001August the 4th, 2025. I'll call this special meeting and board workshop of the Kings Independent School District to order. We will have roll call. Joe Mirez here. Brian Kufall. Brian Kufall. Ain Chapa here, >> Dave Garcia here, >> Jacob Perez here, Delma Salenzas >> here, >> Joseph Reese here. Let the record show that there is a quorum of board members present and that this meeting has been posted in accordance with government code chapter 551, State of Texas Open Meetings Act. We will move to a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance and the Texas pledge. I aliance 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. flag. I aliance to the Texas one state
002under God, one indivisible. >> Move on to item number four, public participation. Do we have anyone that wishes to address the board? >> No, sir. >> Okay. Move on to item number five, uh, new business. 5A discussion and possible action regarding full adoption of the FNC local student conduct personal communication device and electronic devices can be found on pages 3 through nine. Dr. Sandoval thank you board of trustees Dr. I'm here today to present a revision to FNC local. Um this is um through the 89th legislative session that was just recently held and seems to need to happen. The one that I'm present to you today, I've got four different policies. The first one I'm going to present to you today is regarding um students not using their personal communication devices during the school day.
003Again, this has to be approved by September the 18th, but I wanted to bring it um this week. Uh we got our our draft last week from Caspby. I wanted to bring it to you at the earliest convenience so that we could try to pass before the school year. So, I'm asking that the board consider um waving the the first reading of the policies that I'm bringing to your attention so we can try to get a one by then and then two before the start of the school year. So the the first policy FNC local um basically allows or or requires us to put together a procedure uh for allowing students to bring their phones to school but keeping them out of use or or keeping them out of out of their hands on the
004school day. So, our policy has been written so that we um do allow students to bring their phones because there's going to be instances when kids need to have their phones um in their possession such as before school they walk to school or after school they walk home or they need you know to provide care for other siblings or they go to extracurricular activities. So, the the guidance that we gave TAPY to draft our our um model provisions were based on that uh those policies or or expectations. We didn't want to completely tell parents, students not to bring their phones for whatever reason because we these students at some point were going to need their phones. But our our guidance and our policy that we've written is students are not to have it in their
005possession at all during the school day. Not during passing repairs, not in the bathrooms, not our policy is written that we don't want students utilizing school. >> Do we have the presentations? Um Mr. >> Dr. They just >> Yeah, they can have them in their possession. Um, but they can't have them where they're usable or they can communicate any kind of messages to their smart smartwatches. Smartwatches aren't allowed either tablets, either headphones. Um, those are all the things that are expected. We did um make that very specific. We did make that very specific in our board regulation. attach a copy of the regulations to the u the policy at the back of the policy. Um those board regulations do not require board approval, but wanted to make sure you saw that and otherwise will be
006the expectation and the consequences for students that do violate the existing uh the student policy or board policy. >> With regards to intent of the law, do we meet the requirement of the 89th legislation and that particular? Yes, sir. Mr. Reese, the the two questions that they asked you when drafting the policy is the first question is are we going to allow phones in the building or not? And and the question was yes, going back to the initial statement I made, we didn't want to take those phones away from the kids initially. The intent of law is to keep phones from not being used during instructional day. So, the students will be required to keep them in their backpacks. Um the consequences that we put in administrative regulations does require the students to keep them
007in their backpacks after the first offense, second offense that there'll be different consequences. I believe after the fourth or fifth consequence or or you know the students will be required to put in the school district approved bag that will be distributed to them every morning that they bring their phone to have in their possession. If the kids violate the the policy again, um they will be completely banned from bringing phones on campus. So what we're trying to do is prevent students from missing instructional time while also following the letter of the law as written in the legislatures. So we want to make sure that the students aren't aren't taking away that privilege, but we also want to make sure it doesn't interfere with the instruction, which is a primary reason why the legislature legislation wrote
