Last year they came out as 75. We're targeting a 78 to an 85 uh for for this campus. On the CCC this is their first year as a campus. Uh student achievement they've actually already taken some official tests.
020Tests they took last summer count. Tests they took in December count. They took exit tests and then benchmark combined they're running about a 60. We're targeting a 70 to an 80. That's on domain one. On domain 2B they're they're ranging about a 77. We're targeting an 85 to a 95. Domain three they do not get a score as a new campus and I'll come back to that in a minute. Um Last year in the program the CCC program there were 13 students. This year we've that's increased to 34 as a campus. Last year they had 10 graduates six of whom had graduated with industry certifications. So this year we're we're we're working on increasing increasing that of course the numbers are increased. Um Of course new new partnerships this year with the 1882 being brand
021new for both entities to be a part of. Some of the challenges one is adjusting to a new type of partnership and clarity of roles because the the role of Region 1 is a a stronger role in this case in terms of being in charge of the of the work and performance on the campuses. We had a very unusual year in that we had staffing changes on both sides of the organization so there were a number there were a couple of administrators that went on leave at The district also hired two our leads that jumped over to this organization and then we had a couple of people in the work go out on FMLA also. So we've adjusted to those changes and working there. For the for the teachers and the staff the new Blue
022Bonnet curriculum instructional materials it's a higher rigor so I think we saw some of that kind of in benchmark one getting used to getting used to a whole uh you know the pace and the rigor of the performance. As a new campus the College and Career Center will not earn points under domain three. It's a it's a kind of a glitch in the TA accountability system for new campuses and so it will likely result in an unsatisfactory rating for this year. Something that I've met extensively with the commissioner on. They're going to change the rules in in in 2028 but he's like we've got to live with the way that the system works uh, the way the system works right now. The following year they will do very, very well. I'm confident the following year
023they'll get a B or better. Um, benefits of the partnership. First of all, as you saw just with the phase one of the of the partnership, all three two-year F campuses were able to move to the C level. One assigned to 69, the other two a solid C. Two, it avoided the delayed imminent state sanction. Uh, Edcouch-Elsa was right on the verge of receiving a state conservator, which uh, is a pretty strong uh, intervention by the state. And you know, my district that had three years received that uh, in the spring it was looking at that direction. The 1882 partnership caused TEA to see that the that this district was really serious about doing some things different. Uh, it assisted the district as a whole in moving from a D to a C rating. And
024through this year we were able to establish the dropout prevention and recovery program. And uh, that's been a great asset to the community. This Edcouch-Elsa ISD has moved from being on the state radar for the TEA radar for state intervention, flipping completely around to a lot of discussion in Austin about this being a a potential model for success. In fact, they've been referring other districts to come look at what you're doing. So, just a few weeks ago Austin ISD was here. The superintendent and his top staff to examine this partnership as a model for their work. And they were they were recommended they were recommended to come here uh, by the Texas Education Agency. Uh, coming up soon the Methodist Foundation and the Methodist Foundation will be visiting for similar reasons. So, uh, we're starting
025to see a pickup of interest. We're getting calls from as far away as Texarkana in region six. Like, tell us about what's going on in Edcouch-Elsa. Um, of course, the finances we already talked about, so I won't go through that. Uh, you're also receiving a leadership and instruction support. Uh, in that area we go way beyond what the contract calls for. So, one of the things for example, um, we're giving uh, we're we're putting a lot of personnel time in in assisting with the finance office in in working on on all all of the uh, financial arrangements and any other assistance needed. We're here to help. We're committed to supporting this district on your journey to becoming a model of excellence. And so, uh, just I stand before you with that and I want to
