001A regular board meeting board meeting of the board of trustees of Macallen Independent School District will be held Tuesday, April the 8th, 2025, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Dr. Dicardlo Chapa boardroom of the administration building of the Macallen Independent School District 2000 North 23rd Street Mallen Texas 78501. Items listed on this agenda may be taken in an order other than shown on this agenda unless removed from the consent agenda. Items identified within the consent agenda will be acted on at one time. At this meeting, there may be discussion and action by the board on the items and subjects listed as follows. One, call the meeting to order. I have done so at 5:30 p.m. to a m a moment of silence. Thank you. Three. Pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of
002the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, for liberty and justice for all. Item four, public comments. We have one public comment this evening, Miss Sylvia Tanguma. You can approach Miss Tanguma. And we do have the video as you know. We'll just roll that. What 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 mcgllanisd.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. Miss, you can begin whenever you're ready and I won't
003interrupt [Music] you. dedicated staff. I'm here tonight to urge this board and administration to take immediate action by calling on representatives, especially those on the calendar. Last week, HB pass if implemented. This scheme will diver that are to the standards of accountability for the finan,683 from our district that's the equivalent of 153 supporting teachers 153 fewer teachers supporting our students 164,793 fewer and they project a 7.2% increase in student teacher ratio across our schools and the threat beyond our classrooms. Vouchers also endanger the teacher retirement system TRS by reducing the number of active educators paying a smaller pool of contributors within the system of current and future educators and this is about funding. It's about the future of public education and the wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to it. I stand with us
004to speak out. Tell them to drop HB3. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Anguma. Item number five, we have proclamations. Madame President, I move we approve item 5 A, B, and C. Second. I have a motion by trustee Alisa and a second by Trustee Deaga Lopez. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carries. 4 Z. Item 5A, discussion and possible action to adopt the proclamation regarding autism awareness month, April 2025. Item submitted by Dr. Dosalyos, associate superintendent for instructional services and Dr. Guutieres. Yes, madame president and board of trustees. World Autism Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about autism. Miss Marielle Lisondo, our executive director for special education will share more information as well as Miss uh Trustee Lucia Thompson, board member will read the proclamation. Uh we are recommending action in this
005item which the board already took action. So I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to uh our staff here and if board Yeah. We'll come up to the front and we'll start right off. And our first student who's from Escondone Elementary School. This is first grader Bana Escalera. She is with a director of regional day school program for the deaf, Miss Lisa Lada. Uh, next we have a Houston Elementary fifth grader, Emiliano Benabitas. Next is Morris, seventh grader, Ian Garca, Ian Garca, and our special education coordinator, Miss Jacqueline Espinosa from Kathy Middle School, sixth grader, Jose Carlos Gonzalez from Kathy, seventh grader, Noah Garcia, and special education coordinator, Miss Carla Barnett Bera. And with her is Kathy, seventh grader, Mariano Sawat Dogo. We also have 12th grader from Memorial, Gabrielle Talamante. And from
006the RDSPD student support specialist, Miss Stephanie Rodriguez, Kathy's seventh grader, Diego Nicholas Ibata, and Kathy's Miss Esther Pina. and from Row High School, 10th grader David Aguilard. And from Macallen High School, 10th grader Abby Martinez, plus special education coordinator, Miss Georgie Goodlet. And finally, special education executive director, Miss Marbel Ellis. I'm here. Okay, go ahead and stay right there for a second. Any other parents? Any other parents want to take a picture? in 2007. The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62139 World Autism Awareness Day by consent encouraging United Nation member states to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society. And whereas the resolution designates World Autism Awareness Day as a United Nations Day to be observed every year starting in 2008 to raise global awareness of autism. And whereas the aims of
007World Autism Awareness Day to inform the general public about the global health crisis of autism stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention and to celebrate the unique talents and qualities of individuals with autism. Now therefore, I Lucia Thompson, member board of trustees of the Mall Independent School District, do hereby proclaim that the month of April 2025 be observed as autism awareness month. [Applause] Exit to your left. Now we move on to item 5B, discussion and possible action to adopt the proclamation regarding month of the military child, April 2025. Items submitted. Dr. Ross Alba deos, associate superintendent for instructional services. Dr. Gueres. Yes. Uh, April is designated as a military child month. Therefore, Mallen ISD has designated April 15, 2025 as purple update. Mr. Mark May, director of marketing and communications, will introduce our
