Manor ISD Regular Board Meeting 05/18/2026

001Good evening. We will begin um in compliance with the open meetings act Texas government go Texas government code chapter 551. I call this meeting of the mayor Independent School District to order on >> May 18th at 5:00 p.m. >> Let the record show that a quorum is present. This meeting has been duly called and notices of this meeting have been posted in accordance with the open meetings act. The bo the board will now adjourn into executive session at >> 501 p.m. >> Pursuant to the following sections of the Texas Open Meetings Act 551.071 551.072 551.074 551.076 and 551.129. Thank you. >> [bell] >> It's not working. Do you want him? Yeah. Good evening everyone. Happy Monday. And um we will now reconvene and open session at >> May 18th, 5:52 p.m. >> Let the record

002show a quorum is present. Um before I begin, I wanted to really uh share uh a message of gratitude for all our mayor community, for our mayor police department, for our staff that worked tirelessly with um all the agencies uh the situation that happened yesterday. And I know a lot of you have gotten very little sleep, including my superintendent >> [laughter] >> So, I just want to make sure that share that um we are grateful for your hard work for keeping us safe and everyone for really um coming together and making sure that our community is safe. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed and I just wanted to share gratitude from our board of directors. Thank you so much. So, now we're going to start with a pledge of allegiance. It is my pleasure to

003introduce two outstanding students from Mayor New Techch High School as our pledge leaders this evening. We have Legend Williams and Mallayia Curry. Both students qualified for the state track meet and will also be recognized later tonight where we will hear more about their impressive accomplishment. [applause] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, one indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas. One state under God, one and indivisible. >> Thank you very much. All right. Now, I will take volunteers from our amazing trustees to read the vision and mission statement. That will soon change. [laughter] Any uh volunteers for the vision statement? >> I'll read the vision. >> Okay.

004Trusty Rodriguez Barnett. Mayor ISD is the best district in Texas where we provide an equitable education for all scholars and graduate them ready to become leaders in our community. Thank you very much. Do I have a volunteer for the mission statement? Collectively as community, Mayor ISD provides equitable resources, a safe learning environment, and highquality educational services for all scholars to successfully achieve and reach their full potential. >> Thank you very much, Trusty Patterson. We're going to go to uh item number six, recognition. 6.1 may student recognition. So, team of eight, we have some awesome recognitions this evening. We're going to close out our school year with some student athletes who represented us Mayor ISD at the highest level of competition in Texas. But before we get started, for our students who are here today, when

005your name is called, if you could please stand up and walk to the left over here. Once you walk this way, you'll shake the hands of our board of trustees. But just wait a moment by Miss Kelly until everyone's name is called, and then we'll go ahead and get you together for a group picture. Once our student and our staff recognitions are done, we'll head outside for individual photos. So, let's get started with our first sport. We have girls powerlifting state qualifiers. [applause] So, Mayor High School had two two girls lift lift more than the rest. And we have Leila Stark and Kayla Garcia who representatives at the state meet. [applause] Their coach, the girls powerlifting coach, is coach Velasco. For any of our coaches here this evening, [applause] for any of our coaches who

006are here this evening, um if you don't mind, you can also come up and be recognized with your students. [applause] We'll get you guys right in the middle. Right. And then a little bit of our trustes. So for our trustes, if uh you can't see me, I can't see you. That's a good way to think of it. >> Thank you guys. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Next up, we have all state and academic all-state athletes. So, uh we have a bunch we have these outstanding student athletes from Mayor New Techch High School who earned prestigious statewide honors for this year. So, please help us congratulate Isaiah Canard who is named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches all state team for boys basketball. Lily Camaro, who earned Texas High School Coaches Association academic all-state honors for

007girls basketball. Max Hughes, who earned Texas High School Coaches Association academic all-state honors for boys basketball. Darlin Gardinas, who earned statewide recognition through the Texas Coaches Girls Coaches Association for cheerleading, and Bailey Williams, who also earned statewide recognition through the Texas Girls Association for cheerleading. >> [applause] >> And for our final recognition this >> come on up. >> Yeah I was waiting. >> And their coaches are coach Coach Morgan Roth for girls basketball, Coach Young for boys basketball, and Lisa Williams for cheerleading. >> [applause] >> I got you. Make sure everyone's in the Thank Perfect. Thank you guys so much. On three. One, two, and three. One more time. One, two, and three. Thank you. Congratulations. [applause] And finally, we would like to recognize three Mayor ISD student athletes who represented our district this past

008weekend at the UIL State track and field meet. From Mayor New Techch High School, we have Legend Williams, who also did our pledge, who competed in the boys 800 meter run, and Malia Curry, who qualified in both the girls 100 meter and 200 meter dash. >> Thank [applause] you. Their coaches, Coach Golie, and from Mayor High School, we have Savvia Aldridge, who competed in the girls hurdles. [applause] and her coach is Coach Jones. [applause] you guys in the middle. >> Okay. Yeah. >> One, three. One, two, and three. One more time. One, two, and three. Right there. >> One, two, three. >> Congratulations. >> [applause] >> And that concludes our student recognitions this evening. >> Thank you very much. Congratulations to everyone once again. >> Awesome. Well, we're going from students to staff. Um, so

009we're going to go ahead and get started with our staff of the month. And just like our students, if you are here today for our stuff of the month, if just walk up right here, be recognized by a board of sushi, shake their hands, and then you'll wait over here by Miss Kelly. And once the group is done, we will take a group photo and then we'll head out there for individual photos as well. From Blake Mayor Elementary School, Alexi Curtis, kindergarten teacher and Maria Espinosa, long-term substitute for preK from Blue Bonnet Trail Elementary School. Ellia Reyes, first grade bilingual teacher, and Magalai Guerrero, educational assistant for PreK General. [applause] from the CDC's one of my baby's favorite teachers, Josie Picassic, who is 20 years as an infant teacher [applause] from Decker Elementary School. Ruben

010Bueno, fifth grade, bilingual teacher, and Dennis Rodriguez, police officer [applause] from Logos Elementary School. Roxan Richard, kindergarten teacher, and Patrick Mendoza, police officer from Oak Meadows Elementary School. Nor Oreon, fourth grade bilingual teacher, and Liza Snell, educational associate [applause] from Pioneer Crossing Elementary School. N uh Nika Bay, first grade teacher, and Wes uh Welllet Duffin, assistant principal. from Presidential Meadows Elementary School. Sonia Manwani, kindergarten bilingual teacher. And Carmen Gonzalez, kitchen manager from Shadow Glenn Elementary School. Erica Rhodess, kindergarten teacher. And Jasmine Davis, educational associate from Mayor Rise Academy. Maria um Haramo, second grade bilingual teacher. and Monica Cruz, instructional coach. From Decker Middle School, Michelle Pontish, eighth grade social studies teacher, and Kelly Garcia, emergent bilingual bilingual pair professional. [applause] And from Mayor New Tech Middle School, Kathleen Gwento, se seventh grade teacher and Samir

011Ruse, uh, Ruiz, kitchen manager [applause] from Mayor XL Academy, Jennifer Urban, junior high science teacher, and Vanessa Rodriguez, re-engagement officer. [applause] And for Mayor High School, Diane Delejon, college and career adviser, and Maria Hernandez, kitchen manager. >> [applause] >> And for our final staff recognition from Mayor New Techch High School, Maria Plazola, science teacher, and Tamika Mumford, campus counselor. [applause and cheering] >> [cough] >> We're getting ready for our big group photo. >> [laughter] >> What you're saying is you want those. >> Yeah. If you're shorter in the middle, if you're a little taller, please get on the edges. And we do, just because the the lens is a little smaller, we do have to scrunch together. So, if we can get to as close together as possible, that would be awesome. Guys, we're have

