001and we will move on. It's 5:49 p.m. and we will move on to our regular board meeting at the Leo Grande uh Guruya ISD. The this one was properly posted on December 11, 2025 at 4:45 p.m. We will begin with invocation led by Mr. Pñena. Let's go ahead and bow our heads. Dear heavenly father lord and thank you for having us here this evening. Father we ask you to guide us uh give us wisdom and knowledge to be able to make uh decisions father that will move our district forward especially decisions that will impact first of all our students then our employees father and our community. We ask you that uh you keep us safe as we prepare for our holidays that we may just enjoy our time with family and friends. Father we ask
002all these things in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. >> And Mr. Ramirez uh lead us in the pledge of allegiance please. 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. >> Thank you. >> Superintendent recognitions and reports. >> Yes, ma'am. At this time, I'd like to call Veterans Middle School to come forward, please. Good evening, Mrs. Walupe Gara, superintendent of schools, Dr. Bara, school board president, honors school board members, families, and friends in attendance. My name is Enrique Gantu, and I'm the proud principal at Veterans Middle School. Tonight, we'd like to recognize and congratulate our 2025 7th grade softball team for finishing a season undefeated 8-0 and claiming the district title. These
003young ladies represented Veterans Middle School with pride, dominated every challenge that was placed in front of them. This season also came with some amazing individual accomplishments, including Sophia Maricar hit her first out of the park home run. That's not seen very much in middle school. [applause] And we had Miss Januia Real and Mackenzie Lopez through a combined perfect game. What that means, no walks, no hits, and no no one on base. Congratulations as well. [applause] Again, we're honored to recognize our amazing 2025 7th grade softball district champions. The future looks bright for Veterans Middle School and for Radler softball. Team members include uh number one, Sophia Gara. Number two, Megan Gara. Number three, Sophia Maralar. Number four, Allison Fleming. Number eight, Cassidy Garcia. Number nine, Kayla Rea. Number 10, Janine Variel. Number 11, Alexa. Number
00412, Eliza Lopez. Number 13, Sophia Flores. Number 14, Mackenzie Lopez. Number 20, Bridget Rosales. They were coached by Nicole Lopez, Sophia Perez, Melissa Garcia, Alisa Solis, and Rock Cortina. So, once again, congratulations to Veterans Middle School. [applause] Thank you. [applause] Next we have real high school band. Good evening, Madame President, members of the board, Miss Gara, superintendent of schools. It is my honor to present our might mighty rler band who made it to area and also made it to state this year. We have Mr. uh Eric Garc director. But before we move on with the uh students, I want to thank all the uh community who has supported us along the way, the school district, uh members of the board, and of course our parents who have done a tremendous job. I think they deserve
005a a ring uh a big ring of applause because they've been through it all. They carry our props. They're always there. Rain or shine, they're there. So, I think that is a big honor. So, thank you parents from the bottom of my heart and of course the school district and board members. Good evening. So, like Mr. Monttoro said, there's there's a lot of people that we want to thank and uh that can and be here the whole night thanking people and we talked to the parents last week when the concert that band gets the community together, not only the high school but everybody together. So, the parents did a a great job. of our bamb boosters are here. Well, Miss uh Maria Marmale is here. Uh she did a lot of good stuff for us,
006[applause] man. We went to five competitions and the fifth one was the state one, but they were up since 4 in the morning getting the the snacks for the kids, uh you know, the sandwiches. They were there. They didn't have to be there, but they were there because they love to see the kids happy, you know, fulfill their their accomplishments. And uh I'm proud and grateful and blessed to say that uh we did our our job and uh we went all the way to state to the highest level that we can possibly can and we placed it on the city in the map again. So we want to thank you for all the support because you guys are behind the scenes and they don't see that but we see that and we greatly appreciate that
007from the bottom of our hearts and we really thank you for uh for everything and behalf of the the kids, the staff and our uh principal. We want to thank you so much for everything you guys do. A lot of our kids are a lot of our kids are stuck in traffic. Yes. >> Uh so that is probably one of the reasons why. >> But >> uh you want to put take a picture with them? Let's put them. Come on, guys. [applause] One, two, three. [applause] Next we have Real High School wrestling. So once again, many great things happening at RER Nation. We have our uh head varsity uh wrestling program. It has uh been a very good program for 21 years. We have made it to state for 21 years. I've had the pleasure
008of working with Mr. Pratt for many many years. He always every time I have a child who I feel might need structure, a little bit more discipline and needs to get involved, he has never said no. So, at least 90% of the time, am I correct? Mr. Pratt, come over here. It it has been a success and uh like I said, I've worked with him in many uh different roles as an assistant principal and now his principal has never disappointed. Okay. Um he's also I don't think a lot of people know that he is pursuing his board uh national board certification. So, we're still waiting on that. And so, why are we here today? not only to celebrate our students because we always have great success with them, but also to celebrate him because he
009did make it to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. So, he will be inducted on March of 2026. So, uh like I said, I'm very proud of you, sir. You um [snorts] have done so many great things for RER Nation. We don't always agree in everything, but that is what our job is to agree to disagree. Am I correct? and it's always for the best interest of our kids because at the end of the day that's what matters and like I said I'm very proud you know to have you up here and you have been a great inspiration to a lot of our kids and a lot of our kids have gone to different levels of to play so I am proud of that and thank you for everything you do for our campus and