008guest, and our trustee Erica Deagarsa Lopez, secretary, will read the proclamation. Okay, we're ready to begin. We have students from McAuliffe Elementary beginning with first grader Adeline Mesa. Now our principal from McAuliff, Ivon Caldwell. Fifth grader, Felix Mesa. Fourth grader, Camila A Costa. Fifth grader, Alexia A. Costa. Councelor Lespia Dear Rosa and our head of counseling for the district, Norma Cabraa. Any parents want to come up? for the proclamation for the state of Texas County Independent School District. Whereas as Americans, we owe a tremendous debt to those who serve and protect and promote our freedom. It is important to remember the men and women in uniform are not alone in making sacrifices. Their families, especially their children, are together in the sacrifice. And whereas each April we make a special effort to applaud military families
009and pay tribute to the resilient nature of the military children. And whereas purple up for military connected students on April 15th designated to observe the strength and sacrifices of military children across the country. Now therefore, I, Erica Deaggarza Lopez, secretary of the board of trustees in Macau Independent School District, do hereby proclaim that the month of April 2025 be observed as the month of the military child. I have here unto set my hand and cause the seal of the Mac Independent School District affixed on this 8th day of April, 2025. [Applause] And item 5C, discussion and possible action to adopt the proclamation regarding the gifted and talented awareness week, April 7th through 11th, 2025. Items submitted by Dr. Rosalyos, associate superintendent for instructional services. Dr. Guutieres. Yes, ma'am. Uh the week of April the 7th
010through the 11th is designated by the Texas Association of Gifted and Talented as GT awareness week to encourage support of gifted education in Texas. Mr. Mark May, director of marketing and communications will introduce our guest. Our trustee Lucia Regalado, vice president, will read the proclamation. All right, here we start with Kate Low, a third grader from Houston Elementary. Also from Houston, fourth grader Abigail Pñena, second grader, Zoe Rodriguez, and from Brown Middle School, eighth grader, Daniel Fuentes. Eighth grader from Brown, Andrea Sanchez, and eighth grader from Brown, Jonathan Benvitas, eighth grader, Yanata Canu, and sixth grader Karolina Sanchez, advanced academic coordinator, Alexander Gonzalez. and our advanced academics director Karen Mitch. I think so. Yeah. over it. All right. Okay, just stay right there for one moment. Uh, parents, welcome to take pictures. And who's going
011to read our proclamation? Sorry about that. Okay. State of Texas County of Macallen Independent School District. Whereas Macallen ISD strives to provide intellectual and academic opportunities for the gifted and talented students to maximize their potential growth through collaboration, innovation, and problem solving while supporting their unique social emotional needs. And whereas gifted education week is a time to reflect on how gifted students are identified and served in Macallen ISD, delivering an equitable education for all our children includes identifying all students who would benefit from gifted programs and services. And now therefore, I, Lucia Regalado, vice president, board of trustees of the Macallen Independent School District, do hereby proclaim that the week of April 7th through 11th, 2025 be observed as gifted and talented awareness week. All citizens are urged to take interest in and give full
012support to quality school, gifted, and talented programs for children and youth. In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand and caused the seal of the Macallen Independent School District to be affixed on this 8th day of April, 2025. Signed, Lucier Galavo, Vice President, Board of Trustees, Macallen Independent School [Applause] District. And exit to your right. And we move on to item six, consent agenda item. Consent agenda. Uh, do I have a motion to approve consent agenda items 6A through 6J? There is a motion by trustee Lucia Thompson and a second by trustee Lopez. All in favor? I. All opposed? I nay. Motion carries three to one. And we move forward to item seven, instructional services, instructional leadership, human resources, business and operations, and the board of trustees. Items 7 A, instructional services, instructional
013leadership teams items. 7 A1, discussion and possible action for the approval of reimbursement to the parent teacher organization at Leonel Leonelo H. Gonzalez Elementary. Item submitted by Janette Nino, associate superintendent for instructional leadership. Dr. Guutieres. Yes. This evening, we are asking for action for the approval of the reimbursement to the parent teach organization PTO at Jonello H. Gonzalez Elementary. Miss Nino would uh just give a brief uh summary about this item. Go ahead, Miss Nino. Yes, sir. Thank you. The parent teacher organization at Leonelo H. Gonzalez Elementary donated $100,000 on March 18th, 2024. This donation supported the construction of a perimeter fence around school grounds. However, during the construction, the planning and construction of the fence, these funds were reclassified using the safety and facilities enhancement, also known as safe cycle one grant for the
014district to build a perimeter fence. Therefore, the approval is for this donation to be reimbursed to the PTO. So, move second. It has been moved by trustee Alisa and seconded by Trustee Deagar Lopez. Um, any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. Motion carries 4. Item 7B, human resources items 7B1, discussion and possible action of revisions to policy EIC local. Second reading items submitted by Dr. Albert Ganales, chief human resources officer. Dr. Guutieres. administration is recommending a change to EIC local that would include UTRGB collegiate academy as a dual enrollment campus where summer summer school grades can be included in the calculation of class rank. Dr. Alper Canales, chief human resources officer and Dr. Rosalva deos associate superintendent for instructional services will have more information on this item. We are