012to get a little closer together. It's gonna be a little bit of a tight squeeze, but I want to make sure everyone is seeing closer. So, I just need the end of the year, guys. All good, David. >> All right. So, there we go. Thank you. Oh, there you go. Nobody's coming up here now. All right, we have we're moving on to item seven, public forum. Uh, Mr. Martinez. Uh, for each person present in the boardroom who wishes to address the board, you will have three minutes to speak. There are timers on each of the screens and one in front of you. I, the board secretary, will let you know when when you have one minute remaining. Because of the topic posting requirements of the open meetings act, board members are not permitted to answer

013[clears throat] any questions posed to the board by the patron and no action can be taken on any issue presented during this time. Due to this being a regular board meeting, you will be allowed to speak on any topic whether it is on the agenda or not that is relevant to district business or affairs. If you wish to ask questions of the board, you may submit them in writing address to the superintendent's office and the board may consider them at a subsequent meeting. If you are an employee or employees representative, please be advised that the grievance policy deadlines are not waved. If you have documents to pass out to the board, please identify those documents and provide them to the board secretary. Finally, please be aware that the rules of decorum will be enforced during

014the public comment period. As noted in policy deed regulations, each participant is legally responsible for the content and consequences of his or her statements. And with that being said, can we have the the clock up? they come up. >> Uh, first up is Colleen Nunez. Oh, the topic is benefits of FFA. Good evening. My name is Kayla Roz, but most people know me as chicken because of my a teachers. I am new to the FFA world as this is my first year. But I want to share what I have learned in my short time in A. While participating in events, it has come to my attention that most people do not know what FFA stands for or how it helps students. So I want to show you FFA stands for future farmers of America and

015y'all may think FFA only involves agriculture events activities you know saws plows and cows. However that's not true. We have leadership speaking and community service. Our our agriculture event activities involve dog shows, milk testing contests, growing plants, and so much more. As much as I would love to give you the whole list of activities that FFA offers, we would be here all day. But since stock shows seem to be one of the highlights, let me take a moment and look at the stock shows so you can see what the stock shows include. Stock shows include members showing chickens, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, and lambs. Take me for example. I raised chickens this year. I got third place for the pots, a young female chickens, and 13th place for the rolls, a young male chicken. Afterwards,

016you go to auction to sell your placing or animal, and you earn real money. You still get to keep the animal. For example, I earned more than $1,300 from this year's auction, and I got to keep my chickens. My chickens fed my family for a couple of weeks, and we sold the rest. This gave me even more earnings. I didn't get there overnight, and I had to put a lot of work. Not only do you have to feed them, keep them, give them water, and also have to exercise them, their prints have to be clean. the year the hours add up but I can say every minute was worth it. I learned a lot of things like time management, how to save and spend money. I even learned about feed and nutrition. I also learned

017how to communicate with others and how to work with members of our community that help us along the way. And it it was through this project that I learned people who will be my mentors and role models for the rest of my life and people that I will know I can call on if I need help. These are lessons and relationships that I will carry for the rest of my life and I can thank Mayor ISD agricultural program and Mayor FFA for these lessons. Thank you for providing this opportunity for my fellow members and myself. Thank you for your time. [applause] >> Good job. Thank you. >> And the next speaker would be Miss Mrs. Montgomery and the topic is benefits of FFA. Hello, I am Jette Fran Montgomery and thank you for allowing me

018the opportunity to speak with you all today. As you probably know, finals have begun this week. As the current second ranked sophomore and former first ranked sophomore, grades are very important to me and I work hard to keep my spot as an A+ student. That's why I study for hours each day of finals week, especially for the subjects I struggle with the most. I have two of my most challenging finals tomorrow, and yet I'm up here giving a speech to the board. I understand that this could negatively impact my grades, but I realize that this is about so much more than just me. This is about the other 154 students that are currently a part of the Mayor FFA chapter and continuing the legacy of the thousands of students that have been a part of

019the Mayor FFA since 1935. The FFA may just seem like a club to you, but it is so much more than animals and farming. And even if it was, Mayor and Texas itself are an agricultural hub. For instance, FFA students can participate in leadership development events such as job interviewing, public speaking, and marketing plans. As you probably know, as public officials, those skills can be applied to a countless variety of careers that may not have anything to do with agriculture. Although, again, jobs in a related fields are incredibly important. My point here is that the FFA has opportunities and lessons to teach everyone, whether they're interested in agriculture or not. The FFA is an incredible leadership opportunity that allows students to develop any and every quality that is necessary for their future goals and even

020wins scholarships to assist financially with this. In fact, during the 2024 to 25 school year, the FFA awarded nearly $2.5 million in scholarships to FFA members. And just this Saturday, I saw thousands of dollars awarded to students in local cities from Smithville to Colleen. And as you know, scholarships are becoming increasingly important for those students who wish to pursue higher education. I would like to add one more thing. I've been an MISD student since preK and I've never fit into any of the clubs provided, but I finally found myself in FFA last year. I plan on doing animal research for my career and the FFA has helped me gain the confidence to support my STEM related goals. Please take all of this into consideration when you're faced with decisions about cutting funding. If you cut

021funding for classes such as CT and A, you're not just cutting a class where kids play with dogs. You're cutting classes that teach job, financial, business, networking, speaking skills, community service, and STEM opportunities. Thank you again for your time. >> Thank you. Way to go. [applause] >> Next up, Hana Thompson. Topic of discussion, benefits of FFA. Good evening. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. My name is Anna Thompson and since I came to Mayor ISD in the first grade, I have been a UIL superintendent art award recipient and an athlete at Mayor High School. But my passion and goals are with FFA. When most people hear FFA or agriculture classes, they often think of the animals, plants, or welding. And while those are important parts of what we do, they are

022only the surface of something much deeper. FFA is not just about what we work on. It's about who we become. And we are the future farmers of America. For many incoming freshmen, high school can feel overwhelming and uncertain. They walk into a new environment searching for where they belong. FFA and a education gives those students a place to grow, not just academically, but personally. It's where students learn how to lead, communicate, and believe in themselves. I want to share my own experience. I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life. Speaking in front of people has always been one of my biggest challenges. But recently, I attended our star district competition and ran for a position on the district officer team. To even be considered, I had to take a test, go through interview,

023and give a speech. Standing there, I was nervous, but I wasn't alone. My ACT teachers believed in me. They supported me, encouraged me, and reminded me that I was capable even when I doubted myself. And sometimes that belief from someone else is all a student needs to take that first step. Because of that support, I walked onto that stage and gave my speech. And I am incredibly proud to say that I earned a position as the president of the star district officer team. That moment didn't just give me a title. It gave me confidence. It helped me grow stronger in ways I didn't think were possible. It showed me that I could overcome my anxiety and use my voice. There are so many students just like me who are searching for a place to belong

024and someone to believe in them. If we take away these programs, we're not just removing classes. We're removing opportunities for leadership, growth, and confidence. FFA changes lives. I know that because it changed mine. As we prepare for next year, I encourage you all to think about the students still searching for direction and confidence. A education gives those students skills they will carry far beyond high school and helps create strong leaders prepared for the real world. I'd also like to invite each of you to join us on May 21st for our FFA banquet and see what FFA and a education truly means to students like me. Thank you. >> Good job. Thank you. [applause] Next up, Alexandria Garca. Topic of discussion, leadership, culture, testing. Okay. [clears throat] Good evening, team of eight. I'm speaking you tonight

025as a proud Texas AFT member and your 2024 teacher of the year. Schools have the power to change lives. Often teachers are told we make a difference in children's lives and they affect us. However, we're not the only ones who make change. Leadership campus and district level carry an impact. The manner in which administration of all levels talk to our staff matters. In times of low school ratings, our work environments should be encouraging and motivating. And that has not been the case at Decker Elementary. A colleague of mine often states, "Attitude reflects leadership." If we are only led in pressure and compliance, we lose our why and we become exhausted. When communication from top down lacks respect, trust fades away. This is a lived experience in our district. This problem is the inheritance of central