010thank you for being an awesome teacher too cuz he also does our AP and on-ramps courses which are university based so he's an all-around teacher so thank you sir for everything you do for our kiddos and I can't wait to see What happens this year? [applause] >> You want to present? >> I'm not usually the one that does the talking, but >> he doesn't talk much. >> They they tell me that I've never met a mic that I didn't like. So, uh, you know, I I do want to recognize the kids. They they've worked really hard. uh they get up early in the mornings and uh they they show up at 6:30 in the morning, 6:00 in the morning and they practice and they get yelled at from by me, you know, they get cajjolled
011by my my uh assistant coaches trying to urge them to do better. We're very young this year. Uh we have very few returners, but we have a very good base. I had a college wrestler come in the last two days and he was singing their praises, said, "You have a good base. You're going to do fine with these kids." So, um, I do want to address the National Wrestling Hall of Fame before I recognize the kids. Um, and I'm going to tell you, you know, I I it took me a little bit to write this. It says, I'm not going to lie and say that this award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame was not something that wasn't on my bucket list. Uh, where I was surprised was I was nominated by Coach Craig
012Grace and then being selected the first time. Um, I respect Coach Grace greatly. has mentored me a lot through the years. He himself is also in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and has been since 2006. So, I'm I'm in pretty good company. But I have been told by some that I'm the last I'm the first one from the Grand Valley to be bestowed this honor. Uh, I do plan to use this platform to advocate for expansion of the sport of wrestling across the deep South Texas area, encourage development for youth, middle school, and Olympic styles of wrestling, as well as the recognition of the ones that I feel should be in there already before me. As my wrestlers well know, I never actually wrestled a match. Uh, but I'm very big on studying, learning,
013practicing, making a lot of mistakes. That's how I learned the sport so well. but more so my goals for every kid that I've coached over 37 years and have have been to become a person that I can be proud 15 or 20 years after they graduate. And I can say that I'm very happy to say that that's coming true daily right now. I'm also proud that I have five of my former assistant coaches that have gone on to become head coaches and a sixth one as a head coach in waiting at the college level. I have a former wrestler of mine who's also made her name for herself as one of the leading female wrestling officials in the nation. So, we can start listing accolades, but that list will be too long. I would like
014to advocate for continuing support of this program as it provides an avenue for several of these kids that are standing behind me. Uh, for them may not be the spectacular athlete, but they have the desire to become a better athlete, a better student, and a better person. And I can proudly say that I've got several that have fit that mold that might brought to me and and said, "This kid needs some structure." Okay, one of them is standing right here. Okay. Uh, you didn't know I was going to recognize him that way. Uh, but the sooner we can find these kids, the better the results will be, whether we find them in elementary, a youth club, middle school wrestling, or even when they come out in high school. But what we've been able to accomplish
015all of this is without any type of feeder system into the high school right now. You imagine what would happen if we had one. I also ask that consideration be given for rewarding this program with a home eventually, but that's another conversation for another time. I do thank you for honoring me this evening. I want to thank my wife, my wife, Dena, standing sitting back there, [applause] all three of my children, Ashley, Amber, and Andrew, and their families for their support. Uh they may not have always felt it because I did spend a lot of time on the team and not necessarily on them. So, we've had our our differences in agreement, but that doesn't mean I don't love them as much as I can. But they also gave me the support as a head
016coach. Thank the administrators, the principles and directors of athletics who've trusted me over the years. Last but not least, I want to thank my wrestlers, the students, and especially of all my assistant coaches who put up with me. One of which is here, Coach Ray. Uh the other two are not available to be here right now. Uh they've been there in the good days and in the bad. You guys that I've listed are all what this award is about. I'm just some guy who had some vision. That's all I am. I would like to recognize the ones that we have here. Go ahead and step up. Chris Flores is a first year wrestler, varsity. [applause] Darien Vaya, first year varsity. Ariana Losano, second year varsity. [applause] Robert Messa, fourth year varsity, regional qualifier. [applause] Averil
017Solis, first year varsity, Sydney Pena, second year varsity, regional qualifier. And my assistant coach, Mr. Ray Guerrero, our barber teacher, my first one of my first assistants. I have three and he's one of the first ones. [applause] >> [applause] [laughter] >> I don't like. All right. Well, congratulations to everybody. We're really, really proud of you guys. every time, you know, that we do these recognitions, um I feel so much pride of seeing, you know, our students up here, our coaches, our directors. Um it's it's a proud moment for the district. So, um congratulations again. Reports and information. Uh we will move on to section six, presentation, Goodwill Industries. >> Madame President, item 6A. Um I guess we will table that item. We will have nobody presenting today. >> All right. And section um item B,
018presentation of delinquent tax collection report presented by Limeburgger um and Gogan and Blair and Samson LLP. And before you start, I think we can have our students get some we have some refreshments for them. Our coaches are u banned. If you all would like to get some refreshments u before the the kids take off and their parents feel free to to do that now. Mr. Gonzalez, how are you? >> Yes. Hello. Good evening, President or sorry, Dr. Betta, President Dr. Bedetta, um, Superintendent, um, Miss GarcA, and other members of the council. My name is Jimmy Gonzalez. For the record, I'm here to present our fiscal year report for Delinquent Tax Collections for on behalf of Rio Grand City Guya Independent School District. I don't know if you have a packet in front of you, but