015recommending action on this item and this is a second reading. Uh Dr. Canales or Dr. Deos any item is for the uh utility collegiate. So it's a second reading. Uh this is in order to get students who are either having to do summer school or course enrollment now to ensure they do get that dual credit like we do for the STCME. So I missed um this portion of the meeting the for the first reading. I just have a question. Right now, the students at um Achieve Early College and that are taking courses through STC, they get weighted courses during the summer. Is it for just to get ahead or is it because they were unsuccessful in during the school year or it could be courses that are that are needed? Uh so one I don't
016believe it's to get ahead. It's to end up ensuring that they do their graduation plan that they meet their graduation requirements. Uh is that correct Dr.? Uh yes, it can be either or. It's really to satisfy the associates degree plan. Correct. And so that's similar to what UTRTV collegian students are going to be doing. Uh one example could be the English 1301. You cannot go into 1302 without prior passing 1301. Yet let's say the students that took 1301 for a semester and were not successful, they're currently taking that. So that they will need to continue on to 1302 during the summer so that they can satisfy the associates at achieve early college high school and colleg the the core complete. Okay. So in those programs do the classes are they run as cohorts like they
017all start as a group and they all finish as as the group and that's why we need to ensure that they can get these weighted grades they don't stay behind. Okay. That's correct. And according to our policy now, we've already we already do that for achieve. We do that for Yes. for achieve and also for the comprehensive school students that are taking advantage to through themies through South Texas College. Okay. That they are taking the engineering associates or the health science. So those students are also being treated that way as if they were in an early college high school. So it's only for that for that format not for um IB nor AP students to well because they're satisfying that uh program of study or that associates like I said or core complete that's why
018we are uh including it in this uh policy. Um we don't It's it's always not um advised that we open it to everyone because then you have students that would do a class out of pocket and then you know they haven't been advised they it's not in a cohort it's not on a career path and so you know you could just take classes as as you wish and so we we uh get advised by TAS not to do that only for the students that are in an early college high school campus or in this case. Okay. So, or themies or themies like college. Okay. I just wanted to clarify that because I had a lot of questions from the last meeting about this um and it's really just to satisfy their associates degrees through their
019because they these students have um committed themselves complete that program of study or that associates with the college or the university is not just in general any student that just take dual credit. Okay. So moved second. I have a motion by trustee Alisa and a second by trustee Thompson. All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries. 4 Z item 7 C business and operations item 7C1 report regarding yield reduction payment to the IRS for maintenance tax note 2020 item submitted Lorena Garcia deputy superintendent for business and operations Dr. Gutierz administration presents tonight a report to inform the board of trustees our intention to make a yield reduction payment to the IRS related to our maintenance tax note series 2020 Mr. Joel Garcia, our chief financial officer, will present more details on this item and we
020are recommending action. Yes, sir. This is anformational item. So, good evening, Vice President Megalado, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Rutias, and members of the audience. This is anformational update regarding the yield reduction payment required under federal tax compliance for the 2020 maintenance tax note. As part of our financial stewardship, the district routinely monitors the use of of investments of bond proceeds to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. These rules are in place to prevent public entities from earning arbitrage profits by investing tax exempt bond funds at higher taxable rates. Upon review of our investment earnings, it was determined that the yield reduction payment to the IRS is required. Uh some of the key figures u include the reporting period which is from February 11th, 2020 through February 11th, 2025. During that time, the district earned
021$697,298 in interest from bond proceeds. However, the IRS only allows earnings up to a calculated limit. In this case, $253,83. As a result, the excess earnings of $444,215 must be remitted to the IRS. Hilltop Securities, our arbitrage rebate consultant, prepared the compliance report. Uh it was reviewed by our financial adviser at Estrada Inosa and by bond council Norton Rose and Fulbright both of whom confirmed that the payment is required. We do want to clarify that no budget amendments is needed. The payment will be made using interest earnings generated from the bond itself. Uh so there is no impact to the district's operating budget. Again this is anformational item only. Does anybody have any questions? Thank you Mr. Garcia. Thank you sir. Item 7 C2, approval of the Macallen Independent School District March budget amendment for
022fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30th, 2025. Item submitted by Lorena Garcia, Deputy Superintendent Business Operations. Dr. Gutierz, administration is recommending the approval of the March 2025 budget amendment for the 2425 fiscal year. Miss Lorena Garcia, our deputy superintendent for business and operations, is available to answer any questions. We are recommending action on this item. Garcia, anything you want to tell us in regards to this amendment? Wanted to mention that uh item to note is that we did have a decrease to fund 199 for current tax collections for the 2024 tax levy compared to April's estimated preliminary values. Now, um this is something that I have been uh mentioning to you all during the board workshops that it was coming and so we've now updated that. Uh some of the the factors