008the law as as written. >> Yes, ma'am. board of trustees. I have reviewed this policy. Keep in mind that this is combined with administrative regulation. That's very important. In this instance, we would normally see a very robust board policy that really fleshes out everything. But with something as dynamic as phones and the campus needing to adjust to certain situations that require the student to have phone, it's important to have a strong regulation behind it. So you really have to read those two things together to get the full holistic approach of how the district's addressing funds. So this is the policy component to it. And if you read it and think, well, this might not be substantial enough, it's because it does need those regulations to to fill up those gaps. So any questions regarding the
009policy? Again, I am asking that the board consider approving this with one reading instead of having go through the two reading process just so that we have it ready for next week at the beginning of the year. Um, we are ready to push this information out beginning tomorrow um on the regulations and the policies so parents know fully what the expectation is moving forward and and I know we put some information out there previously in the beginning of summer but we want to give a specific expectation moving forward now once the board approves this policy >> question exceptions I know this position order primarily it's going to be the ARD if there's anything specific to instructional needs. Um the ARD committee will have that authority to make those decisions. Um also there'll be circumstances where
010the principal may have to make a a termination but we have put in our regulation that though any extended way circumstances that that is allowed will have to go to the superintendent but if they're not special needs they have some type of medical issues going >> that'll be a principal determination address board um we just making a clarification When before we arrived at the conclusion of what consequences should be administered based on violations of policy, we brought in all the principles, all the assistant principles and several uh district level employees, special ed to human resources, curriculum instruction, etc. We had a robust conversation about how to implement this in a responsible way. And so based on that conversation, those same questions arose. And what we said is we wanted to leave we want to follow
011the policy because it's a legal mandate while at the same time leaving flexibility enough that the principal can determine extendative circumstances right that don't conform to the norm such as the one you mentioned in addition to that um I think another consideration is when the students are completing applications and they have to do the double verification process is so the the principal is going to instruct the teachers um to communicate to the principal so that it's a control um you know and supervised endeavor and so we're we're looking into those u procedures which will be addressed in the regulation that we will draw together. Do we have any other questions from the board? >> Dr. Martinez, are you comfortable with what's been presented as superintendent? You feel that we know it's going to be couple
012of hiccups in the beginning, but you you comfortable with the approach and the direction that we're going with with this policy with this with this? >> Yes sir. Thank you for the question. So I am to answer your question directly. We also check the policy of several districts and it varies right. Um but based on our conversations again with our principles etc. We feel confident that we are putting some teeth to the to the policy. Um but we also want to enlist the support of our parents and so we want to ensure that we provide enough notification to the parents. So the principles are developing their own uh communication uh scheme to ensure that the parents are well informed, the students are well informed and as you said we will have some hiccups because this
013is new and our students have gotten so used to using this electronic devices without you know self-control. And now we're asking them we need for you to first exhibit self-control. And so we will be watching and mindful of how it's developing and working with the principles to support them. >> Yes sir. >> One last question. in the past. >> I don't think it was an option available to >> you question. >> Okay. So, um do I have a motion to accept uh the first and second reading? How we go, Nick? >> the adoption of uh the FNC local student code uh student conduct personal communication device uh/ electronic devices. Motion made by Martin Chapa. >> I'll second. >> Second by David Garcia. All those in favor say I. I. >> Any oppose? Motion carries. 6.
