001Good afternoon everyone. Today is April 28th and we are here for a regular board meeting on the board of trustees with county school district. Going to go ahead and call this meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. And I'll ask that you join me for a moment of silence, please. Thank you. If you'll please rise and join us for the pledge of allegiance. 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. Yeah, that went really fast. >> Double the speed. >> Just slow down a little bit. >> It's really nervous, but >> yeah, >> those videos are awesome. Okay, we we do have uh one public comment today signed up. Um >> I don't
002see Mr. Patel. >> I do not see our speaker, Mr. >> Yes. Oh, okay. >> Okay, we're good. >> Yeah, we'll give you a chance. >> We can we can play the video. >> We're going to go ahead and play the video. >> Here are the public comment procedures. Number one, individuals who wish to participate during the portion of the meeting designated for public comment shall sign up at mcckllenisd.org at least one hour prior to the start of the scheduled meeting. Number two, an individual's comments to the board shall not exceed two minutes per meeting. Number three, the board shall not tolerate disruption of the meeting by members of the audience. Thank you. ISD. All righty. Our speaker today is Mr. Hers Patel. >> Welcome, Mr. Patel. >> Am I? >> I believe so. Yes,
003sir. >> Can I yield my time to somebody else? >> Cool. >> Okay. >> Good afternoon. Good afternoon members of the board, teachers, and parents. My name is Felanos. I'm an interventional cardiologist at DHR where I specialize in treating heart attacks. My family and I were lucky enough to move from Kandarik 5 years ago where we have happily established here in the valley. Over the last few weeks, you've heard from multiple colleagues and concerned parents about the high incidence of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity in our children. But today, I'm here to talk about an adult perspective. Our children like your children had a high risk of having heart disease including heart attacks, strokes, limb amputations, blindness, dialysis. I wish I'll be talking about a 70 or 80 year old. Not that I wish
004that on anybody. I see this every day on my patients in their early 30s because they have been living with these conditions for years or decades. Every day I see young adults losing their health piece by piece and it's hard to watch and I have not grown used to it. Despite living the valley for five years, I'm not used to it and I don't want to get used to it because there's a better way for this. It starts with a with a main shift in how we see lifestyle changes and it starts with diet and exercise. But it's not as simple as that. You know, most of our children eat two of the three meals at school. So, we're not only feeding them, we're really shaping their future eating habits. Many times I see my
005patients with multiple heart attacks, all of these very bad sounding uh complications and I cannot convince them to eat healthier. For many of them, healthy lifestyles and healthy eating sounds scary and completely out of reach. So change must begin early here and now so our children have a better future. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um >> that concludes >> that would conclude our public comments. Um we will move on to item number five. Thank you all for your comments. All right. >> Norma to add trusty regal to teams. >> We do have a recognition today. It's item number 5A, recognition of the Mcount Independent School District's registered apprentices, the cohort number one, Dr. Guier. >> Yes. Um, tonight we recognize the Mckllen Independent School District's first cohort of registered apprentices.
006National Apprenticeship Week is celebrated April 26 through May the 2nd, 2026. And the theme for this year is America at work. Making America skilled again through registered apprenticeship. Registered apprenticeships represents a strategic shift in how the United States approaches the workforce development and bridging the gap between traditional education and the high-tech requirements of modern industry. Mr. Dr. Mark May, our marketing and communications director specialist will call the names of the apprentice so they could be recognized. But before that, I think we have a presentation. Dr. Gonales. >> Uh yes, we'll play a quick video and then we'll get started, sir. >> Okay. So, I'm really honored to get to uh ask you all some questions so that we can truly hear real voices, your story, your journey uh or [music] how you're supporting someone else.
007So as [music] a perah I have some experience but but I need more you know and and this program is providing me the support that I need in order [music] to make my dreams come true. >> I saw it as a way to be in the classroom learn the hands-on the functional stuff but at the same time uh still get my education get paid for um and then still have a job afterwards which I think is amazing. This program is giving me the opportunity to go to college work uh and gain that [music] confidence that I could do it. >> It's really transformed the way I've grown and the way I've approach things and the way I I see myself. >> It's not just a program to me. It's something that is putting me in
008the position that I've always dreamed to be. >> 5 years ago, I never would have thought I'd be here at all. I didn't know where I was going, what I was going to do. And now that [music] I'm within this program, at least I have a little bit of guidance to how I want to go about my career in education. >> I [music] did not want to go off to college. I did not want to do the whole college experience. I just wanted to be in the classroom and this was [music] just a very easy entry point into the classroom for me. >> The tuition coverage, the embedded time that we have to study [music] on the job, just it's the the barriers have all really just dissipated and everyone [music] supports us unconditionally. is
009really teaching us things that we tools like you said that we're [music] going to take with us and you can't learn that just by just going just to college. >> Rap helps you grow. It's impactful like it builds you [music] into a person that you may have seen but you didn't realize and this program showed me how to be a teacher. We are literally building the perfect teachers within our buildings [music] to come in and take these spots as they come available. And I can't imagine a better way to find new people to lead the kids of Deer Park. The people that are coming through our programs on my campus now, I see these these as stamped. I know [music] that they can write lesson plans stamped. I know that they can chunk into instruction.