019if you do not, just to give you a basic uh understanding of what we do at Linebar, our job is not just to collect taxes. We're very cognizant of the fact that many times when we reach out to your taxpayers, we're the first contact they have with the district. So, we operate compassionately. And what that means is that we do make every effort to meet with your taxpayers to enter in payment plans. um year-to- date that included over four demand mailings, over 1,900 statements were mailed out, over 200 phone calls for four payoff requests were done, and one payment agreement. When we don't get in contact with your taxpayers, the next step is to move to litigation. During fiscal year, this past fiscal year or this current fiscal year, excuse me, we filed 37 lawsuits,
020disposed of 41 cases, totaling over 60 $614,000, and we took 12 judgments around $99,000. So, what does that all equate to? It equates to the way that we at Limebar work your tax roles. I'm the face you see here in front of you today, but any given day, there's 10 to 12 people in my office working on this district's accounts in different manners, be it phone calls, letters, working litigation. So, I had an edict from the board to concentrate on the top 100 real estate accounts, the high dollar accounts is what we call them. On page three of your report, I am showing you a breakdown of the top 100 accounts. I'm proud to say of the 100 100 accounts, 83 we already have in lawsuit. So those cases either have payment plans or moving
021a disposition, identifying errors, getting title research so we can identify the properties correctly to move to sale if need be in judgment. Five of those cases of those uh accounts are double assessed or deleted. So we're working with the appraisal districts to get them off your role to have a cleaner tax role. Five of those accounts are clear. Clear means that those accounts are not exempt. They're not in pre-litigation and uncollectible. Exempt and deferred meaning that we cannot collect on them by law. So those five accounts, those clear accounts are the accounts who right now are in payment plans. If they default on those payment plans, we move them to litigation and we move to take judgment. What does that mean? Year-to date, you can see that this is the big reason why I'm here
022today. Year to date, we collected $1.2 2 million compared year to date last year which was $945,000. That's a jump of $276,000 year to date from this year to last year. And that's a very significant month uh number in my opinion. I went back over the past five years to see what we've done year to date. That's the highest number we've done year to date in the past five years. >> Mr. Gonzalez, what do you attribute that increase in collections? >> I I to be perfectly honest with you, it's the leadership of this board. um you can give me directions on on which accounts to look for, which accounts to attack. At the same time, tell me to do it compassionately. >> I think that's very important um because it's something that this board when
023we came in um you know, we had this this conversation and we said this money belongs to our children. uh we saw there was a lot of delinquent accounts and the majority of them sadly it was big big businesses and my thought on that was if the the more humble people are sacrificing and they're staying up to date with their taxes the working class the business owners uh I think we should lead by example and I think that we have to be very responsible uh when we have a business and we have to make sure that we pay our taxes just like everybody else and so I I really didn't know that you know that that was your answer but Um, I'm glad that I pointed that out. I was curious to know um because
024this money belongs to our kids and and the the district is is pretty much suffering um with with um in our finances. So, it's it's it's very important that we collect this money. And like you said, um you you always have told us that it's going to be in a compassionate manner. You don't go out there and tell people you're going to take their houses away or that or you know, you you give them payment plans. you there's a process and and I know for a fact that you're being uh you're working with with the families and and you're giving them options and you're trying to help them out. Uh so I appreciate that and and we're really really grateful that you are collecting because like I said this money really does belong to the
025kids and to our staff and and to our district and so thank you for that. >> No thank and I thank you for your trust and your leadership to you and the board. I mean, you we've had several meetings and I I think it reflects that the community knows that this board is being a good uh trustee with the money and and distributing it the proper way. So, you are correct, Dr. Betta. We've had in the past in this fiscal year several high dollar payments and they've been on business accounts. They've been on some real estate accounts and that's in my opinion has been directly uh correlated to what this board is doing and people are coming in and paying. You can see I mean it's the highest amount we've had year to date since
026actually since the school district went on the June on the July to June fiscal uh uh year track. So, I'm very excited about this. I'm very excited. We're going to end the year off and um again, thank you for your trust and we can continue working hard. We have a uh two tax sales, one scheduled in March 2026, one in June 2026. So, I'm very uh optimistic that those additional tax sales with the amount of money we already have in will even boost our collections more for the for the district. >> I was I was going to say two things. I know the word compassion is thrown out a lot, >> but someone that's in court in court with you quite a bit, >> I can personally vouch that if anybody shows up, >> uh,
027courts are reset all the time. You actually step out of the courtroom and talk to them, give them give them tons of chances to pay any any, uh, amount they may owe. Uh, and sometimes even the court will do it on its own, right? So, even if you take a judgment, there's still time after judgment to try to still work out something with you because it doesn't get sold right away. >> You know, that's correct. That's the sec that's the second thing and I think you mentioned the the part B I was going to say which is the for I think foreclosure sales have increased. Correct. >> Well, we we have Yes. So, I'm going to I've increased the foreclosure sales in this county from two to three. So, we're putting more properties up or