026office decisions and expectations that trickle down to our students. Our cycle is not sustainable. Maynor wishes to be the best district and to keep their talented staff and attract talented staff, but we are losing them because of the culture that we have at our district leadership, myself included, as part of the reason that I'm leaving. Mayor ISD deserves leadership rooted in empathy, collaboration, respect, and servant leader mindsets. Our families deserve servant leaders who are ready to work with them. Our hiring practices must be evaluated. We need to ensure that we are hiring people who reflect these values, who are ready to do the work alongside our families and not make decisions that are just easy for adults. We should make decisions that is the best for our campuses and for our scholars. Another colleague often

027tells me, "If we don't have these values, we are allowing an environment where staff work in fear of retaliation, job security, and even loss of opportunities." >> One minute. >> We all answered the call to serve Mayor ISD and our families. So, team of eight, I am making my plea to you to evaluate our hiring practices for district and administration leadership. Our students will feel the benefit when we do. As I've been reflecting on my time here, the six years as a young teacher, I'm going to take the warm memories and everything you have gifted me. I am proud to be the educator that was formed by previous leadership that has made me strong and has given me the prep I need. I wish I could have stayed to see the change, but I know

028that you can do it cuz I've seen it. Thank you for your time. [applause] Thank you. Next up, Miss Walden. Topic of discussion, Coach Bass. >> Hello. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Thank you all for having me. I wanted to stand and speak on behalf of coach Bass who is a coach for my son who was at Mayor New Techch Middle. Coach Bass is an asset to the athletes as well as Mayor ISD. He drives from Colleen, Texas daily to show up for our scholars. Practice was held at 5:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday and the gym was open again. He showed up for our scholars. Yes, our scholars are students first, always students first and athletes second. However, sports are sometimes the only family that our students have. He is truly a resource for

029our students and he is one that that they can identify with and one that they can relate to. Education is hard work, but it's also heart work. And that is exactly the person that coach Bass is. He is indeed a heartbeat to our mayor boys. Not just New Techch, but Decker, Mayor High School, New Techch High School, and the elementary campuses that are coming before us. He is more than a coach. He is a mentor. He is a safe space and a positive influence in the lives of so many students who need someone to believe in them. As a parent, educator, and a licensed mental health professional, I can honestly say without hesitation, losing Coach Bass would be devastating and will be a devastating loss for our scholars and our community. The impact that he

030has made simply cannot be replaced. And I ask that you truly consider the lasting emotional and personal effect that this decision will have on our students. I thank you guys for the opportunity and I pray that you all will consider our what we are seeing as an community, as an educator and as uh someone who works for the mayor ISD. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you. Next up, Aisha Moore. Uh, topic of discussion, unlawful termination and breach of contract, midterm termination without board action. >> Okay. Okay. Okay, I think it's right. Okay, ready. Oh, sorry. Sorry, guys. New here. All right. Good evening. My name is Asia Moore. I am formally entering my evidence binder into the file to challenge the notice of contract termination dated May 8th, 2026, which was delivered via email. This

031separation constitutes as an unlawful retaliatory discharge and material breach of my employment contract and an unconstitutional deprivation of my property interest without due process. I direct the hearing officer's attention to five critical facts. First, please turn to tab 2. I sent a formal written email to HR documenting racial and implicit bias at 9:18 a.m. on Friday, May 8th. Exactly 7 hours later at 400 p.m. my badge and keys were physically seized in a summary de facto termination meeting with the exact HR official present. This extreme temporal proximity establishes a direct casual link for retaliation under title 7 and policy DH. Second, please turn to tab four. The district's claim of a performance issue under policy DCE is a bad faith pretext. My t my state t test evaluations rate me as an accomplished and proficient

032teacher, and I have never received a single write up, warning, or PIP during my two-year tenure. Furthermore, the official job board proves the district posted my specific position on a vacancy on April 2nd, 36 days before any alleged incident occurred, proving absolute premeditation. Third, please turn to tab 4 again. You will see a personalized handwritten message from Principal Young delivered on Thursday, May 7th, the day before I was fired, explicitly celebrating my consistency, hard work, and heart, totally refuting the written the [clears throat] written claim of poor performance. Fourth, please turn to tab 2. My written email to Principal Young since on Saturday, May 9th at 7:57 a.m. conclusively refutes any administrative defense of job abandonment, proving I remain ready and willing to perform my contract duties. Fifth, please turn to tab three. You will

033see a written email from the deputy superintendent admitting that the letter falsely claiming handwritten delivery on Friday was never provided to me. You will also see the second notice where the district manually scratched out hand delivered and hand wrote the date confirming a severe 14th amendment louder violation. The remedies I am requesting to resolve this matter today. >> One, immediate and total recision of termination notice and full reinstatement to my fifth grade teaching position. two, full, oh my goodness, full payment of all contractual back pay, gross wages, and summer benefits through July 31st, 2026 to remedy the shortened payroll cycle executed on May 15th. Third, should the district refuse immediate reinstatement, I request a formal sign letter on official manner ISD letterhead to classify the separation as an involuntary non-disciplinary administrative separation to protect my

034active apartment rent insurance benefits. Fourth, total expungement of these allegations from my permanent file, immediate release of my official Texas service record, and a contractually bound neutral employment recommendation for future positions. Thank you all so much for your time and consideration on the matter. >> Thank you. >> Sorry, we got uh we missed the FFA form. One of the FFA So, uh, next up, and apologize for that, Ava Arco, benefits of FFA. Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, and members of the board. My name is Eva Arco, and I just want to say I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to speak to you all today. Before joining this program, school honestly didn't feel like a place where I was very involved. Being a part of FFA and being in the agriculture pathway while having Mr. McDonald as

035my principles of agriculture teacher changed that for me. I remember a time when I was told that he saw potential in me and wanted me to join a quiz team. He pushed me to work harder, helped me build confidence, and made me feel like my effort actually mattered. He didn't just teach lessons from a textbook. He took time to support students, encourage us, and help us grow both inside and outside our classrooms. Because of this program, I've learned responsibility, leadership, and skills that I know will help me in the future. Little did I know that there were other teachers in the program that would continue this encouragement. It amazes me that teachers are willing to pour their heart and soul into their students and the program they serve each and every day. Even at 4:00

036in the morning and at 11:00 at night, I know that I'm not the only student that feels this way. A lot of students rely on this program and on the support these teachers provide every day. These teachers have a real impact on students who have found a place where they feel motivated and supported. Fast forward to today, I joined that quiz team. I showed rabbits. I participated in contest. I became a chapter officer. I attended the Texas FFA convention. And today I stand before you as not only a mayor FFA officer, but as a star district officer where I serve more than 1,500 members across central Texas. I respectfully ask the board to consider the impact programs such as the A program have on students, the opportunities they provide, and the future that they give

037to students such as myself. I want you to consider >> one minute >> the positive difference these teachers have made in students lives including mine. We know districts across the state are facing budget shortfalls. But can we really put a price on the impact that teachers such as those in the ACT program make on students? I know for many of us their support has been priceless. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Next up, David McIntyre. Topic of discussion, reflections, insight on staff at Mr. Bass. >> Good evening. Thank you, honorable members of the Mayor Independent School District Board. My name is David McIntyre. I'm a retired administrator with 25 years of experience in education, including 15 years as a school administrator, most recently with Bassrop ISD. This school year, I have uh served

038as Mr. Eddie Bass's region 13 field supervisor, and I've conducted 11 separate observations of his teaching. Based on my observations of his instruction, his interactions with students, and his demeanor during pre and postconferences, I believe I'm uniquely qualified to provide you with an impartial insight into his instructional practices and year-long interactions with students. I found Mr. Bass to be a caring educator who's genuinely interested in connecting with students and understands that he has a responsibility to be a role model. I have seen him assist students with uh studentto student disagreements, academic questions, and minor injuries, all with compassion. I've also repeatedly observed students demonstrating high levels of motivation as they perform rigorous exercise routines for him, an indication to me that they care about, respect, and want to please their teacher. Mr. Bass has been