010Like yes, everybody's got places to grow, but they have a really great base and that is just a really comforting thing. Sometimes we too get in the rut being in instruction and we do this year after year and they bring just this fresh energy and excitement into what we're doing and remind us sometimes too why we do what we do. Some teachers they can't wait till Friday but the Monday teachers [music] are there because they love the kids. They want to be an educator for a reason and that's the kind of impact I want to continue to make is to be that one day teacher that always shows up for them. Not everyone can get this chance and I'm one of the lucky ones if all new people in here also got this chance. There's
011so many parents that want to be teachers. They want to become [music] they have the desire to do it and just giving them the opportunity to grow. I want everybody to go through something like this before they start teaching. You're going to get a passionate teacher. You're going to get somebody like me who was in a pair professional role who knew she wanted to be a teacher but just didn't have that open door. and this provided that opportunity for me. >> You look at all of us, we all have different backgrounds. We all come with different stories, but we all had equal access to this program. So, it's like just starting a program like this, you're just promoting exactly what school's about. And before we begin our recognition, Dr. Gutierrez, Mr. President, board of trustees,
012thank you for allowing us to be here to recognize our very first cohort of apprentices in Macallen ISD. And I would like to invite one of our apprentices to the podium and allow him to speak and let us know about his experience these past few months in in our program. >> Good afternoon. >> Good. Good evening board of trustees. My name is Tim the one of the apprentices in the apprentice program. I'm in the RAM three and all I can say has been a life-changing moment. Um this is my first year working in the school district and when they came out with this program it was I was like could not pass up this opportunity and I could say the rest for the other apprentices it's a life-changing moment um because I know from my
013perspective or pair of professionals perspective we're in the classroom and we're there with those kids day in day out and those bonds that we build those students and you know the mall ID is working to keep employees within the district and you know helping them to get their bachelors cuz it's not easy to go back to school and I'm pretty sure for a lot of the apprentices it wasn't easy to go back to the school and you know going back to taking four classes because then for me that's what I'm taking about two to three classes almost four classes three mini masters in one class taking US history right back to federal government and then to taking world history so back to back of just five weeks and it's not easy because I'm pretty sure
014a lot of them have young kids that they to take care of but They look at the end goal which is to make an impact on students and at the end of the day that's our goal is just to make impact on these students because we'll be um impacting generations of students to come that go through MACD and for us is during this process we've collaborated with teachers we learn how to make lesson plans we collaborate with what works for a teacher and what doesn't work and you know sometimes we get the opportunity to give a five minute lesson and you know we sit back okay what can we have done what can we, you know, change for the next time? And we learn how to be inclusive in the classroom as well because everyone
015learns differently. And that's what this program has helped us learn is everyone does have a different learning style. And that's just how we that's how we as pair professionals are going to come up as the new teachers that come up um whenever we do get our degrees. I'm working towards my bachelor's some other working or certifications the region one. And that's the end goal is just to be an impactful teacher in students lives. >> [applause] >> Hello, I'm Joshua Sautello. I'm in onramps 4, so I'm a step above my MA fellow MAP member there. Uh, and just like he said, just being in this program has been a true blessing and an honor. So, a little bit about myself. Uh, I currently work at Memorial High School and I work in the library. So, I'm
016exposed to students, but not in the same sense that some of my other members are. And so I would say I have a lot to learn personally and in this program I've learned a lot of skills that you don't just get out there in the wild. Sure, you learn, okay, this is how you interact with someone younger than you and you know, things like that. But this gives you more of a professional sense of how a teacher should act in conduct and professionalism in the classroom. Um, I'm really honored to be here and I'm sure a lot of my classmates would say the same. um just thank you for this opportunity and we're all blessed to be here and thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Okay, we're ready. Uh if the board and the
017superintendent would like to come forward >> and we'll line up for a photo. Okay, we're ready to start. >> Thank you. Go ahead. And we're going to start with from Castana Elementary. This is Elizabeth Tesla. >> From Jackson Elementary, Diana Ernnandez from McAuliff. Kimberly Bernal >> from McAuliffe. Griselda Montor from Paris. Sylvia Bar from Roosevelt. Diana Pñena from Sanchez. Sabah. Sarah >> from Brown Middle School. Sabrina Garca from Kathy Maria Quetto Dora. from Travis Jorge Velasquez your card and from MAI. Timothy Anes from MAI. Katherine Espinosa from MAI. Hector Danini and from Memorial uh Joshua Sautello. >> [applause] >> Can line everyone up for a photo. No, Perfect. I can't see. >> Oh, yeah. >> All right, everybody. Big smiles up. Congratulations. [applause] >> Congratulations. >> Back to doing homework. Good job. >> All right.