028anticipate to do that. But to be very clear, the properties we're putting up are commercial properties, vacant properties, abandoned properties. The board has given me a clear edict not to displace families. That's not what you want me to do. That's not what I want to do. So, we're attacking these eyesore properties and attacking the properties that that people can pay on. And as you said, um, Mr. Amidus, I mean, when we go into court, the first thing I say, and you heard me say it yesterday, was judge, all I want is a them to enter in a payment plan. If they enter in a payment plan and pay what they're supposed to pay, we're all in a community together. this money goes to the school district do the work that you need to do then
029they have let them pay we'll pay that's all I want and we'll reset the case until uh the taxes are paid and I'll non-suit the case so that's my main goal when I talk with any of your taxpayers entering a payment plan I will work with you but you have to start paying it >> all right thank you so much >> thank you very much I appreciate it have a merry Christmas and happy new year if I don't see everybody by then but thank you very question to you and the firm. >> All right. Section seven. Um, do we have any public comments on the agenda items? None. All right. Thank you. Section eight, current agenda items for consent items listed on the agenda that were previously discussed and presented at the board workshop last
030week. At this time, can I have a motion to approve consent agenda items A through Q? >> I move madam president. >> Second. >> Um, all those in favor raise your right hand. and motion passes. Section nine, um, our action items. Item 9A, discussion and possible action on matters related to school district property located at um, we have the Do you have the address? >> Okay, it's under the text. I'll print including but not limited to sale, partition or other actions related to there thereof. Madame President, this item was added because we wanted to have the board the opportunity to discuss what they wanted to do with the property located there next to the paint arena. It's a property that's not being not pain, I'm sorry, pain dealership pain dealership here in real Grand City.
031And so you all wanted to talk about or have the opportunity to talk about whether or not there's any economic feasibility or use. And so this agenda item allows you to talk about anything you want to do with it. So, uh, we're here to hear from the board any thoughts on the property and any direction you wish to give administration. >> All right. >> So, for that one, we had discussed previously that we wanted to put it for sale. We just uh didn't know if we were going to use like a realtor. Um, if we were going to need to subdivide before or let that be the the the buyer's responsibility. Um, have we put anything out that it's for sale yet? So we haven't yet because we haven't taken any formal action. Okay. Today
032we do have it for formal action to the extent that you want us to engage an appraiser or realtor or something. We can move forward with that authorizing it today. Get your report from the realtor. Maybe they can tell you whether or not that is best served by subdividing it or together. I mean I it depends what you have in mind. I think the best idea would get a realtor so we can do I mean even do a reservey because I don't know how long the last survey was done. It could have gone up could have been decreased in value. How much you know if taxes are owed? I don't know. So I think the best idea would be to authorize getting a realtor involved so they could start taking the steps. >> We have
033the value from the we don't have a appraisal right? Do we have do you remember the value on this property an appraised value? We never need I think we need I think maybe in the past we may have or the previous board may have but we're going to need a recent one. >> Would you prefer that we start with an appraisal and bring that back to the board? Yeah. >> Before a realtor or do you want us to move forward with the realtor already? >> My m I I think we need to appraise >> first appraisal. >> Yeah, that's my my opinion. >> Okay. So, what we can do right now, we can entertain a motion to authorize administration to move forward with uh hiring an appraisal and conducting an appraisal study on the property
034to report back to the board. >> How will it work with a realtor to make sure we're very like neutral, very transparent with a realtor, how does that work? >> Sure. So, realtor, real uh state services or professional services. Okay. Um those can just be chosen at random or we can request request for qualifications. If anyone is interested in serving as a realtor, we can put out a call for RFQ. Individuals can submit their qualifications. After they submit them, the board can review those and just pick and based on the ranking based on their experience to deal with. >> Make sure we get >> So, what we can do is we will prepare for you the uh we move forward. The motion would be to go out for the appraisal and to advertise for RFQ
035services for real estate services. And that way by the January meeting we'll have a portfolio of those who submitted the RFQ for real estate services. So you'll have that accompanied by your appraisal. >> So I'll adopt the language that by legal and make that my motion. >> Okay. So the motion would be to authorize administration to conduct an appraisal study on the property in addition to soliciting RFQS for real estate services for that same property. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> You you the motion was Mr. motion. Um, and before we continue, so to let the community know if they're a little confused, this is a property like we said um uh next to the painter uh pain uh dealership and this uh property was purchased um to to expand our nutrition
036uh program, I believe. But then they decided to move it. A previous board majority decided to uh do it on the tractor supply. They purchased that uh building, left this building empty and pretty much with no use. Uh, I believe we paid a 1.5 about more than $1 million 1.7 about$ 1.7 million for it. Um, I want to say my opinion is that it was a a bad uh purchase. Um, we should have known how much it was going to take us to remodel that before we even purchased it. Uh, we should have known in what conditions it was if it was going to be something that we were going to need. I I really think it was a very bad decision and now we're paying for it. We have $1.7 million invested there. Um