023to consider uh why that happened predominantly because of the tax compression uh our tax rate was compressed by two pennies and of course there's been great focus on property tax relie but we do receive the preliminary values in April and uh we use the values from May to plan our our June 2024 budget so that was early on in the process late July we received the certified values August 2024 that's when TEA publishes the maximum compressed tax rate and then in September the tax rate was adopted In October 2024, the final levy was issued and at that point the variance was confirmed and I began reporting on that. So um some of the contributing factors were the lower than expected certified property values uh the adjustment in the maximum compressed rate due to tier one
024and maintenance and operations compression. again the property uh property tax protest. We did have some lowering of the base. Uh freeze values were not initially included in the estimate by the county in that levy calculation. Um the property value snapshot our certified uh value is 8.96 billion and then the controller uh reported value by the county was 9.3 billion which is a a huge variance from what was reported to us. So that we are protesting we are protesting using the our delinquent tax collection firm uh line barer we are confident that we will rece receive some of that funding back. Um we will not have a result until September in that case. Um so uh in addition to that, we do anticipate ending the year on a positive note in terms of a surplus. So
025uh any funding that is not recovered through the property appeals, we will make up through savings throughout the year for from district payroll costs, uh additional increase in state aid and uh other uh other transactions that have occurred throughout the year. Any questions on that? I I apologize that or is this already in the contract that we have with they they have a contract and they they charge us a fee for those services and it's it's don't remember off the top of my head. I can get that to you, but it's it's a nominal fee for for the property value protest portion of it. Okay, thank you. Any further discussion or questions? This item is for action. So move. Second. It has been moved by Trusty Alicea and seconded by Trusty Dele Lopez. All those
026in favor? I opposed. Motion carries 4 Z. Item 7 C3, discussion and possible action on the resolution setting forth parameters for payment during emergency closing for one day on March 28th, 2025. Items submitted by Loren Garcia, Deputy Superintendent of Business Operations. Dr. Gates administration is uh presenting a resolution to set forth the parameters for payment during the emergency closing of dis of the district on March 28th, 2025. Miss Lorena Garcia, our deputy superintendent for business and operations, is available to answer any questions. We are recommending action on this item and it can just give us a summary of this resolution that we are proposing to the board. Uh yes. Uh the resolution is as a result of uh the weather related issue that occurred uh on March 28th. Um the school district uh was closed.
027The classes were not held the following day. So employees did not report to work. We did have some emergency crews that did report to work. Uh in it in uh reference to board policy, the superintendent does have the authority to to declare um closure of schools for a specific reason for public health. Um in addition to that, the policy does allow uh for board approval to pay employees uh for the day um and those that were called in sick to to have that reimburseed to them. Um, the board policy also allows for uh time and a half payment to those that did work uh during that closure date. And we had about a hundred employees that that needed to show up uh from maintenance department. Uh we had a couple of bus drivers that had
028to transport some students. Uh police officers making their rounds as well. And then we did have the media team also uh working. I think that's wonderful. Thank you, Dr. Thank you so much for doing that. Any further discussion? I just want to take the time to thank all the employees and and parents and everyone for their support and understanding during the the storm. Um we had a great team here in Malliz and everything was u well communicated and um everyone was um you know taking care of of the students and Um, and everything went very smoothly. And so, uh, we just want our employees to, uh, feel, uh, appreciated for the work they did on that day. And, and we rather have them pay for that day and not have them make it up. And,
029uh, and it was just a great team effort by everyone. And we got all the kids safely home that day. And I think the last one we dropped off was after 8:00 that night. Yes. Because some of our roads were closed and they were flooded. But, uh, we got We got every child safely home that day and and thanks to all the employees for their hard work and and all the parents for their understanding. I move that all the employees shall be paid the regular compensation for March 28, 2025. Have a second. There's a motion by Trusty Alice and a second by Trusty Thompson. All those in favor? Any opposed? Motion carries 40. Item 7 C4, discussion and possible action on request for proposal number 2025-1034, fresh produce for child nutrition program. Items submitted. Lora
030Garcia, deputy superintendent, business operations. Dr. Gutierrez, administration solicited proposals for fresh produce. Mason Keel, our director for child nutrition is available to answer any questions in regards to this item and we are recommending action. Is there a presentation or are you just available for questions? I'm available for questions. Do we have any questions? I like all your videos you're doing. Thank you. So move. Do we have a second? Second. There is a motion by Trusty Altha and a second by Trusty Deaga Garcela Lopez. All those in favor? I I. All opposed. Motion carries 4 Z. Thank you, Miss Eske. Item 7D, board of trustees. Item 71, approval of the board of education meeting minutes 7D1A, regular board meeting March 11, 2025 and 7D1B, board workshop March 24th, 2025. This item is for action to approve.