018>> Thank you to everyone that is a member, a part of that cohort and everything that you guys do is amazing. So, thank you all for your willingness to join and for being with us here in Macist. We're going to move on to uh proclamations. We do have a proclamation um 6A discussion and possible action to adopt the proclamation regarding mental health awareness month. Dr. >> Mallalan ISD proclaims the month of May as mental health awareness month. Uh Mr. Mark May, our marketing and communication specialist will introduce our guest and our trustee Dr. Elizabeth Kdman, our board secretary, will read the proclamation. You may read. >> Sure. Whereas every citizen in the community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma that has surrounded mental illness and discourage people from getting help.
019And whereas through public education and civic activities, Mallen ISD remains engaged in the promise to address the challenges people with mental illness face by increasing access to mental health services. And whereas mental health awareness month is an opportunity to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health. Now therefore, I Dr. Elizabeth Kdleman, Secretary, Board of Trustees of the Mallen Independ Independent School District, do hereby proclaim that the month of May 2026 be observed as mental health awareness month. In witness whereof, I have here to set my hand and cause the seal of the Mallen Independent School District to be affixed on this 28th day of April, 2026. >> All right. Uh there is a uh administration is recommending an action on this item. >> Like to make a motion to approve. Have a motion
020by trustee Kion and a second by trustee Lopez. All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> I motion passes. 6. >> All right. All right. If everyone would like to line up in the front. Come on in. >> Just one second. >> Okay, go ahead. We're going to start with Addison Humphre. Uh she's from Macauan High School. Thank you. Next is Ashira James from Nikki Row High School. Thank you. And we have from the shrinkbox agency, Dr. Daniel Gutierus. Also from Shrinkbox Agency, Dr. Herman Corso from the family treatment program. Christian Robas, uh, Houston Elementary counselor. Jacqueline Canu, counselor from Brown Middle School, Gabriel Gaba, uh, counselor from Achieve Early College, Beatatric Bosing Game, counselor from Memorial High School, Rebecca Garca, and social worker. Christina Aila Gonzalez. Three. [screaming] [crying] One, two, three. >> [snorts] >>
021All right. We will now move on to the consent agenda items and unless a trustee would like to discuss a certain item on the consent, I'll entertain a motion. >> Mr. Chair, I move to approve consent agenda items 7A through 7 I. >> Okay. I have a motion >> second >> and a second by trusty Kion. All in favor? >> I. Any oppose? Motion passes 6. Okay, we move on to [snorts] item 8A1 report regarding the STEM Academy at Travis Middle School. Dr. >> Yes. Uh we want to share some new in new information innovative program at Travis Middle School. We're planning to do this starting the 2627 school year for incoming sixth [snorts] grade students. Dr. Rosalva deos our associate superintendent for instructional services will have more information on this item and this is
022for information purposes only. Go ahead Dr. De theos. >> Thank you Dr. Gutierrez and good afternoon board. Um so in the effort of advancing programs here at Macallen ISD, we bring um a reminder or um really announcement that we currently have the dual language program at Fawasa Middle School that uh we received the elementary dual language students and then it goes all the way to a high school program at Achieve Early College High School. We also have [snorts] the IB middleear program at the Leyon Middle School. As you know, we um have the IB uh pre uh years program at Peris Elementary and then it goes on to our Lamar IB um and during the high school level. What we have for next year, new to Macallen ISD and I I want to say also
023new to the valley is a STEM academy at Travis Middle School. And this will provide students that um opportunity to advance in some high school credits as well. And so the vision for the STEM Academy at Travis Middle School is to empower students to explore, innovate, and lead through science, technology, and engineering. [clears throat] We know that 70% of future jobs will require STEM skills. And also engineering and health science are two of the fast growing career sectors in Texas. And even if the students are not interested in let's say these two career paths, [clears throat] the STEM curriculum boost problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking. So this is a sample middle school core sequence. [snorts] And um before I go on, I want you all to see that logo that very proudly our Travis
024Middle School staff uh being led by our principal, Mr. Gracia, uh created this this logo and it's the representation of this academy. So, uh, moving on with the sample middle school course sequence, uh, starting in blue there in the blue box, we have the sixth grade courses, uh, the reading, language arts, math. Students will be taking also science, sixth grade science, and sixth grade social studies. They will also have the opportunity to take a fine arts class and a physical education class. In addition, which is new to just Travis, STEM at Travis, is the project lead the way curriculum. And it students will be taking flight and space design and modeling, uh, automation and robotics and energy and the environment in sixth grade. And you can see how it goes on to seventh and eighth
025grade. This curriculum uh is a curriculum that is very uh intentional for STEM um um campuses and I am proud to say that we just recently received a grant. We applied for two grants to be able to uh invest in this academy and we already received the first one which is uh it will pay for the curriculum and the teacher training for project lead for this STEM academy. Seventh grade, as you can see there, uh we continue on with seventh grade, RLA, math, science, social studies, fine arts, physical education, and then the project lead the way courses, science of technology, magic of electrons, computer science for innovators and makers, and then building for the future. Then eighth grade, we [clears throat] will continue on with eighth grade RLA at an advanced play uh uh wave.