039open to my feedback and has consistently implemented my suggestions to strengthen his instructional practices. And over the last four years, he has shown strong dedication as a coach by arriving early to support students and staying late to ensure their success and safety. It's my estimation from our many interactions this school year that Mr. Bass is eager to grow, committed to self-improvement, and most importantly is human. I hope you can see that Mr. Eddie Bass is a committed young man who is very much wants to be a long-term part of the Mayor community and to contribute at Mayor New Techch Middle School for years to come. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Next up, Chris Gadson. Topic of discussion, Coach Eddie Bass. >> Good evening. My name is Chris Gatson and I'm the

040boys athletic coordinator at Mayor New Middle School. For the past four years, Coach Bass and I have worked together to improve the student athlete experience on our campus. At New Techch, our mission is to stimulate the physical, mental, and social development of young athletes while preparing them to become responsible, contributing members of their community. Through athletics, we strive to create an environment focused on growth, fundamentals, character development, and positive relationships. Coach Bass has played a vital role in fulfilling that mission. Coach Bass helps structure and operate an athletics program that serves 330 boys every single day. He teaches fundamental sport skills and oversees our strength and conditioning programs. For the past four years, Coach Bass has coached football, basketball, and track and field. That commitment places him in season from the first day of school

041until April. Despite living in Colleen, he has faithfully commuted every morning to arrive on campus at 5:15 for practice that begins at 5:45. This past year, he also coached high school football after school. That means at minimum he worked 13 hours a day every day for three months straight all while commuting from Colleen. For the past three summers, Coach Bass has invested his personal time facilitating strength and conditioning camps not only for our boys but for boys and girls from all four middle schools, both high schools, and even their younger siblings in elementary school. Additionally, for three years, he volunteered his own time to facilitate afterchool study halls for our struggling athletes. Because of these [clears throat] efforts, our academic ineligibility rate continues to decrease yearbyear, while our collective passing rate improved from 70% in

0422022 to over 85% in each of the previous two school years. His investment in student athletes also contributed to 14 district championships in four years. And while winning championships is not the purpose of our work as middle school coaches, these academic and athletic milestones are very significant to our students. And they reflect a culture built on teamwork, accountability, leadership, and character. They reflect a program that mentors young men by supporting their by supporting their success and helping them navigate challenges with maturity. They reflect a coach who genuinely invests in the emotional growth and personal development of his athletes. Coach Bass is a coach that athletes literally run down the hallway to his class every day. Literally, he is also a coach that former athletes return to our campus just to speak to him. This speaks

043volumes about the impact that he has had on our students. For these reasons, for these reasons, I strongly believe that non-renewing coach Bass's contract would not be in the best interest of the students of Manor ISD. And I respectfully ask the board to vote against the recommendation to nonrenew this contract. Thank you. Thank you. >> Next up, Legend Williams. Topic of discussion, Coach Bass, Fate Track. >> Good evening. My name is Legend Williams. the relationship I had with Coach Bass. He was my high school, no, middle school coach for seventh and eighth grade. Coach Bass, uh, we had a great relationship. He taught me how to compete. Um, he also taught me what hard work means. You know, I always said I wanted to be in the NBA, NFL. He'll always tell me, um, Steph

044Curry, he didn't get as good as he was by just, um, playing. Told me that he shot a thousand shots a day. Instead of looking at highlights, we will always look of how the NBA players, how they would work hard every day, what they would do, how they would train NFL players, how they would go on the field every day for hours and hours. He told me that uh hard work didn't come easy. And also, he told me how to compete. My favorite memory with coach Bass is in middle school basketball, you had a team called uh A team and B team, but we also had a development team. Coach Bass will play with the development team and I don't think we beat Coach Bass one time. Um, Coach Bass, you know, he didn't teach

045me like he taught me that everything wasn't always about sports. Him and Coach Gaston, they taught me how to be a great young man. If you didn't know, um, the high school basketball team this year, we went to the third round. This is the first that we have been ever. A lot of people on our team was coached by Coach Bass. Without coach Bass, we would not have made it that far. He taught us that we need to work together and compete and hard work always pays off. And that's really it. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. [applause] >> And last on our list is uh Mr. Eddie Bass. Well, I didn't really write a speech. I just really came here to pretty much stand here so I can hear the results of

046whatever you know you got from everything that I sent in from my rebuttal to all the evidence that we presented before you. Um, if I'm going to leave anything out there, it's just I've been here for the kids from day one. And you know, like we've heard before, some of us are human. We all have our mistakes. Some of us make them. And hey, in one of the situations, that was one of my situations. [snorts] That being said, it's not a definition of what I am or what I have brought to this to this campus or what it is that I bring to this table. [snorts] And I feel that I definitely deserve another opportunity to be here for my kids that I've been help groom to this day. That's all I have. >> Thank

047you, Hazel. Okay. and uh apologize for that. Last on our list is Hazel Martinez. Topic of discussion, BTE mascot. >> Oh yes, >> good evening members of the school board and superintendent. My name is Hazel Martinez and I am here tonight representing many families, my kids and staff from Blue Bonnet Trail Elementary. With me are Miss Herb, Miss Guerrero, Miss Reyes, and Maddie. I make it. Yes, Maddiey's right here. And as you can see, I came tonight wearing our school logo. For a long time, I wore this Ranger shirt with genuine pride, believing it stood solely for community, bravery, and teamwork. I mean, I even be bedazzled it. Okay. However, that pride turned to deep concern when I looked past the mascot and learned the true historical reality of the Texas Rangers. a history marked

048by state sanctioned violence, exclusion, and systemic oppression. We cannot educate our students for the future while anchoring our identity to a terrible past. That is why I'm standing before you today. I am asking the board to change our school mascot from the Rangers to an icon that truly reflects our community's values, safety, and inclusivity. A school mascot should be a source of unity and pride. However, for many families in our district, the Texas Rangers represent a history of violence and terror. In the early 1900s, during a period known as Lagran Matansa, the great slaughter, historical records show that Texas Rangers participated in the extrajudicial killings and lynchings of somewhere between 300 to 5,000 Mexican-Americans. I will spare you the details. You can investigate further if you would like. When we ask our children to wear

049this mascot with this rope, we are unintentionally asking them to celebrate a group responsible for historic trauma against the very demographics that make up our beautiful student body. Blue Bonnet Trail Elementary is named after our beautiful local landscape. Our mascot should match that spirit of natural wonder and community resilience. Instead of the rangers, we could become Blue Bonnet Trail Bats, celebrating Austin's famous collaborative mammals that protect our ecosystem. We could be the butterflies honoring the incredible migration that passes right through our backyards and school garden symbolizing growth and transformation. Or we could be the armadillos representing toughness, curiosity, and deep Texas roots. Changing a mascot is not about erasing history. It is about choosing what we honor in our present. Let us choose a symbol that every single child at Blue Bonnet Trail can wear

050with joy, safety, and uncompromised pride. And so I return to this shirt and the logo our students wear every single day. We have a choice tonight. We can continue to wear a symbol rooted in a history of division, or we can choose a path of truth and progress. I want to wear the school's colors with pride once again. But that can only happen when our identity reflects the inclusive, honest values we promise to teach our children. I urge this board to take the first step tonight, initiate a formal process to review and change our mascot. Let's build a future we can all stand behind. Thank you for your time and your dedication to our students. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right, we're going to try to move. That's it, right? So, we're good.