037it I believe it's like full of animals and bats and rodents. Um that we we we cannot use uh we couldn't use with for the cafeteria or nutrition center. Um so that you all understand where what we're discussing and we're wanting to sell that. We don't know if we'll get lucky uh selling it, but we have to make an attempt uh get a realtor to give us better chances of selling it. uh maybe having sub subdividing it because I think it's pretty difficult to get uh 1.7 or anything close to that um in in this in this community in this city. We would probably have to divide it up and sell maybe two or three parts of it uh to different u different uh entities or different businesses and hopefully we can get a little
038bit back of what we've uh invested in in that property. >> There's just to add there's also another economic loss to the district. when a district purchases a property, it takes it off of tax roles. So, the district has also missed out on uh tax collections for that property. >> Wow. Okay. Another Okay. Downfall to that. Um so, we already did a motion, a second, and all those in favor raise your right hand. And motion passes. Curriculum and instruction item 9BI. Consider and take possible action on MTSSRTI manual 2025 2026. Yes. Uh, good evening, Dr. Baretta, Madame President, members of the board, Miss GarcA, superintendent of schools, and audience presence. I would like to briefly explain the difference between RTI and MTSS. Um, for your information and if needed approval, RTI is a framework that
039focuses primarily on the academic intervention. It uses tiers of instruction and data to identify students who are struggling, provide targeted support, and monitor progress. RTI has traditionally been used to address academic needs particularly particularly in reading and math. We have been using it for a few years already. Uh MTSS builds upon RTI and expands and expands it. MTSS is a comprehensive schoolwide system that addresses not only academics but also behavioral, social, emotional and attendance needs. It integrates multiple supports into one coordinated framework ensuring that decisions are driven by data and that interventions are aligned across all student needs. In short, RTI is a component within MTSS. While RTI answers the questions of how we respond when students struggle academically, MTSS ensures we are supporting the whole child through prevention, early intervention, and intensive support when
040needed. The MTSS RTI manual you have before you formalizes this alignment. It provides clear guidance on tier supports, database decision making, roles and responsibilities, and consistently and consistency across campuses. Our goal is to strengthen instructional practices, ensure equity, and provide timely support so every student can succeed. So, we respectfully present this manual for your review and approval and appreciate your continued support of systems that promote student growth and success. And just for your information, we uh before we finalized this manual, we met as a committee. Um there's several of us members from central office from representing different different departments and this is uh what we what we have for you. You know, we have um updated all the forms. We have make sure that the the language goes with NPSS which is basically the new
041component that is now in place but at the same time we did not want to leave out the uh response to intervention you know so you have any questions >> no questions >> I'm just Is that 9i or 91 >> okay don't the only question I guess it's it says it was presented for information purposes only so there's no action required today >> since it's been approved before the RTI and we're just updating it that's why we're presenting it for information But I don't know if it needs to be. >> It's this as an action item. >> So you have it listed as an action item, >> right? That's why I was still still >> We still approve. Okay. Got it. >> All right. Do I have a motion to approve? >> And a second.
042>> Second, Paty. Uh any discussion? All those in favor, raise your right hand. And motion passes. Thank you. Uh item 9B. I I consider to take possible action on addendum toou between Avante Incorporation and RGC GISD. Yes, ma'am. On this item, as you all know, we went into a partnership this year with Avon uh for early childhood and so we have before you a memorandum of understanding um you know that incorporates uh three new items that we are we want to add. One is regarding transportation. Uh because in the original MOU we did not include transportation because at the time we didn't know if the three-year-olds could actually ride the bus. Plus we needed also the advanced corporation to give us the permission that the kids in the case they could ride the bus that
043they would be eventually be able to and that was that that was granted uh by the corporation as well. The other item uh for the additionalou is the food services because they do have two centers you know outside the district and now that we are working with them they would like for the district uh food service department to also serve them those centers of course and they will be reimbursing the district for those services and then the last item that we want to add is as you all know we also have a non-colaborative classroom which is for uh prek3 actually they're they're two-year-olds they were not three by September the 1st so they could not be registered with the district but we still housing them. So, they turn three after September the 1st. And so,
044this coming year, of course, they're going to be part of our district. And they're also asking for additional classrooms because we have more kids that are meet that criteria. And so, we want to eventually bring them in and have them ready so for the next year when they do qualify. And they're also asking for additional office space because they want to move their uh their office space into the into the fourth as well. >> That's still at the Little Lions in that building. >> That is correct. >> And there's enough room there. >> There is enough room. Ample room for them. >> It's been very productive. Yeah. >> Mhm. >> Okay. I move that. >> All right. Can I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Um, any other questions, discussion? All those in favor,
045raise your right hand. And motion passes. >> Thank you. >> Item 9B, I I consider and take possible action on donation of Gerald TC horses. Good, good afternoon, Madame President, board members and starkconians that are present in the community in the forum here. Presently, the junior RTC has had two horses and one mule in the range of ages from 18 to 22 years old. They have not been utilized in any school function in almost two years. Their take their caretaker has retired this year. A horse in a mule sanctuary has been located in Bernie, Texas that will adopt them and care for them with plenty of care, open space, and attention. At their age, 18 years for the horses and 22 years for the mule, their market value is very small, likely under $3,000 combined.