026That's why we're calling it STEM year three. Then the students will have the opportunity to take algebra 1 for high school credit and biology for high school credit. We continue on with social studies, 8th grade, [snorts] fine arts, physical education or athletics. And then we finish our curriculum from Project Lead the Way with medical detectives and app creators. And then at this time the students will also have the opportunity to take a career technical education elective that is also for high school credit. So in total students will have the opportunity to advance in three high school credits during the middle school years. Uh additional exposure throughout the semester and summer. We are planning on campus presentations on on these fields or these career uh pathways and then field trips in the spring semester and then
027um being very intentional for the summer camp, STEM camp, focus on math and that is just to ensure that they have that success moving on from one grade level to the next. Seventh grade uh the essentials of project based learning and then so that students can be able to participate and complete their first projectbased learning uh project in the spring semester. And then again moving on to the summer uh months, continue with the STEM camp with the focus on the reading language arts again supporting what happened [snorts] during the year and then putting them in a place of for them to be able to successfully complete the following year. And then an opportunity that uh other advanced programs in the middle school have is the advancement in Spanish during the middle school. So we want
028to offer that also to this academy students the opportunity to do one semester that summer between seventh and 8th and then the second semester in the summer of 8th to 9th. And uh as we finish there, eighth grade, uh continuing on with a workshop on project-based learning, spring semester project two, and then moving on to a STEM academy with a focus on Spanish. Um these are the recruitment uh presentations and meetings that we've had had with parents at different elementaryaries. And then we also had there in Orange, we have a virtual parent uh meeting as well. And then in pink we had the open house for parents and students to come hear from the staff, see their their opportunities there of the extracurricular activities and then also tour the campus and answer any questions they
029might have. So um we will continue with those with those meetings uh through the month of May as well. Um these are some of the efforts and at this time I'm going to ask our principal Mr. Graasa and Miss Lisa Kavasos which have been very very instrumental in the recruitment process and um I want them to to talk about the the different efforts that they've had and then to answer any questions that you might have. Good evening everyone. >> Okay, sure. >> Good evening everybody. So, I'm um very excited to be supporting this effort because I am a proud alumni of Travis Middle School. So, I love that this STEM Academy is going to live at at my old stomping grounds. But, um together with Mr. Gracia. We have been hitting the road to all
030of our elementary schools to bring this presentation and important information to our fifth grade families and in many cases fourth grade eager beavers who um are getting ready for the next 12 to 24 months or so. So um we have been focused on these um presentations at the elementary school really um targeting kids that are in robotics already science olympiad um hitting on on um our teachers to say you know who are the kids who like to take things apart and see how they work and the ones that seem to always be fidgeting with things with their hands and kind of really trying to um get to the the real root of kids that are really going to benefit and be excited about a program like this. So, we have some flyers and um that
031middle one there um is actually intended to be interactive. So, we've sent that out to a lot of families and posted it up on our website as well because each of those links is clickable. So, you can visit um the website for the STEM academy as well as um video um information on Project Lead the Way and what that is. Um and then of course the website that we have there is also linked for our um our virtual meeting that we had. So, you can watch that as well if you're not able to attend. Um but the real like magic behind this um this effort is our amazing principal Mr. Garcia and um at the end of the day our meetings are small but the yield is really high. So when parents come to these
032meetings probably 60 to 75% of them end up submitting an application and in large part because of the investment that they see the principal has and the excitement and passion that he has for what this is going to be. >> Really kind of you. So again, good evening everyone. I have to also give credit to Lisa Gosso's um I call her Batman, I'll be Robin. I don't mind. It hits home for me. Um but just like Miss Koso said, we've I feel like we've been on a tour, right? Like if we're artists, it always hitting the road because we've been at many elementaryaries. We've also been at PTO meetings, awards assemblies, you name it. Star breakfastes, we're there. Uh we're there just trying to recruit kids, trying to share the vision of what we have
033for the STEM Academy at the same time. and really just trying to uh be a standout campus and one that can compete with any any other neighboring district. You name it. I'm sure we all know who they are. But at the end of the day, we want to be uh the best STEM Academy, the best regional option that that parents have to send their child to a STEM academy, right? We wanted like-minded students that can think outside of the box. And of course, you know, along with Dr. support. We we really try to just run with that vision and uh be that campus for those students that are like-minded and do have STEM kind of at the center at the forefront of their thinking. So again, we've had quite a bit of efforts. We do