026thank you for the opportunity to partner with you and just look forward to continuation. Thank you, Dr. Thank you, Dr. King. Dr. King, I had a question. Yes. Um, that glitch that you spoke about that we're not going to get points for, was that anticipated before the partnership came into effect? >> No, I'll be honest, I was not aware of that. Um, I had not opened a brand new campus under the accountability system. It's something I became aware of um, a few months ago. And uh, I uh, I personally reached out to the commissioner and he said, just tell them it's, you know, unavoidable at this point. So, it doesn't really matter. So, it's domain three's it's called closing the gaps and it's how much your sub populations gain compared to the year before or
027for other students. There is there is no year before. And so, um, unable to do that and so, that, you know, like I said, no, that I did not foresee that. >> Is that going to affect our overall accountability rating? I it should not affect your overall accountability rating because of the small because of the small numbers of of students on the campus. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. I'm going to move up seven C under superintendent report just because I know that the Texas Department of Public Safety has a lot going on. So, I don't we don't want to keep you. Dr. Thank you, Dr. Evada. So, what we're moving up is the Texas Department of Public Safety Partnership. This picture was taken when we did our first meeting on March the 2nd. And so,
028the Captain Olivas came with a group of uh, of DPS partners. And we talked at length about some of the partnerships that they have at schools. Falfurrias being one of them, Three Rivers, and our neighbors Raymondville. So, they do have substations. Since then, we have had three other meetings. And right now what we're looking at is bringing an agreement to you all next month. I would like you all to uh, come on. They've they've been the support that they're going to be providing is going to be invaluable not only to the district but the community. So, I'm looking forward to bringing an agreement next month so that we can solidify the partnership. I'm excited to announce that they'll also pay rent. >> [laughter] >> And any and any kind of um, of um, renovations >>
029renovations that have to be done will also come at the cost of um, the troopers. So, Sergeant and with us we have Sergeant Johnny Infante who actually will be hopefully the agreement when the agreement goes through will be housed at the Technology Center. We also have Trooper Jose Lara and Trooper Edmundo Sanchez. We want to thank you for your service and we look forward to our partnership together. Sergeant, would you like to say anything? [applause] I was recently assigned to the area. We're not housed here and I didn't get put in the public yet. Once it's all approved, we're we're able to continue here in the very near future. Once that's taken care of, then we'll bring in I think the final the troops and and and we'll go from We're looking forward to anything
030we think will be helpful and not tell hand off and catch off information. Second second second week. Thank you. Thank you. >> you, MR. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> LET'S TAKE A PICTURE BEFORE YOU GUYS HEAD OUT. Cindy loves taking I do want to share a fun fact because they let me ride in their truck and I had to tell some of the maintenance people that saw me because they got the look of fear in their eyes. And they showed me from their boots to their patrol cars and they all have like these logos that had it was it was great show and tell when I got in the car. And I got with them yesterday and I'm like, I can take you somewhere I'll quickly and I'll ride in the truck again. I mean,
031we can spread them out a little bit. Not getting up. Well, now it looks like you guys are booked in the back of the room. >> [laughter] >> Let's put you guys back in the middle and then we'll work our way around you guys. All right. Everybody ready? Ready? One, two, come on. Ready? One, two, and No, got it. Thank y'all so much. >> [applause] >> Now, back to presentation. Presentation of delinquent tax collection report for the period of July 1st, 2025 to December 31st, 2025. Presented by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson. You [clears throat] are not Kelly Solis. >> I am not. Good evening, Dr. Evada, Dr. Shaw, board. Uh, Kelly sends her apologies. She got a scheduling conflict. My name is Jaime Gonzalez. I'm a partner and I'm pleased and honored to present
032our semi-annual report uh, from July 1st, 2025 to December 31st, 2025. I don't know if the board has our report in front of you. >> Thank you. If you do, I can tell you at Linebarger our main purpose is communication with your taxpayers. Um, most people get our letters, get our phone calls, now get our text messages. We're starting to do that. And they ignore them because they think we're going to come take their house away. That's not what we do. So, our main goal is to communicate to your taxpayers and say, all we want to do is enter into a payment plan. Um, it's not good for business. It's not good for anyone if we take your home away. That's not what we want to do. So, how we how do we do that?