014Moving on to item 5B, discussion and possible action regarding the full adoption of FD local uh admissions can be found on pages 10 through 13. Dr. Sandal, >> thank you, Mr. Ree. Um, this policy actually goes hand in hand with F FM local as well. Uh so I'm going to go and read that FD local and I I'll read FM local and then um the board can decide how to uh proceed with those two um revisions to the policies. So FD local um adds that students enrolled in a private school or home school not to be eligible for concurrent enrollment in the district nor for nor for part participation in curricular or extracurricular activities. By choosing this option, the district is opting out of allowing private school and homeschool students from participating in curricular or
015extracurricular activities. Um, in the past, I think it's been four years now, maybe five, where the districts um this was available to students that were um being homeschooled or private school, but the district had to opt in to this um or opt this in opt in so the students could participate in UIL. Now, the new legislation has required us to opt out of allowing students that were private school or homeschooled to participate in ULI events with the district. So, what we bring to you before you today is the option of the district opting out of allowing private or homeschool students the option of participating in our UAL events. We did check around with local districts and um from our understanding that no surrounding districts are opting in to allow their students to eat. or or
016the people living in their residencies to be part of their UL events. So that's what we're proposing today. We feel that um if the students are participating in our district as active students then they should participate you all events but because they're not we're proposing the option of opting out. Any questions? So what is why is it important for usually um in speaking because as Dr. Maz mentioned this conversation was brought up as well with our athletic director and we asked for his feedback and and Mr. Mendes as well because they have a large group of kids that participate in UIL. um they felt they wanted to make sure that for us we're providing for the kids that are actually coming to KSD if they're opted out you know going to private school or homeschool
017um they're not participating in our instructional program two um they're they're concerned about if we have to opt in or opt out or let me go back allow these kids to participate in our program it does add to our numbers participation numbers which could and participate or increase our attendance numbers which can bump us up to possible another classification in the foreseeable future. How soon could that happen? I don't know. But depending on enrollment, it could bump us up. >> I mean, it doesn't apply to them. >> Don't know the specifics on that how that would apply, but that was kind of discussed on what how we keep track of that because parents >> if they're being homeschooled, provide the instruction. >> So, how would that factor into that? No pass. On the financial side,
018you have students that are not um are not garnering ADA and we are still paying for them to participate in extracurricular activities. They're not they're not generating any revenue, but we still would have to pay for them for extracurricular activities. >> But you said the law that we're uh validating here is essentially asking us to opt out. >> We're we're we have to now choose to opt out. If we don't opt out, then they automatically are eligible for the events. in the district. Have you had any parents in the past as it? >> I I tend to hear all parents complaints for the most part my department and as far as I know the last four years we haven't heard any come and ask but again we're limited to very few private schools here they
019go up to third grade I mean not even third grade anymore. I think it's kindergarten and the others would be homeschooled. So as far as I know none have come to me for that same Any other questions? Okay. So, uh do I have a motion to uh adopt the FD local admission as presented by administration? Motion made by David Garcia. >> second by Delan Senas. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? Motion carries. 6 to zero. >> So that go ahead sir. >> Okay. Moving on. Item 5C. Discussion of possible action regarding the full adoption of FM local student activities. Dr. Sunal. >> Thank you Mr. Ree. So FM local just added a two sentence line for eligibility of a private school student included a home school student to participate extracurricular activities.
020See FD local. That's the policy we just approved. So just make reference to the last policy we just adopted. >> All right. >> Yes, that is part of the it's a two-part adoption for this policy. >> Okay. So do I hear a motion to accept the uh full adoption of FM local for student activities? So >> motion made by Jake Perez. >> Second made by Mr. Mirez. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose? Motion carries. 6. Now moving on. Item 5D. Discussion and possible action regarding the full adoption of EFB local instructional resources. Library materials can be found on pages 16 to 23. Dr. Sandelad. >> Thank you, Mr. Ree. U EFB local is the last policy that we have to approve. um before the school year starts. This uh policy update um
021requires the district to opt out of creating a school library advisory council or committee that is required to review all library material that is are available to our students in our in our school libraries. Um this policy um does need to be considered by the board on whether we're going to approve or not. Um it does require that the advisory committee um represent 10% of our our student population. So we have 2500 kids that's 10% 250 either 250 parents represent this committee or less the lesser amount which is 50 students. So it would require or 50 parents 50 student parents. So 50 pairs will have to be part of this committee to help review um our library resources to be considered for um to be placed in our libraries. So there's already a regulation in