034have a May 23rd uh science STEM Academy Saturday where those students that are already enrolled and I believe we're already 27 28th, right? So 28 where they can come meet their teachers. At the same time, those teachers are going to be planning fun engaging activities. It's two hours tower of science, hour of math. At the same time, we'll have a a one-hour hot seat. Uh like Lisa is pretty good about giving us little surprise hot seats where students can actually ask me questions about the STEM Academy. And so that was pretty fun as well. But nonetheless, we'll also have that Q&A for parents. That way, you know, in case any questions or information, you know, that they might need, we're there to provide for them. So, we certainly uh done quite a bit on our
035end to try to recruit students and then get the STEM Academy off the ground. >> Thank you. Any questions from the board? >> I don't have any questions. I just comment. Thank you for doing this. I think it's really exciting. Um, Dr. Doyos, Mr. Gracia, Miss Gossel, thank you for all the work you put into it. Um, I just think this is great and exciting opportunity for students and I'm looking forward to see the program grow. >> I do have a few questions and I'm equally as excited about this. This is so cool. I love the project based learning and I I get this is a STEM academy but I also think it's important like you don't just have to be into science and math like someone like me is not but I'm very much
036into project-based learning like asking questions being curious so like also marketing to those kids who just like want to think outside the box want a different type of approach to education is also important so I just want to clarify this is a selective program does that mean that students have to test into it >> they They do have to apply the same way they apply for achieve uh early college high school. And so when we get those applications, Lisa and I will come back through them. We'll look at their attendance. We look at their behavior. We look at their grades as well. So we do take all that into consideration. But it is an application. >> Okay? So it's an application, not a test. >> Not a test. It's an application. And the reason that
037we look at those three factors is because the students will be in an advanced pace. Okay? As you see the reading language arts right now sixth, seventh and some eighth graders have a block. These students will not have a block. They will have to um we will have to ensure that the students are successful within that period. And the reason that we did that is because we had to make room for project lead the way curriculum which this is the the curriculum that uh sets the academy apart from the other middle schools. >> Okay. Got it. >> Dr. Kdman, I really appreciate that you mentioned kids don't necessarily have to be into science and math. We open every presentation with a statement. We're not trying to make scientists. We want people to think like them.
038So, I'm a STEM gal and you would argue that I don't really >> work in a STEM field, right? However, what STEM teaches you is to have an extreme attention to detail, to work as a team to solve problems for the greater good. We want all of our students to do that, right? So, um I I appreciate that comment. >> And then I had um Okay, so I'm glad to see that there's open houses. Um I think you know South Mckllen which is where I I'm zoned to Travis. I want to know if there are any efforts to particularly um zone in on those families who are already in Mallen ISD but they attend other schools like maybe Morris or Fawsome like hey like specifically target them like you know we're doing this >> and
039see if they can we can just do something like that. >> Yes. Okay 100%. Um, so yes, of course, we are a school district of choice and we want families to um go where they feel they they um they best fit, right? But um the amazing things happening at Travis and the opportunity to go to your neighborhood school and take advantage of something like STEM Academy and be part of that community and that culture that Mr. Gracia is building is a big deal. So, we're working together um our team and his his team, his campus team, um to make sure that as many families as possible know about this. So, of course, our our department handles student transfers. So, they call us when they want to move from one campus to another. And nobody gets
040to do that away from Travis without hearing all about this and um and getting offered a tour and any other information that they want. >> Okay. Um, and then on the teacher staff side of this, how how does that work within this program? Like is it existing teachers at Travis who were just who've been trained in this approach or what does that look like? they will be trained on project lead the way and the reason that we hope really um haven't started on that was because we were waiting on on that grant which okay >> kind of like when we reach out to project lead the way we we explained the vision behind what we wanted to create and they advised us to apply for that grant so that we could get the curriculum and
041the training paid for and so we just got uh the word that we actually we submitted all the paperwork that they needed last week and so we'll starting that that timeline now. So teachers for practically the way there are some teachers that that Mr. Gracia already selected and kind of already had the conversation with them and they will be the ones trained to um right now we have 27 28 students. So we're looking at one maybe two classes that they will have to uh teach in that curriculum and then the regular teachers that we have in sixth, seventh and eth will take one or two classes and teach to this cohort. And so the curriculum will be written. >> Yeah. >> This summer. >> Great. Cool. >> And if I may add, we're pretty selective
042on the teachers. Uh we chose some of our highest performing teachers. I think one of the best things about Project Lead the way when we met with them was just the professional learning community that they have there. Not only are they training teachers, but they're always readily available for even questions from administrative standpoint as well as a teacher standpoint. So, uh the biggest goal there is to make sure that they're equipped with whatever they're going to need to roll out Project Lead the Way successfully. >> Okay. Yeah, project lead the way and also the the other courses that because it will be at a pace at a faster pace. Okay, cool. >> I just have one qu question. I know it's on the website but I can't click it. Um >> where to apply? >>