033First is mailings. During this semi annual report, these 6 months, we had four demand mailings. Did over 2,000 mailings to your taxpayers. Phone calls. Made over 932 phone calls to your taxpayers. And actually did over uh property visit called knock and talk. Where all we go, we knock on your door, "Hey, you know your taxes? I don't know if you owe taxes or not, if you know that or not. Here's our card, here's the information. Give us a call and turn in the payment plan." That resulted in over 50 visits to our office. And 42 payoff requests. We also just initiated a a text program in the past two or three months, so it's very new, but we're getting great results. And uh I'll get stats on that in my next report or in our
034in our fiscal year report to see how that's going. But now text messages, we're going to move forward. So people can pay over, you know, over an app. So, just as technology grows, we're trying to meet that uh growth. So, when that doesn't work, people aren't responding to our phone calls, our knock and talks, our mailings, we move to the next step, which is litigation. So, during these 6 months, we filed 32 lawsuits. Disposed of 33 of them. Now, when I say disposed, they were disposed by payments. So, 33 cases, $129,000 were disposed through payments. Even after we filed a lawsuit and your taxpayers are served by a constable or a sheriff, all that is is again, give us a call. We'll enter a payment plan. We're actually allowed by the courts right now to
035do something called filing an abatement, which means the case will be put on the side while the payments are being done. After they're completed, we nonsuit the case. It's been very effective. Just want to get the contact. We took four judgments. And right now there's 139 cases pending, and that's that's a high number. Most of those cases are in payment plans. So, a lot of them aren't, a lot of them are we're entitled doing title research, trying to serve uh defendants, but we're moving the cases to disposition. So, when that doesn't work and we don't get anybody in, our next step is actually sell properties. I can tell you that during this period we had four tax sales, one resale. Five properties were sold. Um, or excuse me, one property was sold. Three were pulled
036because of payments. Even after we take judgment and a property is put for foreclosure, up until the day of foreclosure, if there's a call, I want to enter in a payment plan, come in, make a down payment, we'll pull the property. To the very last second. We just we don't want to sell anybody's property. We did sell uh we sold one, pulled three, two were struck off, we sold one a resale. These properties that were sold, I want to tell the board based on your edict to my firm, none of these properties were homestead properties. They're vacant abandoned lots or commercial properties. Um, and and that's been very effective. I don't think we have we haven't had to go to the extreme of selling homesteads uh because there's a lot of eyesore properties and we're
037attacking them to sell those first. Our collections. During the 6 months, July 2025 through December 2025, we collected $408,000 compared to last year at the same time of 393, that's an increase of $115,000. Our goals for the future are to continue our collection programs. I have the numbers uh preliminary numbers for January, February, March. They're very strong. I I have no doubt that once the fiscal year comes in, we'll have we'll beat last year's and that's our goal, to beat last year's numbers and and to get this money into you guys so you can do the work you need to do for your district. That's all I have. Are there any questions? No questions from the board? Mr. Torres. Oh, actually for a for a few people by your program, it seems that you're very
038cooperative and we appreciate that. And it will continue to be cooperative. Thank you very much for your took it a step further and met with each campus administration um to identify exactly where the issues were. So, with the 10% increase after identifying the students and what needed to be done, you can see there that for example, the district for benchmark two, this is just projections, was at a D, but if, you know, if we hit the goal of that 10% overall, the district would be at a B this year. And it goes on to the different campuses as you can see if the projections and and and and um the work and the fidelity is there, we could possibly see, you know, uh four campuses at an A, uh the one from an F to
039a B, and the high school from a D to a C. On the next slide, you see that the benchmarks for one and benchmark two, and this is by the domains. So again, you've got the districts, then you've got uh the domains that are listed here. And when we look at the domains, I do want to specify what domain uh 2A and 2B mean. So, for 2A, the domain is academic growth, and for 2B, it's relative performance. And as a reminder, relative performance is the 40 schools that they compare Edcouch-Elsa to based on demographic, size, enrollment, etc. So, here as you can see, you've got benchmark one, you've got benchmark two, and then what would it look like based on the students that were identified that needed to improve as well as the student expectations
040and TEKS that needed to be moved forward. Again, you're going to see by domain. So, for example, on domain 2B, it the district you would see uh a D and then and and domain two B, that's what would be the score there and then the increased performance uh for that. For the for the 10%. Are there any questions? And this is solely based on the benchmark results. And as you are aware, um we are we're already uh in testing mode. We tested last week, we're testing this week as well for start. Any questions? Thank you. Next item is superintendent report. A, enrollment and attendance report followed by B, transportation update followed by C, oh we already did C. Uh D, intruder detection audit report plan. So, as you can see uh in this chart, it's