051We're going to try to move this meeting along. Uh we're going to move on to close session items 8.1, nomination election of a vice president of the mayor ISD board of trustees. As our community knows, um uh one of our trustees, our vice president, Dr. Mary Thomas, passed away in February and um she was she held our vice president seat. We since have um appointed uh Miss Lakisha Small to fill that seat uh that place and now we need to um we decided that we needed to fill the vacancy of the vice presidency. So that's the historical context to that and um I can go ahead and take a motion from the board. >> Madame President, >> yes, Dr. Dr. Lowry. >> I nominate Stephanie Rodriguez Barnett to be vice president of the mayor ISD

052board of trustees. >> I have a uh nomination from Dr. I mean trustee Dr. Lowry to nominate uh Stephanie Rodriguez Barnett as a vice president. Do I have a second? I have a second from uh Trustee Howard and Trustee Patterson. Both of them raise their hands. All those in favor? Congratulations. Vice President Stephanie Rodriguez Barnett. I think we Okay. Awesome. We're going to do a brief recess to uh adjust our seating [laughter] >> [laughter] >> you moving this meeting along. Lots of great things. Um to get through. Okay. 8.1 close session item. Sorry, I am going through a whole lot of paperwork here. Uh I have 8.2. Uh mo um who uh regarding the contract, Mr. Eddie, >> Madam President, >> doc, trustee Patterson, >> uh I move to terminate the employment contract of Eddie

053Bass at the end of the contract term and find that this action is in the best interest of Mayor ISB. >> I have a motion by trustee Patterson terminate. Do I have a second? >> Madam, discussion. >> Are we first? Um, I'll take a Yeah, I'll take a second. >> I'll have a second. >> Okay. I have a second from Trusty Rodriguez Barnett. Now, we'll have discussion. Would you like to? >> Yeah. Um, I just wanted to let the team of eight know that as a parent, I have had a professional relationship with u Mr. Bass as my students coach. And um, since he's coached my son, I'm going to go ahead and abstain from this vote. Thank you, Trustee Rodriguez Barnett. So, I have a first and a second. If there's no further discussion,

054all those in favor of the motion say I or raise your hands. Okay. Uh I have 1 2 3 4 5 uh one abstain. >> I'm sorry. Six four and one abstain. Motion passes. We'll move on to uh item 8.3. Trustee >> law. I move that the board of trustees authorize the superintendent to negotiate and execute an agreement resolving a special education dispute consistent with the parameters discussed in closed session. >> I have a motion by uh Trustee Small. Do I have a second? I have a second by Trustee Patterson. If there's no discussion on the item, I'll entertain a motion uh the vote. All those in favor? Motion passes. 70. And then we'll move on to item 8.4. Uh on the recommendation of the administration, there will be no action taken at this time

055for item 8.4. We're going to move on to eight item 8.5 consideration approval for hire of executive director of human resources Dr. Tammy Williams here >> or Dr. Sarmani >> Madam President. >> Okay. >> I move that the board approve the hire of Natasha Drumul as executive director of human resources. >> I have a motion by trustee Howard. Do I have a second? >> I second. >> I have a second by trustee Dr. Lowry. All those in favor? Motion passes. 70. Do we have our new HR director here? Congratulations. Welcome. Welcome. [applause] >> Uh, Mr. Strong, I don't think you remember, but I think you and I met many, many, many years ago when I was an assistant principal in Austin ISD is the same time as you. So, we got to talk at some

056point. But I I am happy to have you and Mayor SD welcomes you. You are a great steel and I can't wait to tell our old friend from Mayor, Willie Watson, that you're joining us, although I'm sure he already knows. >> Yes, [laughter] sir, he does. >> Say a few words. >> Thank you. Um, so to the board and Dr. Mani um to Dr. Tammy Williams Hill. Um I am honored to be here and to be recommended for the executive director of human resources for Mayor ISD. I look forward to building strong relationships and supporting our staff um to be able to serve our students. Mayor ISTD has a strong sense of community and partnership and I am very excited to partner with these campus leaders and our families to continue creating opportunities for all

057of our students to thrive. Thank you again for your trust and your confidence in me and I am very excited to begin this journey together. >> Thank you. Congratulations and welcome to Mayor Rise. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right. So, we're going to move on to um superintendent update item nine, 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3. >> All right. Well, good evening. Um as always, we have our student safety update. Um and I'm one percentage point off. It's actually 83% of all the items um have been cleared by the Texas Education Agency from the district vulnerability assessment. Uh we are going to be conducting a full test. I'm just giving you early warning in in June of one last technology item. this security feature actually works. Um, but TEA wanted us to work it to work

058in a different way. I'm being intentionally vague because we don't want people to know um those features. However, um we will warn everybody ahead of time because a lot of people's cell phones are going to be ringing um when it goes off. U but that will be happening um early or late May, early June. Um but it will bring us to 100% um for the DVA and so I I know my team's been working very hard on that. Uh we had to push back the installation of the weapons detection systems for the middle schools. It's going to be in June. Um they're on back order but they are coming and so we will have a launch to start in August and so we'll work with administrators on that over the summer. Just a few other

059points of pride. Um, we have a new industry-based certification earned this time, the foundations of accounting exam. So, just want to call out three students who have now in earned their CCMR indicator and they are future accountants. Yep. See, Moas got excited. So, they're going to be working for him. [laughter] Um, but just to call out their names, Karina Garsa Perez, Nasarco Eru, and Eric Ramos. So, congratulations future accountants. >> Wow. [applause] We thought it would be fun to start highlighting some of our new industry-based certifications that our students are beginning to earn. Um, so these were new. Um, we also have a different kind of education certification that now kids are being able to earn. And so this is our first group that are getting their pre-professional certification and early childhood education. A lot

060of our students also become educational assistants, but we have four students who earned these certificates. They are also now CCMR and we will also be um I believe Dr. Williams we are going to be inviting them to apply once they graduate and they will get the letter that says you have an automatic interview with Mayor ISD when you come back to see us and so those are Ylette Azer um Perez Medo Nea Nicole Brown Whitley Marchetta Middleton so congratulations to you four >> [applause] >> Yes. And or if you didn't hear the news, we're going to get a really big banner I heard for this. Uh so the mayor early high school early college program got a designation with distinction. And what that means is the education agency groups early college high schools into um

061like schools. And in our group, we were in the top quartortile on several different indicators. I won't go down through all the list, but basically they're in the top part of the schools that they're compared with. So early college high school, not only did you graduate the most associates degrees in Central Texas, but now TEA sent you a recognition also. So go high school. [applause] >> We'll let you know when the banner comes so we can all in awe as it goes up on the on the building. Uh so one quick Mayor ISD strategic planning update. We are very close to this being the very last time we we do these. I I just realized today we have these beautiful mission and vision behind us. U Marita said we're gonna have to order I know

062we're gonna have to order new ones. Um but we do have a new mission and vision to present to you all. Uh it will be coming on the June board meeting to officially um vote it in and maybe we'll move that vision and mission statement after that vote so that we can say the new ones. Um but uh just so everybody knows we are also have a a big meeting on May 21st where all the teams are presenting their objectives on how they are going to accomplish the strategic plan. And so we're bringing back that large group that we had here, community members and students to review the work of all the different administrative teams. Now, just a reminder, the administrative teams have had um parents and have had students working on those committees um

063on the work to help keep us grounded, but the 21st is going to be the internal meeting. June um after that, we will be sending uh trustees a copy of that so you can review it ahead of time and make any comments or suggestions and then we will bring it forth in final form on June 15th. So, really excited about that. Uh, I've been really kind of trying out that hashtag and so I'll just try it out again. Just remember, uh, we lead the way. >> We lead the way and our kids are leading the way in so many different ways. And I just got want to say one other thing about all these recognitions. I don't think if if you've never I know Mr. Patterson has run a high school, but you don't understand