043No, the So this is a program that for example, you're doing it for incoming sixth graders. Do they have to go starting from sixth grade the entire way through or is there going to be a possibility that let's say somebody can come in as a seventh grader and eighth grader as this program develops or >> I'll say yes as far as for right now the first initial cohort is just going to be for incoming sixth graders but as the program does evolve right and we get into our second year cohort and they're now moving up through seventh or eighth grade. I think those opportunities will be there for those students. >> Perfect. Well, thank you guys for all that you do, Mr. Gracia. Thank you all. >> Thank you. And if I can add, um,
044they will start at at Travis, but they don't need to keep at that vertical high school, vertical team high school. They have the choice to really go to any high school. And the reason that we um we're ready to take any advanced student at any of the high schools is because the comprehensive schools by the time the students get to ninth grade all the high schools will be able to offer the core complete in dual enrollment and then as you know achieve early college high school IB or UTRGB they are already work with advanced um students or advanced learners so we'll be ready for sorry one thing because I know this project lead the way um is offered from prek all the way up until 12 and I know we need to kind of see
045how this goes with Travis first but could be an opportunity for some of our South Melon schools too to adopt something like this >> definitely >> so awesome >> we're starting something good >> thank you guys >> thank you all >> okay we are on 82 discussion possible action on 2627 certificate of provision of instructional materials. Dr. >> Each year, the district must certify to the state board of education and the commissioner that students have access to instructional materials covering all Texas essential knowledge and skills for the required subject areas. We have Miss Petty Patty Pena, our director for professional development, to answer any questions. This uh item is a three-part motion item, and we're recommending action um on this item. >> Okay. Is there any discussion from the board? >> Not then we >>
046uh Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion to approve the district's instructional materials allotment is used only for the allowable resources allowed by the Texas Education Code TEC 3.1.0211. >> Motion in a second. >> All in favor? >> Any oppos? Motion passes 6. >> Mr. Chair, I move to approve for the 2627 school year, the district has instructional materials that cover all elements of the Texas knowledge and skills of the required curriculum identified in TEC [clears throat] 28.002 other than physical education for each subject and grade level TEC 31.004. >> All right. Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. Any oppose? Motion passes 6. >> And Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion to approve upon request the district will provide the state board of education
047any public information for any instructional materials what requisitioned or purchased by the district with IMA funds TEC 3.1.101. >> I have a motion by trustee Kagon and second by trustee Hadada. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes 6. >> Thank you all. >> Discussion and possible action on approval of interlocal agreement number 2026-248 dual credit program for minor in Spanish with the University of Texas at San Antonio. >> The the interlocal agreement with uh will [snorts] help students who would like to pursue a minor in Spanish. Dr. Deos, associate superintendent for instructional services is available to answer any questions. We are recommending action on this item. >> Okay. >> Any discussion on this? >> I I could present or >> Sure. Yeah. >> Oh, you want to? Okay. Okay. Uh well, we're as we
048look for opportunities to expand our dual enrollment opportunities for our students, we came across the the need to look into a minor in Spanish. And so the purpose of the program is as if I can um start with elementary. Elementary dual language is in several elementaryaries and then it goes on to fossome >> [snorts] >> uh at middle school and then move on to high school. And uh when we look at the at the students that are coming in or the students that are selecting uh this path into high school and I have the chart there for school year 26 27 right now we have three students are committed for next year right and so um we notice that there's there has been years that we get a full class 20 students others eight maybe
049seven but this is the lowest that we've seen and it could be in part because Macallen offers all really we offer a lot and so but we don't stop there we keep on looking at what other things that we can offer that u will benefit our students and a program like this a minor in Spanish is one of those options that our students are interested in and if that is the case then they they do want to commit to a dual language program at the high school level And I do have the director for bilingual here, Miss Rosio Nava and Miss uh the counselor for Chief Early College High School here with Miss Vatrice Le. I hope I'm pronouncing that last name correctly. But they'll be here also to answer any questions. But um I
050look to them and I look at our other campuses, the needs that they might have and then I I really look for other opportunities and this is one of those. And so the the overview of this is that they will the students will need to be advanced in Spanish at the middle school level. And so right now the only um campuses that offer Spanish for advancement in the middle school is the IB program at Teleon and the dual language at Fawsome. And as you saw in my previous presentation, STEM Academy at Travis will also have an opportunity to advance in Spanish in those summer STEM programs uh camps that we're we're projecting to have. We want all of our advanced uh program students at the middle at the middle school that have the same opportunities