041pretty much the same chart. What I want to call call your attention to is uh that the ADA goal was set at 3706. Uh the 6 weeks ADA goal has is at 3,000 at 3,583.34. Uh we are below one uh 122.66. And I did want to call it your attention to the bottom section where it says that there were $762,332 of ADA loss in funding and then an additional 533,718 of overstated pupil projections. It basically what was it projected last year by previous administration that the ADA would be for uh an estimated deficit of $1,296,000 and 50 cents. So, right now these are projections specifically with the the one plus million dollars because we're still uh not closed out the budget. So, um we have been very prudent as far as what we approve, what
042we don't approve. We're looking more at needs and not necessarily wants, but this is something that we're definitely going to look at as we continue the budget cycle. Any questions? Um, Dr. King, just I guess some executive I'd like to maybe talk about a few things that witness the special income only comes to I think you probably have this one for now in the absence of these. Next item is um transportation update. >> Yes. So, I'm really happy to announce that um with your support, excuse me, when you approved the purchase of the two buses and the special education bus, these these are the pictures of the brand new buses. We did receive the two new 77 passenger buses and one 53 wheelchair accessible special needs bus. The new buses do in fact meet the
043the Texas school bus specifications and are equipped with three-point safety harnesses. They do have AC and heater for the comfort of the students. The new buses are are a much needed addition to the bus fleet to meet the transportation needs of our students and I want to again thank the school board of trustees for allowing us to make this purchase. Questions? Next item is the intruder detection audit report findings. The top priority of Edcouch-Elsa ISD and the state of Texas is ensuring that our students and staff are safe every day. The Texas School Safety Center recently conducted intruder audit detections audits at two of our campuses were done. These audits are required statewide and are designated to test whether an unauthorized individual can gain access to a campus. These audits help districts evaluate campus entry
044procedures, identify any vulnerabilities, and strengthen an overall safety practice. The audit process is part of the state's enhanced school safety requirements, including updates under House Bill 3, which increased campus monitoring expectations, and requires districts to implement corrective actions when audits identify areas needed improvement. These requirements are Excuse me, these requirements support our ongoing efforts to keep facilities safe, train staff, and ensure all exterior doors function properly and remain secured throughout the school day. Edcouch-Elsa ISD continues to work closely with our district level safety and security committee to review all audit feedback and implement required corrective measures and ensure that training and door security protocols are consistently followed at every campus. The support from state in conducting these audits is one of several steps we are taking to maintain a safe learning environment. We understand that
045parents and community members may want specific details about the audit findings. However, state law prohibits the public disclosure of certain campus security information if releasing it could compromise school safety. For that reason, the detailed audit results will be reviewed with the board in executive session and with district and safety security committee permitted by law. Edcouch-Elsa ISD remains fully committed to maintaining safe, secure, and supportive campuses for all students and staff. Questions? Next item is consent agenda item. It's a long consent agenda item. Superintendent has requested item D10 be pulled to discuss in executive or Discuss in executive. If there are any other items? D10. D10. D10. Any other items that we need to pull or discuss before we approve consent agenda? I had a couple. Okay. Uh B2. B? EISD financial report information item? Yes,
046sir. Go ahead. Uh it was a question for Ms. Olivia. I was looking at this document and with regard to the facilities, we're already over by 40,000. Just wanted to verify, was that in regards to a particular project that was not what's the word? Budgeted for? I'm sorry, what was the function you said? Facilities. Yes. Was that the DRG project? Yes. Okay. And then one more question from that same document. For curriculum and instruction, I see that it's very low. We we're at 0.05 in spending as far as our budget. Is there a reason why? Well, we still have So, there will be some For the curriculum, right? Curriculum instruction. Okay, that's my only question about that item. Nine C and D. Nine Property for daily bottom. Nine? Which one is it, Mr. Guerra? Discussion
047and action items. I'm sorry, what is The city The city of Edcouch the property for daily bottom. That's under discussion and action >> Yeah, that's We're still consent agenda. Okay. Are there any other items that we need to pull for consent agenda before we approve? Yes, one more for D nine. Approval of quarterly investment report first quarter 2025. >> I'm sorry, in teaching and learning. Teaching and learning. D9. D9. Approval to evaluate out of district transfer agreement for 2026-2027 school year. >> Yes. Is this a policy change or any procedure? Um so, the policy currently has all of the language regarding transfer students. What we're going to be doing is evaluating the the students that we have this year to determine whether or not we will allow them to remain in the district next year.