064how amazing it is for the number of state recognitions we get. You just don't get all these kids going to state whether it's choir, powerlifting, robotics, you know, it is really something that we are blessed with and we should be honored to watch our kids and what they're doing. So, our kids are already leading the way. We're just making that the vision statement next. Okay. Um that is all I have for the update. Uh trustees, unless you have any questions. >> No questions. Okay. We'll move on to um information item 10.1 CPM number two. Chief voice says undo items. Well, good evening to my I'll give an update on the uh CPM2. uh CPM2 reads uh not allow the district to be fiscally unsound. The moment ago, we were thinking with uh Dr. Williams and

065uh was just thinking about when we started doing all those budget adjustments and considering where we are right now, we have achieved or we would be achieving at least 51% of our goals. If you look at our goal is to get uh to a 16 point uh 60 days reserves by June 2023. We're going to be slightly right under 15 uh six um 15.2% 56 uh days. Our uh two-year target is to be 114 days equivalent to about uh 30 days reserves. 31.4 uh percentage 114 days reserves. So on that graph where you see right there um the green um the um the green arrow pointing down that's where we are as of the end of uh April and our target is um 20 at the end of June 2028 to be at um CPN

066goal of 16.4 uh CPM 31.4. >> Okay. and curious just a summary of the um estimated expenditures or historical expenditures and projected expenditures and the uh audited fund balance for the 2425. We have a 12.3 audited fund balance that puts us at um 38 uh days reserves for 1.3 months. um that's our lowest months uh where when you saw the previous slide that's our lowest point uh on the graph. Uh by the end of this uh fiscal year we should expect we increase our fund balance at least between three and four uh million. So that would uh bring our CPM goal to a 25.1% or three months reserve equivalent to 91 uh days. Uh we have two two years uh to achieve our goal. Um and so for next year uh we are if we

067adopt a balanced budget uh s or a surplus budget we we continue on that trend uh we should be able to achieve a fund balance of 32.6 million which would bring our CPM to um 31.4 or uh 3.8 uh months reserves which is equivalent to about 114 days. you have any questions? You want to add anything to that? >> Yeah, I just want to make one comment because we're really looking so long term and one of the things that I one of the goals that that I would like to propose to us, not to vote tonight necessarily, but on the finances is looking at 2728. And the reason I want to look at that is we really got to need to do something to keep up with inflation and also keep up with compensation. And

068I think our staff has done an incredible job to get us to this point where we are balanced and we're growing. Um, but I want to begin to target 2728 is the year that we begin to really start focusing on being a leader in compensation in different ways as well. And of course, that's going to require either an increase in revenue, which is very possible with students, or it's going to be require a decrease in expenditures somewhere. But we're I'm giving ourselves more than a year to begin to um plan that out. Um I know prices are rising for staff too and so we need to take care of them. And on 2728 is going to be that year that we get ourselves on a regular um pace with increasing um compensation. >> So just

069want to put that out there just as a as a as uh long-term thinking and we'll begin to work on that plan together over the summer about how we might get there. And these numbers don't include uh potential selling of land or anything like that. So this is like the bottom line scenario. >> So the budget that we adopt does not include any sale of land. Um not even the revenues, not even the uh state controller uh or the state um audit um recapture funding that we receive does not include one-time payments. Okay. But the sale of land is included as we uh when we rebuild um the fund balance. Uh that's kind of like an item kept in the balance sheet but not our uh operating um statement. >> Yeah. Yeah. To succinctly the

070the sale of assets is included in these charts uh because we are predicting these. It is not included in any of the budgets we present. So, we've always planned that there's going to be some level of sale of assets in order to rapidly build up our fund balance because we haven't mentioned in a while just for the community because we have rating agencies that are saying either raise your fund balance or we are threatening to downgrade your your debt rating. So, we we do need to sell assets in order to to raise funds as rapidly as they want. Um, and just to be clear, any other way of doing it would devastate our district because we would have to cut so much. It would be just damaging. It was hard enough to get to where

071we were. We don't want to do anymore. And we do have some assets that we are looking at. Of course, we don't talk about which assets. We discuss those in close session because we don't want people to know um what we're what we're willing to deal with and because that would give them a leg up on negotiations. So what you have right here is our cash flow statement. It's our tool that has been uh guiding us and uh and also um shows us our projection. Um what we have the red line is our expenditures which remain almost constant and then you have that those inflows or high levels of inflows of revenues uh dictated by the blue by the blue uh bars there around the periods of uh December through February. Um I do want

072to emphasize uh this point right here uh in November 2025. If you notice that uh last year I came before y'all and uh asking to borrow about 30 million. Well because we did not include it one-time revenues. We did not had to use the full uh 30 million that we borrowed. So if you look at November 2025, you see some small bars right there. That's the one-time revenue. If we were to sell land, you're going to see it like that uh presented like that. Um but it is not included in our uh projected um or in our operating um budget. Uh our goal is to uh build that green line um build it make it go upwards instead of downwards. So um as we progress and rebuild uh the fund balance, you're going to see

073that uh that green line is going to start to um reach low levels. uh not below the deficit of or zero uh amount right there. We are uh around the green arrow at this point and uh later on in this meeting we'll our financial advisors will be uh presenting uh our proposal for to borrow for next year and um the amount that we are anticipating to borrow of course is going to lessen as we progress in the following uh two years. it's going to be less and less until we get to a point where we don't need to borrow anymore further. So, the sale of land is important during this two-year period to be able to achieve um our uh goals and also to uh meet those uh the credit agency's requirements. And uh here's

074part of our long-term financial plan. Uh this is um something that we've been working since or have already initiated since we started making uh some of this adjustments. Um it is not the entire uh long-term plan that we'll be presenting um next month in the strategic financial plan. It's only part but some of this uh items are already in in progress. T >> and and I also wanted to bring in uh back these couple of slides. Um as you know, we've talked a lot about trying to move money onto the instructional side and in support of our our our uh our staff, but I want to bring a couple of these um items back. It keeps moving and I don't know why. >> Leave it right there. Perfect. Um, so I just want to put

075this one uh um before you again and I'll bring your attention to first of all the estimated cost of individual medical insurance. Um it is about $1 million what we are proposing and putting into our medical health plan for our employees. Um putting in that $1 million with some of the changes uh we are proposing to the health care plan offerings will allow us to continue to have a zerocost option for all our employees. And I think that's an important investment in our employees um that they have that option as an individual. Now, now that doesn't mean for family and for spouse, but for the individual, which is by far the majority of our stu our employees who do take health insurance, it's the individual that they they have. So, that will continue. So, uh

076tonight, um we're asking that you vote to invest that $1 million into that. And that is taking we are taking that into account in our balance budget for 2627. I do also want to to bring to your attention that very top line. So when when Mr. Santiago and I talk about a balanced budget, um our little secret is that we're actually talking about a surplus budget. We just don't say that. And part of it is just that kind of that idea is if you don't think about the possible surplus, you will have one, which is of course what we need. Um and usually in in districts, you get that surplus from uh the vacancies that you have during the school year because you you you fund them all. Um, I just want to bring up

077that that I we are struggling to balance the budget with the inflation without touching some of that estimated surplus. And so we're we haven't given up yet. We're still kind of kind of moving forward. But I wanted to alert you that means I may need to take into account some of the projected vacancies. I haven't been doing that. and which is why I want to be upfront with you all that we may need to do that in order to um reach that balanced budget without cutting instructional things. So, um just wanted to bring that forward. Uh that doesn't mean we won't have a surplus budget, but it just means it's going to be smaller than we were hoping. One thing, and just to make sure it's out there because it hasn't hit us yet, is

078fuel cost. Um, we just got notice from we we enter into a co-op agreement. Um, so that we've had the same fuel costs. It, you know, I, you know, appreciate you gave us that permission and, uh, Miss Fernanda and Joe have entered in that. So, we haven't been hit by any fuel cost changes because we've already pre- purchased. They are not doing that because of the volatility in fuel cost. So, they said we're going to have to start buying fuel on the spot market. So, that's going to start impacting us this summer. um unless something changes and they decide to enter into a new agreement that will allow us to buy at a lower cost. So there's a little bit of volatility and unknown. Fuel is a major cost for us. Buses run every single