022in our policy that allows for parents that have concerns about library materials to u question them and to consider them being removed from the libraries. So the option is do we keep the same procedure we had pretty much with just some of the language being changed or do we go to having a a school library advisory committee which will help review that material um in the event they have any questions or concerns about any um material that's being placed in the libraries >> who um who oversees the libraries because I know we did away with librarians years ago so like who would be the one in there to actually oversee this committee oversee the materials, maintain the materials, you know, ensure that the students are using them. Um, >> yes, ma'am. >> So, I'm going
023to touch on that a little bit because the policy that's written does make reference to that, Miss Lenus. In accordance with state law and administrative procedures, parents or guardians may submit to the principal or a staff member that has been designated by the principal um a list of library materials that the parent or guardian child may not be allowed to check out or access for the use of the school library. So the the library the principal does have um authorization to determine who that indiv individual may be on that campus. uh when we do have a request being made by certain individuals, parents, community members because it does open up the the people that can ask for things to be removed, it opens up and makes it a little more broader. Even community parents can
024ask for for that to be done. Um it doesn't have to be specific to hey, I don't want my child reading this book, right? But they can make a request to say I don't want any kids being able to read these books. But that information has to go through a committee that is formed at the campus level and that campus level upholds the decision or or the request being made that eventually may come to the board to make that decision. But again, there's a process at the campus level. >> I can see that uh Dr. Sundan. However, um if we don't have anyone in there manning the library, who's going to take advantage of it? You know, yes, parents can say, "I don't want my kids to read these books. I want these books. Read
025book from the library." But who's overseeing it? We don't have an individual in there to run them. Kids don't have the flexibility to go in and read books or check out books or, you know, so I mean, why are we even messing with this policy? We don't even have librarians. >> Well, our our li students have access to our li our library, >> but who's in there manning it? Like who who >> do we have a certified librarian anywhere in the district? Because I thought we were supposed to have one. >> I know that's it doesn't make sense. >> No, they did away with it. >> I can answer part of that question. Currently, we have Rebecca Perkins who's in our CNI department that is overseeing the libraries for the district. She is not a
026certified librarian and we do not currently have a certified librarian. We had one originally at the high school um who is no longer with the district. What we do have is pair of professionals that are um their oversight is from Rebecca Perkins and she does direct and lead with them and she's helping right now this love lady with the new library instruction that's happening at Arrow. So to answer your question, no ma'am, we do not currently have a certified librarian, but Rebecca Perkins and I oversees the current library. >> And I can see that Dr. Bess and I that she oversees it. However, when I mean that uh libraries would consume an entire day, you know, if we have one individual that is manning all of them for the district, how can Rebecca do her
027job and oversee the libraries? You know, I mean, honestly, I mean, >> well, I I thought that did we get a waiver to not have a certified librarian, unless things have changed in the last few years, we had to have at least one and we used to have I think two, one retired and then one resigned. But I I always thought that we had to have one like a charge nurse type Anderson, you know, that that worked under that that license. I didn't I didn't know that we could go without a certified librarian in a library. That's that's my question. I'm kind of confused on that. Let me correct that we do not have a way for that. I believe also they have a special >> I just feel you know reading is very important
028and if we're going to be uh approving policies and having the state-of-the-art library at Harold but we don't have librarians to even man these so how can students even take advantage of of these books And how can parents even how can we even bring a committee together to say these are the wants and you know this is what they want and need and whatever but who's going to make sure that that really happens. I mean I think we're cheating our own kids. The the the policy specifically states the process for challenging a book that the the process of submitting that that challenge will go to the superintendent. the superintendent will will push it back to the principal to select the committee and then the committee will review the the request and and and what is
029specifically being asked to to be challenged. So that process is not really in question in terms of the policy. I get that the question you got regarding who's going to man the library a different >> well we we do have to you know >> well I think the idea is you have to have policy that a community member said I don't want this book I don't want students reading this book you have to have a process in place so you know >> I think it just opened the door It's it's a it's a definite qu good question um maint but that's definitely a staffing question question. I'm looking at policy right we need to determine you know is this the policy that we want to approve or do we want to go back to the