048So, it's more of a procedure. Procedure. Okay. Any other items? One more in the same section, teaching and learning for in D11, the last bullet for the approval of summer programs. And of course, summer camp and testing for 9 through 12. Um what kind of testing? So, that is for the EOC for the students that do not meet the the state requirements. So, we're asking to do a camp to prepare them for the test. Instead of a long drawn out summer school, just to do like a camp for them. And that's what we did last year. Will there be any opportunities for students to TSI test? Yes. Thank you. Need a motion to approve consent agenda items. Move. There's a motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Second. Uh sorry, just for the record, there
049is still an outstanding item in that item D10, which I believe was going to be discussed. So, it's the consent agenda Minus D10. Minus D10. And we'll address when we get back. There's a motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Ms. Bosquez. All in favor signify All against? Motion carries. All right, discussion and action items. A, discussion and action to approve SB 1882 Region 1 partnership action plans. Dr. Garza. Uh discussion and action to approve SB 1882 Region 1 partnership action plans. Sorry. I know there's a presentation for it, but I don't I don't know if Mr. Torres has it. But, one of the things that is a requirement of the SB 1882 is evaluating how the partners are performing. So, we've been working very close with Region 1 ESC is Dr. Ochoa mentioned. And
050so, what we did was in collaboration with Region 1 ESC is we came up with an action plan together to ensure that that, you know, that our students are going to be performing at much higher levels than they are currently are. There is a presentation, I think you probably have that. I'm not sure. I think you have it. We don't have it to show you, but you have that in front of you. Any questions on that presentation or that action plan? And as you can see, we customize each of the plans by campus. So, we didn't do a general action plan. We customized it by for each and every campus depending on their individual needs. >> Campus specific action plans, correct. Are there any questions regarding this item? Need a motion. So moved. Second. There's
051a motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Dr. Ochoa. All in favor signify Aye. All against? Motion carries. Next item is approval of EEISD Board of Trustees resolution declaration of program change. That item I received late this afternoon. You should have it by your by where you sit. Essentially, it's very similar to what was done last year. Because we have had a loss in enrollment, we do project that there will continue to be a loss of enrollment based on the projections from Mo Casey and the the information that was presented to you at the last budget meeting. We do need to look at our staffing patterns. So, this program change resolution is in preparation of the prior to having to do any type of renewals in May. Any questions? Need a motion. So moved. Second.
052There's a motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Dr. Ochoa. All those in favor? Aye. All against? All those against? Motion carries. Next item is presentation, discussion, and possible action on the interlocal agreement for the long-term lease with the city of Edcouch for recreational use purposes such as soccer fields and baseball fields behind the David Ybarra Middle School. Good evening, Dr. Ybarra and members of the trustees of the board. My name is Eddie Saenz. I'm here on behalf of the city of Edcouch. We do have Mayor Vergilio Gonzales here in attendance. A year ago the board was so kind as to donate 7 and 1/2 acres for a detention pond as and this detention pond was to is to serve uh the northwest quadrant of the city. And right now we're in the environmental stage.