079day over 100 square miles. So that is something that that we're watching that's going to start eating into us next year. Um, you said the co-op is having us now by >> So, yes, the co-op is in place until the agreement expires and they're not normally every year they go out and say lock in the price, but because of the volatility, they're not going to lock into a price. They're going to wait. They want to see see the price get locked in at a lower level. So, there effectively isn't going to be a fuel co-op for us that's not exorbitantly expensive. So they they sent us notice of that just the last week. >> A question. Did they uh include the estimate cost? >> Oh, the estimated cost. >> Oh, for the the fuel. Well,

080they're actually not even going to quote us a cost, the TASBY co-op, because they were going to wait until the volatility in the fuel market changes. In other words, they're waiting for potentially the war to end. just uh for your information on the TASBY um co-op works uh with actual expenses based on the the all of the districts that pop that are participants of that pool. So there could be several districts in the entire state all scattered all over the state. um and they look at it's similar as to putting out an RFQ or in our request for proposal and then they agree to a certain rate and that's how they come up with uh rates. We part we do participate in several purchasing cooperatives uh to try to get the best uh rates out

081there but uh in this case we are looking at the the fuel >> and the reason why I asked the question is to understand is there was a estimate to understand like it was based off inflation are we looking at a 5% increase 10% that way we can know the impact that it would be to the budget >> those are parameters that are set by the state that by the task cooperative I I think it's the test cooperative, right? Yeah, they're the ones that pretty much do that and they set their own parameters what the market I guess is. >> But I'm I'm sure we can go ahead and give you because we're going to have to input a line item if something doesn't change since Tazby Co-op. Um I don't know that you got

082that email is not going to set a price for us. We're on the we're basically working on the spot market now. So, um, we're going to have to put a line item there at some point, >> but we we can put that in a big rocks for you. >> I I do have a um a question. So, I I know there's a lot of different co-ops out there. So, I'm just curious to see, you know, what is going to be out there. even co-ops that just formed and they have each one their own specialty >> and other procurement methods. So, I'm just curious to see, you know, this is one of the few times that we're in this situation. I know we always, you know, sign up co-op agreement and lock down a rate and

083everything, but I don't think we've I've ever been in this situation that I recall. So, I was just curious. I know there's so many co-ops >> and that's homework. >> Yeah. um on our uh business uh website uh there's a list of all the the cooperatives that we participate and everyone uh I think the the largest one is the um by board the test by and they have different areas that they put out a proposal for. Uh usually a vendor um receives a contract for about three years. I think that that's the min the minimum they're required to um be able to be awarded a contract whether it's in instructional supplies or any other type of service. Um but yeah, we do participate in quite a few and we try to renew those agreements uh

084with with them. >> And uh one other point of clarification, does this include all district vehicles or are we only talking about bus transportation? >> It would. Good evening. >> Um, currently we play around $3 right now a gallon for for for gas and it's a a couple of cents more for uh diesel and so forth, but knowing where prices are at right now there I mean it's it's cheap, right? the gas. Um uh but but in uh but uh we we buy fuel, gasoline, unled fuel and also diesel fuel for that. And roughly it's uh about 20 uh 200,000 gallons is what we get some somewhere around there. Okay. So that's >> and that does cover all vehicles >> all vehicles that we have. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Just another word but we

085are looking at other districts as forest go up. So, for example, the city of Austin also has a co-op that maybe we can piggy back off of. Uh, so we have looked and and Dr. Sherman actually just skimmed on that a little bit, but uh we talked about that as well is there's >> there's not too many energy I get they call them energy co-ops right out there. There's not too many energy co-ops and because of volatility right now throughout the market, nobody's willing to set a price and say, "Hey, this is the price that we're giving you." or nobody's giving us estimates like what Dr. Romani said because nobody knows in six months and this is something that they're going to have to deal with for a whole year because usually the contracted or

086the agreement that we have is for 12 months once we sign this. So that means that if they can't procure that all those gallons throughout whoever's willing to do it, it's going to it's going to affect all of us, right? And so and also what they're doing is that they're taking all the data from all the districts to see how many gallons total that they're going to need. Are they going to need six million gallons? Are they going to need 8 million gallons? you know, 10 million gallons and then they base their price off of that. Oh, I for a second there I blanked out on why I put this up here. So, one other thing that I want to let you know that we're doing with the [clears throat] um the budget that's a

087little bit different, too. We are actually identifying items that could potentially be in a successful bond election for um November 2026 if the board so chooses to call for one. So, I'm hoping that in a future board meeting, we'll be able to quantify how much money saved in the maintenance and operation budget this year could potentially be um in that bond election. So, people know what the impact is on the budget that most people think of, which is the maintenance and operation budget. I think that's it. >> Thank you very much. If we don't have any questions, we'll move on to the next agenda item. And where am I at? 10.2. There we go. Um, uh, 10.3. Next. >> Question. Yeah. So any questions from the board? So if there's no questions, we'll move on

088cycle. >> Good evening, TM. So um just draw your attention to a couple of things that we're doing on uh just preparing for the next bond cycle uh and and looking around. We're keeping tabs on escalation costs as well. We're keeping tabs on construction costs. Uh we're also keeping tabs on, you know, any any little things that are going out in the market right now with tariffs and so forth. Uh and and right now that's that's what we have right now. Our partners are are looking at that and as they get a dean, they share that with me and then we have we're capturing all that data and I share that with our team our uh for our next bond cycle. Uh I do want to draw your attention to one of the uh slides

089here. See um this last slide here the project updates. So one of the things that that we have moved on with is that at the beginning uh when we were looking at all of our needs and when we did our facilities assessments we were looking at Shadow Glenn we were looking at demographics and that's where you know we had over 90% or really close to 100% where uh utilization was at at that campus. moving forward. Our demographer has reported already that we're we're not growing as they thought we were going to grow. So, we're going to go ahead and and pause that the the additional of of that wing there. We had about a 15,000 square foot wing planned for that, but we're going to go ahead and put a pause to that. There's no

090need. It was around 112 11.2 million 11.5 million. So, that's something that we're going to go ahead and put a pause on. The next thing that we're doing is that we we also added uh we don't we don't really know in the future what what it holds, but we're looking we're always looking for land, right? We're always looking for a deal. And if somebody can sell us at a reduced cost or or even want to give us land, we want to make sure that we have money in the budget for the next bond cycle so we can purchase that land or we might need a new high school, we might need a new elementary and so forth. So, we're looking for that. So, we added a line item for that as well. Um the next

091thing is that we had a 18 plus farmhouse out at the mayor high school. We want to renovate that and may make that a lab. But in the in addition to that, we also want to add some big classrooms for that out there and some ADA compliant uh restrooms with a lift, one with a lift and so forth. So we've had to we went back and we added some square footage on that and we added uh about $3 million to our cost for that. So, so we can bring that program in there and th those basically the difference. There's some little things that go off and on. I'll report back to the board as things solidify, but for right now, those are the only updates that I have. The only big major changes that I

092have >> and we're meeting with the community the facilities community committee. No, >> that is correct. We're meeting with the FAC tomorrow and we're even going to take them on a field trip. Oh, they get they're going to get to see one of our our nice campus >> or campus that needs attention. >> And trustees, I will be inviting you on a trip as well because I know I've had a couple trustees request that and so we will have an optional trip um give a couple different times for you to see the same thing we're going to show the FAC >> field trip. That's right. [laughter] >> Yes. And I definitely appreciate that. I know I was one of the board members, especially with some of the ongoing repairs that we need for our facilities.