046Selling them would not have brought meaningful revenue to the district. But what is important to recognize is that over the years, the district has invested over $300,000 in their care. That investment reflects your commitment to humane treatment and to the values that we should teach our children. These animals were not just livestock. They were part of our history of the six calvaryary reproduction. They carried our cadetses and uh went to Washington DC and um were in the Macy's parade and they became symbols of loyalty and service to represent the fort because in 1848 that's what it was. And I would like to introduce here at this at this time Miss Gloria Gonzalez, a former teacher and uh she has a sanctuary and through her connections rescued she she went ahead and she contacted someone that
047would like to adopt the horses. So she wanted to talk a little bit about the sanctuary and their care and what the the program that she does. Some of you might know her. She's from Gura. She's a former home economics teacher here from Rare Grandandy City High School. Gloria, would you please step up? >> Good evening, members of the board and Miss Lupita Gara. I knew I was going to see you sitting there, Miss Gara, when I retired when I left. That was in 2014. So, most of you might know me by my cooking skills when I would work in school and cook. Now, I was also an animal lover. Now, I'm an animal advocate. I have a a rescue and sanctuary placed in my property. I rescue animals. I help uh the community spay
048and neuter animals and control the population that we have of stray um uh overpopulation of dogs that we have on our streets. And I was contacted uh by Miss Alina Ver about the worries about the horses that they needed a proper place to be. So what I do is that I work in connection with a lot of rescues and a lot of sanctuaries that help me place not only livestock animals but uh pets that nobody wants anymore. Uh cats, dogs, birds, uh you name it. I've taken bulls, donkeys all all over the place. So I pulled a little bit of a connections and I was able to find a very good sanctuary. It's a ranch and it's in Bernie. It's an 80 acre ranch where those horses are going to be treated like royalty. They're
049going to have clamated uh stalls. They're not going to be like the stalls we had here. Those stalls have air conditioned. They're going to be properly cared and they're going to be there until the end of their days. They're not young horses or mules anymore. So, their life is a a slower retham life. They're not going to be used for work and they're going to be very well taken care of. The family that has that ranch is a Granchelli's family, Jim Granchellis. Um, they have a huge construction company and that's how they do their keep up with their ranch. So, make sure that for the rest of their lives, they're going to be well taken care of. And um in uh the next meeting I want to be here again and talk to you about
050paradise of what I do with the animals that we do and a very good program that there is that needs to be involved with our district that would bring a lot of benefit to our students here and uh we need to have a little meeting together and talk about that. So, just wanted to assure you that the horses are going to be well taken care of. And you all made the best decision >> of not selling them and placing them in a place that they're going to be well taken care of. Well, thank you so much, Miss Gar, for everything that you do for our community, first of all. And um yeah, it's sad when Miss Gara told me that these horses haven't been used for this long and that they're pretty much just sitting
051standing sitting there. Um it's uh it's a shame. Um, and it I'm sure it's a it's a it was a great program to have the calvaryary, but if we don't have that professor and we don't have the means of maintaining these animals, I I do think it's the best thing um to send them off to a sanctuary. So, do we have any questions or discussion? >> When when will they be coming from for the horses? Do we have a date as to when they're going to come pick them up? >> The horses were already picked up. >> Oh, already picked up. >> Yes. So we were uh we were able to Yeah. She called me and we were able to because they were coming to inspect I believe the horses and at that time they
052said they if they could take them so that I gave her approval too. >> I'm just grateful because we didn't have I didn't have information on the sanctuary. So I'm glad that you brought that information to us. So thank you for that and that there was no fee involved. It was a volunteer basically who took them up on >> and that's a very thing. >> I'm sorry. >> Sure. Uh, my rescue paradise usually has an owner surrender fee, which I would have charged the district for having surrendered the horses, but I mean I I don't because I'm not here for the money. I'm here for the benefit of the animals. I I'm not running a business. Most of my fees are always waved. Even though everybody tells me I need to stick to my business,
053to my rules, I mean, I don't. I always wave the fees. And my goal is to place as many animals as I can in safe, loving uh environments. Well, thank [clears throat] you for that and I think it is important that you you do meet with one of us or with Miss Garza uh to give us some ideas of what we can do. I know I had thought of some initiative that we could help um spread information, awareness to our children, kind of maybe showing them a little video, giving them some information, letting them know that when they ask for a puppy and they ask ask and then their parents give it to them and then they don't want it later on. What happens to those puppies when they just, you know, throw them away
054or leave them in the streets? uh to give them a little bit of awareness. I think that even our students could probably educate their their parents um if we if we do a good job uh with with u raising awareness. Um I so I really am interested in us working through our kids to also get our parents uh to understand that these k that these pets uh when we get them uh it's a big responsibility and you can't be buying these uh pets or dogs cats and then just you know getting tired of of them and and leaving them in our community around in our streets. Um so so definitely I think that we do need to start an initiative uh with our counselors or with our teachers a little put it somewhere uh throughout
055the year where our kids can hear this information and can can learn a little bit more of what happens to these pets when they don't want them anymore. >> Yes. This all starts with educating especially our youth so that they can know that earning a pet having a pet it's not a toy it's not a gift it's a commitment for the life of that animal which is not going to be a month it's going to be years. >> Yes. So, we need to teach that there has to be a commitment to owning a pet. >> Okay, we'll stay in in touch. >> Miss Gloria, really quick on the donation of the horses. I mean, I'm all for it. The only thing was there any transition either papers or anything like that to where it it
056alleviates the district from any liability or anything like that while the horses are at the at the plate at the ranch? >> Yes. And the owner surrender forms that you all signed, you are surrendering the rights of the animals and you giving me the authority to do whatever I want with them. Anything that happens to the horses is not your liability. It's my responsibility. And the same goes when the person that takes them from me signs the agreement of uh accepting those horses, adopting them, and they go under his responsibility. >> So, it's all being done by the documents. >> Yes. Because so while they've been already while they've already been transferred there, it's only on a temporary basis until you all approve it. So once you approve this tonight, it'll become a permanent donation.