053It was very important for the this to be in the hands of the of the city or else funding would not have been allowed. Uh it's being funded by HUD. So, the area that that was uh donated to us was this area here where the pond was going to go. It totaled 7 and 1/2 acres. What we had presented a year ago was around a 15-acre layout where the pond it really encompassed all this area and that included some ball fields, soccer fields, uh some canopies. So, it was all intermixed. But, when we separated the two, obviously the southern half of it which was donated to us is for the pond. The city's now looking to, you know, if possible to be able to utilize the other 7 and 1/2 acres uh for soccer fields,
054baseball fields, and put a restroom in there. It'll have lighting as well. So, it's the city's still pursuing having a recreational facility there. And what this area it would cover would would encompass would be this area down here which is the northern half of those 15 acres. And we'd like to include the pavilion so they could all be intertwined for basketball, pickleball, or other events that could be used. Of course, uh the school district would always use any of those facilities as well. So, we're presenting this. I don't know if the mayor has any comment but we certainly like to move forward and see whether an interlocal agreement for a long-term lease would be possible. If there are any questions, I'll Do you already have the funding for it? Is it like guaranteed that you're
055going to have the money to start the project? >> Yes, we're going to have the money to start the engineering and we'll probably do one of these fields at a time. First year, probably these two and then maybe the next year and these. And we're probably looking at a restroom in this area here. And if we rent out the school to a to a a college or anything and we need the property, what happens? Say it's for machinery or anything like that, how what happens to us? We don't get anything back or I'll let the mayor answer that. I'm pretty sure we can work something out in the agreement. Like Eddie said, this piece of land will not be dug into, right? There will not be any any fixed any fixed uh facility, right? For
056for for the whole intent of this area was for for flood mitigation. I mean, that that was the whole purpose of of of the schematics behind it. So, in keeping the the pond itself and using the existing layout that might benefit uh the detention when it's not raining, uh we'll just it basically will be just grass and and may a minimal minimal facility. But, in case if the district needs to uh needs the the the the land back, I'm pretty sure that there's ways of of us reverting it back to to to the district if if needed. This this land has not been used in that since >> since uh Right now we're working on things. I'm pretty sure. I know that the attorneys and and and and both boards can come up with an
057agreement that it will be suitable. But, in the meantime, while it's not being used and it's not raining, I mean, we we can we can use these for for for a benefit of both the district and and the and the city. And the funding is is in the bank right now. I mean, we we have uh earmarked significant amount of money that that we want to use to improve it and use it immediately. How long is the project Would we have access to maybe say like first call if it came to our teams needing practice >> Oh, for sure. fields? For for sure. So, so we just started a park parks and rec department in our city that we're scheduling uh areas to be used for for different types and we've always struggled with with
058free land to use for for little leagues for for our for our youth. So, definitely that that will be something that that will be one of our priorities. I would say that quality of life projects like this one attract >> Yes. outside interest from developers and I know that that Edcouch is is very committed to growth and you know, the district itself, you know, we talked about losing enrollment. You know, it it's going to take all of us to increase that enrollment and get us back to where we used to be. Yeah, I I appreciate that and I know one of the things that we always struggle with is is funding. So, keeping it intact as to what the initial intent was, which right now the the detentions and and flood mitigation has been one
059of the most successful funding opportunities that we have. The whole area is a whole is is one of those things that we can utilize for that. And then in between, we we we can fill in any any crooked cavity that we that we have so so our students can use it. Is it going to have irrigation? Yes. >> One One thing that I would ask is that we have uh more greenery. I don't see any trees, I don't see any shrubs. That that helps greatly. Color. So, if if that's something that Edcouch would consider. >> We'll do that. And and we want to connect both the both the cities with with a walking trail. It it will be near our our our active barn that I mean, the the possibilities are unlimited, right? So, uh
060there's a lot of things that we can use with that unutilized area at the moment. So, I just want to add that um when Mayor Gonzales and the commissioners from Edcouch initially came to meet with me about placing this item on the agenda, one of the things that that I brought up as well was what if we do get a partnership with, you know, an outside entity, what would that do for the parking space for all of that? That area will not be touched. Now, we did talk about putting a um they they wanted to put a fence for where the pavilion is at but they would be access to that and that would be more for a security purposes to keep individuals from coming into the Ybarra, you know, parking area, the campus. And