051across the district. And so uh they will also be able to benefit from this program or pathway if they choose. So let me go through the overview there. Uh in ninth grade the students will have to start with a advanced placement language and culture which is the Spanish AP. um 10th grade that will continue with already a a dual enrollment course introduction to literature and this will be taught either by a um professor or one of our own. They have a master's in in Spanish and then move on to advanced placement Spanish literature and culture. 11th grade, they would take two additional advanced Spanish dual enrollment classes. And then in the summer, they are inviting these students to go and spend a week at the university and be taught by their professors. Now, they could
052choose interpreting and translation in medical setting or in business setting. Then in senior year they will complete the Spanish internship Spanish 4933 and then grammar and and composition Spanish 3063. So the objective uh for this opportunity is to offer a strong path to our dual language students so that they can move on to high school and beyond to expand advanced academic opportunities um not only at the middle school but also at the high school to develop a pipline of bilingual culturally competent graduates that can meet the regional workforce needs and to increase equitable access to college level coursework and credentials for all students particularly those who may be the first in their families to attend college. So, um like I said earlier, um I do have sorry I do have um our bilingual director and
053our counselor chief that will be able here to speak uh additionally on the need of this program and then answer any questions that you might have. >> Thank you. Is there any questions? I got a couple questions. Um, regarding the we only have three high school students uh currently >> the for next year >> the rising freshman, right? >> Yes. >> And so how does that do they only do we have classes with only three students? Is that how that works or how does that how do we implement that? >> That's why we're hoping to get more students after this is approved because if not then it's going to be very hard to provide those classes. But we did commit to them. We did promise them that we would offer this at the high school
054and so um I believe we have to next year. Uh I'm hoping that through this um opportunity [snorts] those three students become 15 18 20 um and I don't know if you want to add to it. >> And just one clarification that three is from the number of rising nth graders who have already registered. So, we know there's a universe of students that have not yet reregistered for next year. Okay. Thank you. >> I just think once Yeah, once we open up the opportunity, I'm sure more students would want to have that associates, >> right? Um, good afternoon everyone. Uh, Rosio Nava, director for bilingual. We do have uh currently three of our dual language students from uh that will be uh finishing middle school dual language at Fawsome interested in continue into the dual
055language program. However, this will open the opportunity for them to acquire more uh dual enrollment courses and getting more credit and advancement at the university level like many of our other options at the high school level offered to them at IB or collegiate or other other opportunities that we have available. So, Miss Blasting Game, our counselor there at Achieve has already surveyed the students that are incoming into ninth grade and we have a lot of interest of our students uh in in joining the dual language pathway and committing to to this opportunity um if available for them. So, um that number of three could easily go up to the 20s. And I don't know if you would like to add anything else. It is a great opportunity and as you can see on the classes
056that it is offering it is uh yes perfecting and and continuing their preparation in the Spanish language but also in the career uh force as well. >> Do they have to go to achieve for this credit? They we want to offer it with uh with the mind set of that we want to increase that dual language uh pipeline but if we approve it we will offer it also to those students that are coming from [clears throat] from Pawsome and into row. So we've also surveyed those students that chose not to go to achieve and stayed at row and we have about 22 students that are interested. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So we could potentially do does that varies schools? >> Uh they yes that that is an option. um we want to really uh
057focus on the dual language students, right? Like I said, to strengthen that pipeline, but in like uh I referred to my previous uh presentation, the students that can take advantage of this program or option is the students that advance in middle school, Spanish in middle school. So then eventually all three advanced programs at the middle school, STEM at Travis, IB at the Leon, and dual language at FASAM, those students will have the the opportunity to also acquire a minor in Spanish if they would like to. >> And could students te I guess more of a general question on dual language program. If a student's not at Fawsome >> currently, >> yeah, but could they test into a dual language program into in high school or how does or do they have to come metriculate from
058middle school dual language program. >> Um, ideally for our dual language program is we want them to continue in the dual language pathway and stay in that pathway all the way to high school. However, dual language is a bilingual program. So, it is open to any emerging bilingual student um where it's available. For example, right now at Achieverly College High School, we have other emerging bilingual students that are interested in joining the dual language program and because it is a bilingual program, they're able to join. Uh when they're non-emergent bilingual students, uh then there are certain not restrictions, but they have to make sure that they're proficient in both languages because they are going to be learning in both languages. Right now, the dual language program, uh, what sets them aside from a another like