057>> Other than the U consent of the owner transfer owner form. Is there anything else that >> No, we just got to approve the the the donation >> through that. Miss Garza has the authority to execute any documents that need to go out. >> Perfect. >> And that's a good thing because I know the caretaker retired. So you start worrying about the the care of the horses. So >> yes. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. They retired and u nobody was >> doing the proper care that it needs. It's not only about feeding. Horses need a lot of interaction, especially if they were being trained and they you just stop. I mean, it can cause uh not only depression on the dog, but it'll stop eating. They need the to have that that human next to him. >>
058So, thank you for for taking quick action on that. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. And uh All right. Thank you. We didn't get a motion. >> I'll move. >> Uh second. >> I'll second it. >> All those in favor, raise your right hand. And motion passes. >> Thank you. Uh item nine >> really quick. Uh Miss Gloria, I haven't forgotten that conversation that you and I had about [snorts] the something happened at the middle school that you had a plan um in place. >> I hope that's still a conversation that you want to have. >> Yes, I am. >> I was very interested very conversation when the time comes. >> Yes, that's something that's going to be benefit not only the district but our students and the community. It's something that we need to
059work together and do it. Uh, I've been working I don't know if I have time to say this, but I've been working in very close with Donna High School. I know it's not my district, it's not my county, but I rescue dogs not only in Stark County everywhere. So, I w I was in contact with Donna High. They have an amazing uh vet program through Korean Technology. They got a huge grant to get uh all the equipment for the vet clinic. So the students there I've been doing spay and neuter clinics with them working with them and uh just uh within this year 380 dogs have been spayed and neutered by students under the supervision of vets that go into the classrooms inside Donna High School. If they're doing it we can do it better.
060>> I agree. >> We really need to think into that and bring >> uh vets to our community. Something that we really need encourage our youth to become vets. >> Definitely. All right. Thank you so much. Uh we move on to item 9B. Uh this is four. Consider and take possible action onou with region one for college preparatory courses. Good evening everyone. Before you have theou between the district and region one and the rgb I this is for students that are enrolled in the college prep courses. The students that are not uh TSI ready. So, if the students enroll in this class, the seniors, they have to be seniors. They enroll in the TSI uh ELAR or math class. If they're not TSI ready, then they pass the class. They have to do all the
061assignments and everything. They pass at the end. We have the college prep designation on their transcript and it waves them for the TSI when they get to the to the to the ICE. >> And there's proper funding for this already in place. the the district is responsible for sending the TSI teacher the the college prep teachers to the training at region one and the three the three high schools have already done that the for the TSI uh college prep courses. >> All right. Uh can I have a motion? >> So move >> a second >> if >> Yeah. And thisou is good for five years. >> No further discussion or questions. All those in favor raise your right hand. A motion passes. Item uh 9B5, consider and take possible action on the effective advising framework
062EAF grant budget approval. >> Okay, so we uh got approved for for the EAF grant. We already went through the kickoff ceremony and on Thursday before Thanksgiving, we got the uh the NOGA for the grant and I just want to uh present to you the budget so we can start ordering uh our laptops we want for TSI testing. Last year we ordered 36 laptops. So, we're hoping to order an additional set so we can have enough for testing since we got the TSI free. The the first two uh administrations we had the first one was 100 students registered for TSI on a Saturday and the second was 101. So, it's great turnout for our students. So, I need laptops. [laughter] >> So, this is what the goal is. >> They just signed up or they
063already took the test. >> They already they registered. Uh out of the hund the first the first Saturday administration, we had 100 registered. We had 82 show up. The second one, we had 101 registered and we had 86 show up. >> So, it's a great turnout. >> All right. Can I have a motion to approve item as presented? >> So, move. >> Second. >> If no further discussion or questions, um, all those in favor raise your right hand. I motion passes. >> Item 9 B6, consider and take possible action on the Strong Foundation's implementation TA region one. Good evening, uh, board president, uh, Dr. Barera, school board members, uh, Mrs. Garca, superintendent of schools. So, we have recently been awarded the strong foundation's um, implementation grant for reading. So, we we over the summer, if
064you recall, we got the math, we million 38,000. Now, we got the reading same um, amount. So this uh item is seeking your approval to um request approval to engage with the uh technical assistant services from region one. It is a requirement of the of the grant to uh get uh services. We're already in a partnership with them through the math. So it's just now extending to the reading >> addition. >> What was the total amount of the grant >> in for all of them? It was a million 38 for math for the reading another million 38. That's not including the JNO ones. >> The JN. >> Yeah. Which was 200,000 for each reading and math. >> Very good. >> Awesome. Awesome. All right. [snorts] Can I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second.