031Second. There is a motion to approve by trustee Lopez and a second by trustee Alicea. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion carries 4 Z. Item 7D2, discussion and possible action for the board of trustees travel. Dr. Guutieres. The board plans to attend the region one school board in South Padra Island. The conference is on May the 16th and the 17th, 2025. We are recommending action on this item for any board members who may be interested in attending that region one conference on May 16th and 17th. This item is for action. So move second. I have a um it has been moved by trustee Alisa and a second by trust Lopez. All those in favor say I. Any opposed? Motion carries 4. Item eight, recess to close session. Board of trustees may go into
032close session pursuant to sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, 551.076, and 551.089, Texas government code to discuss the following. 8 A, human resources recommendations for school year 2425. 8B, discussion of human resources employee resignations and retirees for school year 2024 2025. 8 C, discussion regarding school safety and security. 8D, pending and/or potential litigation. 8E, possible real estate acquisition. At 609 p.m., we are recessed to close session. It is 7 o'clock and we are reconvened in open session. Number nine on our agenda. Moving forward to number 10, action on items in close session. 10 a discussion and possible action of human resources recommendations for school year 2024 2025. Dr. Luett human resources submitted a list of recommendations for the 24-25 school year under a separate cover for discussion during close session. Dr. Albertalis, chief human resources officer presented
033the staffing and we are recommending action on this item. So move. There's a motion by trustee Alisa and a second by trustee Lopez. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed, same sign. Motion carries 4 Z. Item 10B, discussion of human resources employee resignations and retirees for school year 2024 2025. Dr. Mutz, human resources submitted a list of resignations and retirees for the 2425 school year under separate cover for discussion during close session. Dr. Canales, chief human resources officer, presented on this item and this item is for information purposes only. Thank you. Item 10 C, discussion regarding school safety and security. We're to proceed as directed. Item 10 D, pending and/or potential litigation. There was none. Item 10E, possible real estate acquisition. There was none. 11, scheduled meetings. 11 A, board workshop, budget
034workshop number four, April 15, 2025 at 5:30 in the Dr. Dard Lapa boardroom administration building. 11B regular board meeting April 22nd 2025 at 5:30 PM Dr. Dard Lapa boardroom administration building item 11 C board workshop number five budget workshop number five April 29th 2025 at 5:30 in the Dr. Carlo Chapa boardroom at the administration building 11D special board meeting recognition of outgoing board members canvas election results oath of office reorganization of officers May 13th 2025 at 5:00 at the professional learning center Texas R Texas room 11E regular board meeting May 13th 2025 at 6 p.m. at the Professional Learning Center, Texas R. Texas, room 11F. Board workshop, student recognitions, May 22nd, 2025, 5:30 at the auditorium of Macallen High School. 11G, regular board meeting, May 27th, 2025 at 5:30 in the Dr. Dard Chapa boardroom
035of the administration building. 11H, board workshop, budget workshop number 6, June the 3rd, 2025 at 5:30 in the Dr. Dardo Chapa boardroom of the administration building. 11 I regular board meeting June 10th, 2025 at 5:30 in the Dr. to guard the top of boardroom of the administration building and item number 12. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? So move. I have a a motion by trusty and a second by trust Lopez. All those in favor signifies I. I. All those opposed, same sign. Motion carries and we are adjourned at 7:03 p.m.