059program like the IB program at the Leon or getting credit by exam at another middle school is that they're actually learning the content in two languages. So, they're not only learning the conversational language or um the ability to have informal conversations with other uh people, but they're also learning the science in Spanish. They're learning uh chemistry in in Spanish. they're learning um uh hographia or other content areas, but they're learning in Spanish and they're learning it in both languages because that's part of the program. They have to make sure that they're proficient in both. So, it is open to to others that could join at the high school level. That is a possibility um for them, but they have to again emerging bilingual students will have that opportunity. They have to be proficient on both
060both ls. And then for the agreement that we're looking at today from with UT San Antonio, that is only for that summer piece or what's >> No, it's for the whole program. >> Okay. >> Because the agreement does say that they have to is this going to be sorry their agreement says that it either has to be online or in their facilities. the summer the summer part uh they are inviting the students to spend a week at the university yet the curriculum they can either offer a a professor to come over and teach the the subject or they can hire one of our master level teachers to to provide the curriculum or we can do online but that would be a third option. I agree that's not the >> and currently we have master level
061teachers at row and at achieve that can teach the courses. >> Um just one clarification now that I'm looking at this a little more intently on item six in the agreement student eligibility. It says the students eligible must meet UTSA's readiness and standards and be admissible to UTSA. Does that mean that the students need to be TSI ready >> by grade? Yes, for dual enrollment. >> Thank you. And does that lead to any concerns with this universe of potential interested students? >> Thank you. >> No, we have a strong um TSI program and I mean for years the achieve early college high school students 100% of them graduate with TSI completion. >> Yeah. So very early in their sequence of um their time at achieve they become complete in TSI. So yeah I don't foresee
062a problem. >> Great. >> We will support all the students motion. >> Yes we do have this um for action. I will entertain a motion. >> Uh Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion to approve interlocal agreement number 2026-248 dual credit program for minor and Spanish with UTSA for 5 years period beginning on the effective date with an option to extend upon formal amendment to this agreement. >> Have a motion by trustee caron. >> Second >> and a second by trustee Lopez. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion passes 6. Thank you guys. or on the report regarding the revised purchasing [clears throat] scoring matrix. Dr. >> Yeah. administration is presenting the revised purchasing scoring matrix with the revisions requested from the board workshop on March 11th, 2026. The scoring matrix is designed to
063provide a structured, transparent, and consistent evaluation process for competitive pro procurement methods. Miss Lara Williams, director of purchasing services, is available to answer any questions. This is forformational purposes only. And what we're showing you is uh the discussion that we had back on March 11th, 2026 with the recommended the recommended uh changes that we were asked to do. And so this is the the changes that came out of that discussion and we just wanted to follow up and show them to the board of trustees. we can put it in final draft and then bring it for but all the changes that we talked about are there and we struck out just what we needed to strike out and add added what the the board advises to do at that last meeting. >> Thank you so
064much for your attention to this and really excited to engagement on the board um and working to get to this goal. So, I think it's it's a really great matrix and I don't know how y'all feel about it, but I'm I'm excited that we took the step to update what needed to be updated for quite a while. So, >> we'll send you a clean copy. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. Absolutely. >> We are on board of trustees items and it is to approve the board of education meeting minutes. Uh is that item number one? Yeah. >> D1. >> Okay. >> So it would be for the boardwalk workshop special board meeting from the 14th and then the regular board meeting. >> I move to approve. >> Have a motion by
065trustee and a second by trustee Dr. KDman. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes 60. Mr. President, uh, if we may pull item number two, we'll bring it at a future meeting as we are trying to gather more information on this item. >> Thank you. At this time, we are going to recess to close session pursuant to sections 551071, 551072, 551074, 551076, and 5589 [clears throat] of the Texas Government Code to discuss the items listed there on the agenda. 6:30 and we are entering close session. Thank you. Okay, it is 659 and we're back in from close session. Um, we are on 11A discussion and possible action on human resources recommendations for school year 2526. >> Human resources submitted a list of recommendations for the 2526 school year under separate cover
066for discussion during close session. Uh, we're recommending action of this item. >> Some moved. I have a motion. I will second. So I have a motion by trusty, second by trust. All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion passes 60. >> We do not have any action on the rest of the items. Uh item number 12, schedule meetings. They are listed there on the agenda. I will entertain a motion to adjourn. >> A motion >> and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes 6. We are adjourned at 7 p.m. Thank you guys.