065>> Any other questions, discussion? All those in favor, raise your right hand. And motion passes. Item 9 B7, consider and take possible action on strong foundation grants. Type in elementary admins. >> So with these uh grants, there's a lot of compliances and assurances. So throughout the year, these administrators, the elementary admins, both principal and assistant principles and/or facilitators have played an essential role in ensuring that implementation and monitoring of our HQIM across all content areas, reading and now uh math and now reading. They've actively collaborated with region one consultants, gone through training, coaching cycles, and ensured that all uh granters are met with their teachers, product observations. It's to say the least been quite a bit. So we are seeking approval for a stipen for uh all elementary principles and assistant principles and or facilitators.
066>> All elementaryaries are covered. >> Yes. Now. Yes. And then now with the reading and math. Yes. >> So move. >> Second. >> And second. >> All those in favor is your right hand. >> Thank you. Thank you. Federal programs item 9 C. Consider and take possible action on McKenna Vento homeless assistance services. Good evening, madam president, members of the board, superintendent of schools, Miss Garza, uh the department of other special populations is requesting the approval for the Mckin Vento assistance services and this is a continuation for strengthening the programs for all academic all tutorial services all services in regards to attendance and just to be able to carry out the kids for their secondary education as well for the collegiate programs as well. and it's at no cost to the district and it has
067been covered by the TEI grant which is a continuation grant that has been covered for this coming school year. >> I think I think this is a vital useful >> program. I mean >> it is. I appreciate that. Yes, sir. It is. >> We need whatever you all need. I mean this is this is crucial. It really is. >> All right. Can I have a motion to approve item 9 C as presented? >> So move. >> Second. >> If no further questions or discussion, all those in favor raise your right hand. And motion passes. >> Thank you. We will now move on to section 10, executive session for items A through I as listed on the posted agenda under Texas Government Code sections 551071 through 76 and 551082 through84. The time is now 6:42 p.m.
068and we are now moving to executive session. The time is now 7:35 p.m. and we're back in open session. First item 11A, no action. Item 11B, discussion and possible action on resignations, retirements of existing personnel. >> Madam President, 11 B, C, and D. We can get one single motion to approve all three. >> Yeah, with I was about to do that. Madam President, I move that we approve item B, C, and D as discussed in executive session. >> Can I have a second? Second. >> All those in favor, raise your right hand. And motion passes. >> Madame President, if you don't mind, can I go ahead and announce uh the positions that we have approved tonight? Thank you. For Gria High School counselor will be Nancy Pena. Gurria High School uh Kate teacher Tracy Torres,
069Rio High School counselor Lisia Varal, technology strategist Robert Lee Martinez, guidance and counseling director Maral Leonor Rodriguez, Gria High School principal Telma Martinez, and Gria Elementary principal Mr. Ramo Bera. Congratulations to all. >> Congratulations. >> One one thing we do want to clarify before we move on is that all these were moves done internally from the campus level. It was nobody brought in new uh from outside the district or from this area. It was there were already employees that were employed with us that just got uh reassigned to different >> Yes. The board is still following its uh compensate. It's it's the board is still following its uh I'm a loss of word the >> attrition is it >> adjustment adjustment plan for staffing. So yes the board is not have not hired someone new
070you're doing all internally still >> it's it's the lateness and and the long hair and your your beard just >> that must be what it is. >> That's that's what's happening. >> All right. Now um 11E [clears throat] discussion and possible action to propose a mid-year termination of chapter 21 term contract employee AB pursuant to Texas government code 551071. So move it discussed in executive session >> and we can put those together E and F. >> No, separate. Okay. So a motion for 11E as discussed in executive session [clears throat] and a second. >> Second. All those in favor raise your right hand and motion passes. Now 11F discussion and possible action on the wrong renewal and proposed suspension without pay of chapter 21 term uh term contract employee AB pursuant to Texas government and
071550 551074. >> So move discussed in executive session >> second. I in favor raise your right hand and motion passes and on 11G there's no action. All righty. Do you have any um upcoming district events, Miss Garcia? >> Yes, ma'am. Just to remind everybody that yes, it is tomorrow. No, last week I said it was last week, but no, we do have the first lighting of the tree tomorrow from 6:00 and we're hoping that our community, family, and students will join us. And just to wish everybody, you know, a very merry Christmas and happy new year and happy holidays to everyone. Thank you. And we have a board meeting tomorrow >> and we also have a special board meeting tomorrow at 5:30 right before the tree lighting ceremony. >> We're going back to section 12
072public I jumped it. Uh public comments on non-aggenda items. None. Good. And then we are having a special board meeting tomorrow. A brief meeting. >> All right. Um being that there are no further items left on the agenda, I now declare this meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Thank you and have a great evening.