030drawing board and look at the policy to to not opt out you know of of this requirement of having a school library advisory council. the policy does have a procedure, you know, that's in addition edition that's a different option of having a committee, but if there's any books that be in question or any reading material that a parent or community member or even a district personnel staff member may have question about. If I may interject, I think what is being considered at this time is whether we opt out from forming a committee, right? For this purpose, we currently have policy to address challenging of specific materials etc. This is always uh parents discretion, right? what my child reads and so we really have policy on that. However, to answer your question as to who mans
031when the student check out or not, the policy is stated currently calls for the superintendent to develop administrative procedures. So I'll look into that and see what needs to be put in place to determine when the students are allowed to go to the library who is there to help them check out books and that way all this will come in place. So I will look into that. Yes. I if if you create a student a school library advisory council, what I what I saw Mr. Pettis was it needed to be a representation of the the the smallest amount right either 10% of your population which is about 200 kids which is about 250 kids. So you'd have to have either 250 parents or 50 parents the smallest number right. So ours would be 50 parents
032as to be part of this school library advisory committee. >> Well that part, >> you know, and and what it what legislation did was give wanted to give parents an opportunity and districts an opportunity to allow whether we opt in or out, parents have an opportunity to have a voice in the selection of reading materials. But in policy, there's already those options. But what they did with the policy that that we selected is they did add a little bit more teeth to the parent option or the option of district personnel, parents or people that are just part of the community to be able to question or challenge any reading material that's in the libraries. So, and even though that if we're opting out, it's still making the process a little bit more difficult for someone
033or not difficult, they give them a little bit more opportunity to challenge a book because it used to be the old policy that is going to be out on no matter what. It used to be that when a book was being challenged, the book was still on the shelf. Now the policy reads that if it's being challenged that that book has to be taken off the shelf during the process of challenge and then if the book is challenged and then the board upheld goes to get the challenge and that book can't be reviewed for another two years. So there's it adds some teeth to the process. >> Have we had any parents you know do that? As far as I know, again, those two places come to me, but because it's a a curriculum and
034instruction, it might have done Dr. >> They've never challenged anything any kind of books. >> As far as I know, it hasn't. >> So, do you think we can get a committee of 50 parents if we kind of build our parental involvement? Um, >> I can I can just tell you from our experience with the shack, we struggled with getting information um parents to participate in the um what is it? school that the the school health advisory committee that we struggled and so if we try to get anywhere near 50 I think it'd be difficult but I we're not saying that parents don't have a voice right >> in in this process again this policy does have some teeth that they're adding some more teeth to it just we're just saying the option is going
035to be the process we have now but with more options for parents >> do we have the numbers Sorry. >> Do we have numbers of our parents that have participated in the PTO PTA type organizations? >> We could get those numbers. Uh Mr. >> I'm just thinking because I'm I'm I'm going back to what >> That's right. >> Uh Mr. Bennett had mentioned earlier said are we even going to get I tell you something. We get one book that parents don't like you're going to have a whole par. Maybe that's what we need. Parents need to get involved with this. But >> what are your thoughts on this? As the policy states currently, any parent has the opportunity to challenge anyone. So that is already in place. What this will do is bring a big
036group of people looking at the totality of the books. But the if I disagree with a book my child is reading in a specific class, I can follow this this procedure, this policy that is already in place. So we're not taking away that right of the parents, right, to be partners in education with us and challenge any material they might deem offensive or inappropriate or whatever the case might be. The process will still be. The only difference is that instead of having to conform a committee, right, for the review uh process for the books, we will still have what we currently have, which is parents individually challenging or not trying the the school. Um I don't want my child to see that. And I can give you an example. I I dealt with that once
037where um we unfortunately had a student who um accidentally shot a sister and the English teacher was using a movie that depicted that kind of reality. So the parent specifically asked for her child to be removed from that activity. And as is stated in the policy, we provided an alternative right activity for the student not to hold financial. So that will always be done. What we are asking you to consider is whether we opt from having to form a committee every time we have to review materials because of what many of our staff indicated. Not that that has to be the rule. You got to work on that, right? We got to be build stronger partnerships with with our parents and our community. Um but based on the assessment that they were um discussing, getting