061but they would definitely have access if if it was if it was leased out to anyone, they would have access to um this area as well. Where is the parking? Or is it going to be at the the Nixon site. This area right here is also owned by the city. And that would be our access point and we would be putting parking there and and maybe something in this area maybe. This is a Obviously a planning project. It's something that we would be discussing with the school district as well in in regards to the final layout as well. Any further questions? Mayor Gonzales. Yes, sir. If we we come to agreement, what's the time frame of this getting getting done? Um So, like Eddie said, they're they're doing the the the initial uh environmental studies
062for for that one. This, I mean, we we we can we can start within months. Okay. Yeah, I mean, I know I know right around the corner, summer, there's going to be a lot of usage around around the areas for for students. So, priority >> and I do see that our middle school has to struggle for practice area and has to share a lot with our high school kids. So, just seeing that there's going to be baseball fields and even you could even do what, football on those? What is that, turf football or what is that, soccer? We can do soccer, we can do we can do football, we can do we can do baseball, softball. If if we use the pavilion, we can use it for basketball. Will these be like lighted or Yes,
063sir. That is the plan, too. So, we're in the middle of working on our municipal park. AP and and we think going to are helping us with that. As soon as we we we sign an agreement on this side, we'll we'll we'll start with lighting on on on on this additional phase. So, I mean, I think it's a win-win for everybody. If by chance the district needs the land back, there's there's ways of, you know, reverting it back to the district. I mean, we just want it to be utilized. We just want to use use it for for for our students, our our community. And and like Dr. Ybarra said, I mean, we need to start attracting in a positive way for both the the our city's municipalities and the school district. And we just
064want to partner with with Edcouch ISD. Mayor, when it comes to signage, don't forget about this board. Oh, of course not. Of course not. So, maybe we can do some some competitions or all the some kickball events or something. So, yeah. I mean, pretty sure that we can do that and definitely >> No, I think I I think Eddie knows what I'm talking about. >> Yes. >> He does. Yeah, I know for sure. I mean, and and and anything that we do, of course, will bring it back to the administration and and to the board so we can compliment each other. I'd like to make a motion to accept. Thank you. The motion made by Mr. Torres I second. Seconded by Ms. Tanguma. All those in favor say "Aye." Aye. All those against? Motion carries.
065Thank you. >> item appears to be some housekeeping regarding the previous item. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on allowing the city to expand um its city improvement boundary of the existing long-term lease with the city of Edcouch to incorporate youth soccer fields, a pickleball court, uh new parking, and the widening of the walking trail. Need a motion. So moved. Second. The motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Ms. Tanguma. All those in favor say "Aye." Aye. All those against? Motion carries. Thank you very much. >> [clears throat] >> The superintendent requests that the Board of Trustees convene in closed meeting as authorized by the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. This executive session is in accordance with the Texas Open with the Texas Government Code Section 551.074 uh
066for the purpose of discussing personnel considering appointment, employment, resignation, retirement, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee. One, discussion regarding Level 3 DGBA grievance of employee GS. B, consultation of legal uh counsel regarding pending litigation, settlement offer, matter in which the duty of the attorney of Edcouch-El Paso Independent School District under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas purely conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. And see, discussion of intruder detection audit findings. It is 7:51 and we are in executive. >> Mhm. >> Uh first item that we're going to bring back was the D-10 off of consent. There are no questions regarding that item. I need a motion to approve. So moved. Second. There's a motion made by Dr. Ochoa, seconded
067by Mr. Torres. All in favor signify Aye. Aye. All those against? Motion carries. Next item is 501-074 for the purpose of discussion personnel considering appointment, employment, resignation, retirement. Need a motion. So moved. Second. There's a motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Ms. Vasquez. All in favor signify Aye. All those against? Motion carries. Uh discussion regarding level three DGBA grievance of employee GS. No motion. What? That is on the That is. Uh next item is consultation with legal. There's no action there. There's no action there. And we need to approve the discussion on the intruder detection audit report findings. Need a motion. So moved. Second. Motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Dr. Ochoa. All in favor signify Aye. All those against? Motion carries. Anything else? Did I miss one? No, I think so. No,
068JJ, you forgot the second one. Need a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. There's a motion made by Mr. Torres, seconded by Ms. Vasquez. All in favor Aye. Aye. Aye. There we go. It's a Monday.