038participation might be challenging. >> That's that's where we are. >> You don't have to. Yeah. >> And there's still procedures and process in place um for Selenas where the the votes have to be vetted and recommended to the board and you still have approval of those things. So we're not taking that away. We're just trying to we're still just we wanted to opt out of not having for that committee for them to review the materials. >> I can appreciate what you presented. And as far as u the other side of that the policy going into the personnel side, I I really think we we had a heck of a a librarian here for years and for reasons that he left for outside of his library duties. So, I feel that moving forward, I think we
039we need to really look at getting somebody certified in that in at least one certified librarian uh at that caliber that we used to have because uh he was a he did everything. Unfortunately, uh things came up that were outside of his duties and that's that's why we lost him. So, we need to keep them in a library position just like we do everybody else. We don't we don't take them completely out of their their job description. So that's something that go forward and we'll talk about it in the back. >> Okay. So do I have a motion? Any more questions? Have a motion uh to full adoption of the EV EFB local instructional resource by SLI library material. Is there a motion? >> So move. >> Motion made by Delma Senzas. Second. >> Second
040by Jake Pettis. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion passes 6. The board will enter. The board will enter into close session in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551 071 and 551074 to deliberate and consider the following. Item 6 A, discussion regarding the 2526 employee compensation plan. Item 6B, discussion regarding naming a new interim superintendent. Uh item 6 C, consultation with legal counsel regarding administrative cons consulting contracts and item 6D, consultation with legal counsel regarding legal and personal matters. No action will be taken and we will until we return to open session. We are entering into close session at 6:06 Yeah. session. We now return to open session and take necessary action on matters which the board may discuss in open session upon which action
041may be taken. We are open uh returning to open session at 7:41 p.m. Move on to item 7A, discussion and possible action regarding the 2025 uh 2026 employee compensation plan. I um make a motion to table this until the 18. Uh is there a second? Second made by DA 7 minutes. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? Motion carry 6. Moving on to um item 7B. Discussion and possible action regarding uh to name interim superintendent. Do we have a motion to name Dr. Loose Martinez, the uh interim superintendent for K. >> Second. >> A motion made by Malta. [Music] Second made by David Garcia N. Do we have to also uh dissolve the current inter contract or >> no? So I've been authorized. >> We've been authorized to do. Okay. So motion
042made by Martin Chapa, second by D Garcia. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose? Motion carry 6. At this time, I'd like to um say a special thank you to Dr. Santa Pa Gama Garcia for her leadership in the transition from um our our old regime and and to the new one. Thank you so much for your valiant efforts. You did a fantastic job. Well, thank you back. Uh, I spent the last couple of days with Dr. Martinez and I can tell you I told her she needs to mentor me. We're going to mentor each other. You're in good. I'm confident you're in good hands and I appreciate how open she is for feedback, how open she is to make this community align with the vision of the board and make this community
043the diamond that it can become. We're talking about diamond and the rust and I know that her experience and leadership will will put you on the path of where you need to be. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. >> And also congratulations, Dr. We look forward to having you and we can't wait for see all the great changes you're going to make for our district. >> Thank you, board president and board members. Um, I want to take this opportunity to thank you uh for the honor and the privilege to to serve the Kingsville ISD community. Uh, the road ahead, it's going to be very interesting, but we have the right people and the team uh and the guidance to get it done. Um, so with your support, we're moving forward and
044we're going to make this district really, really, really awesome. uh in all areas. Not we're awesome in many areas already, but we also have to work on the academic so that our public uh persona can change and we're going to work on that. I want to take this opportunity to also thank Dr. Gama Garcia for working with me in this transition. Her advice and support has been invaluable. Um and so thank you Dr. GMA for serving the Kingsville community and passing the baton on to me. Thank you. >> All right. [Applause] Now, moving on to item 7C. Nick, can you help me with that that language, please? >> Yes, Mr. President. I would need a motion to authorize legal counsel as discussed in executive session. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion made by Jake
045Perez. >> Second made by uh Mr. Mes all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Any abstain? Motion carries. 6. Now moving on to item 7D. Uh there there were no um >> no actions. So no motion is necessary. So, um I adjourn this meeting at 7:45 p.m. and we move on to u our board workshop. Thank you.