093I think it's important for us as trustees to be able to walk those campuses as well. So, thank you for that. >> Thank you. >> All right. If there's no further questions from our trustees, I don't see any question. >> Okay. Yes. >> I have a question. In terms of bond best practices, we had a district pass a bond that was about a third of the state. bond package. And I'm wondering when something like that happens, do you uh or whoever's responsible for bonds, do you kind of uh uh collaborate with those guys or find out what they actually did to to pass a $6 billion bond and raise taxes at the same time where we we failed. >> That's a good question. >> So, how when like educational terms it would be like oh

094that might be a best practice so we need to go learn what that best practice is anything like that transpiring here >> and I think that's more on the on the comm side yes we we we we here's our secret we we steal everybody's comm stuff and and we we we work it but yes we do we also noticed a trend in the Dallas area not so much just Dallas ISD but in the Dallas area of what they did And so we plan on trying to replicate um some of those things that we saw >> and I'm just very like I know a lot of the Dallas people over there and everything. So it's a really combination of a lot of things and I the North Texas and I was very complete and that's a

095good question Mr. uh Trusty Patterson because North Texas I mean it's a diverse political climate. You're not talking about central Texas where you know it's more difficult out there. I know. I've seen it. I've heard it and they knocked it out of the park. >> So, I'm just I want to explore everything, too. So, no, thank you for doing that work. I think it's very important. And um that's a good question, Trusty Patter. What really what really is on my mind is that um it appears to me uh the perception that I have when interacting with community is that um there's a lot of perception that uh this district uh had a history of misusing funds and and I'm telling these folks look if you go to our website and see our bond rating this

096is why we we talk about this stuff at at at uh board means and it's why we're we're uh we're very diligent with our uh budget making processes over the last few years at least. I can't speak for the past, but I can tell people we've been diligent. Uh we've been transparent and and we didn't raise taxes and at the same time we have buildings falling apart and and we need we need to do better for our kids. So, I just I if if we call a bond this fall, I I want it to be no excuses in terms of people saying, "Well, I didn't know uh just because there's some words there that that that doesn't mean what it says." I I I want us to >> excuses about transparency about what a bond

097could do for for the kids of this district. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay. So, if there's no further discussion, comments, or questions, I'll move on to consent agenda items. >> Uh, Madame President. >> Yes, Trusty Patterson. >> Uh, Madam President, could you remove 11.8 from it? >> So, I have a motion by Trusty Patterson to table Oh. >> Oh. Oh, okay. I have a motion by Trusty Patterson to >> Oh, >> request. >> A request. >> So, I would um So, Trusty Patterson wants to uh uh remove 11.8. So, we're Okay. No objection. So, then I'll take the motion. Madam President, >> I move that the board approve consent agenda 11 items 11.1 through 11.12 with a removal of 11.8 as presented. >> I have a motion by Trusty Patterson with that

098motion exactly as she said. [laughter] >> And do and do I have a second? Okay, I have a second by Trustee Howard. Uh, all those in favor? >> Motion was made by Trusty. by Trusty Rodriguez Barnett >> and then second it by Trustee. Thank you. All those in favor. >> Motion passes 70. Did I say your name? >> And uh Madame President, um I'm going to ask the school board if you could take no action on 11.8 and um I will meet with staff and we will u make a couple of tweaks to it that I would like to make before we present it again. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. So, now we're going to move on to action items 12.1. Okay. Go ahead. Consideration approval of resolution authorizing the issue and sell and

099delivery of minor ICD maintenance tax note series 2026 and approving other matters incident and related there too >> and actually we are going to focus on the matters incident and related there too rather than any resolution tonight. U we actually want to bring forward some information to you. Um earlier you heard um our um presentation from Mr. Santiago and he mentioned that there is a borrowing amount that we need. So, uh, our financial adviserss from Estrada, Inosa are here today. Um, and they're just going to come up and I will flip through this quick presentation and they will be there to answer any questions you might have on what's called as the maintenance tax note. Uh, if you'll recall, it's about $18 million. Last year, it was 30 million. Um, we are moving in the

100right direction. And so, at this time, why don't you introduce yourselves to everybody? Thank you. Good evening, madame president, trustees, Dr. Smani, members of the audience, Anil Mayanes with Esteosa division of Texas Regional Bank. With me, uh, Mr. Don Gonzalez, one of our managing directors, uh, for our division. Um, so just wanted to touch base. I mean, as Dr. Smani mentioned, you all have come a long way and on where you were at and what you've been doing as a board, as a community. U, one of the things though that we we still and you're still working on is just bridging that gap on your reserves. And so this is a tool that's utilized by different districts throughout the state into building that bridge to gap for those years those months in which the reserves

101are not coming in. So typically it's December January when you actually collect your taxes from from your local uh community. So during before that time that's when there is some some need in trying to bridge that. And just to have some historical context, previously you had a note in 2024 for 13 million to bridge that gap. Last year for uh in fiscal 25 it was 30 million. Uh much of the reason for that increase uh m Mr. Tandiago will correct me if uh you had er funds. You still had er funds at that point of time that were being utilized. At fiscal 2025 is when er funds were removed and so that did put some pressure on on the budget without having those funds present there. Um, so the district did have to adjust there

102and it's adjust adjusted nicely as as last year we went down to just borrowing 18 I mean for this year borrowing moving forward for 18 million. So that's the what we're looking at u for this coming year. This is just a projected amortization. Uh we just have a placeholder there of 5%. Uh we're hoping for interest rates to be lower than that. But just like the fuel, um banks are also getting nervous on how much they're lending out uh money, but u so this is just a placeholder on how this would get paid um starting in January through this end of the fiscal year of June 2027. Um Mr. Fella has done a great job at just assessing your reserves and what's present. So in the last couple of notes that has been paid earlier

103and that has saved interest uh from from your for your budget and just the timeline again today is just a presentation on how we how we're going to proceed forward uh looking at this pres presentation today we'll go out to banks get some bids from banks come back to you on June 15th for the board to take formal action on an actual bank and the proposed interest uh with the best terms concerns for the district. I'll open up to any questions at this time. >> Go ahead. >> You mentioned that uh we were able to take the last couple of loans off early. Um that could be perceived by the public as we're um um we're uh requesting too much money and that we're able to take care of it earlier. Um, can you can

104you kind of explain how we're able to do that so the public knows uh how we're operating with these loans? >> Yes, sir. Our our goal is to project conservatively. So by projecting conservatively um you project your revenues to be a little bit lower than actuals which is the reason why we've been able to rebuild a little bit faster than what we are projecting. So that has brought in um unanticipated revenues. So um yeah that's kind of my I'm trying to project as low as possible so that anything that comes in on top of what we um um did not anticipate. So yes, um the other thing is that we are not including those one-time payments. That has been a huge help. If you recall again, uh more than uh 4 million was generated in

105state recapture. Those are one-time payments and they're not included in the budget, but they are included in the rebuilding of the fund balance in the long-term plan. Hopefully that u answers your question. >> Okay. So, okay. So, I I have a question. A can you tell me Okay. So, if we we don't know what it's going to be like 5%. And so, volatility we've been talking about this whole time, fuel everything. Um we're asking them for $18 million, right? Say you say you uh you could go out to bids for banks. One, normally, how many bids have we gotten? Two, what if at that time we don't know, you know, interest rates haven't fallen or anything, say it's 8%, how does that impact our monthly payment and would you recommend to borrow more because the

106interest rates are higher, therefore, you know what I mean? So, like I'm just trying to figure things out because personally myself in my work I >> No, that's a that's a great question. Great question. So previously in the last two notes um you've been able to get approximately three three bids on the last two notes um ranging this last one was at a at a 3.75% um for the 30 million and yes there is some volatile movement there in the market but um right now where we're looking at in that one year marker it it is below that that 5%. um and in a month movement. I mean, yeah, there there could >> a month movement. Historically, there hasn't been that that huge of a jump. Uh >> two years ago, in [laughter] a in

107a in a in a single month. Uh but definitely it's something you would still borrow the 18 million. Uh but it's it's the interest. The interest is what's going to just be be higher. Um and it's something that we will look at and budget with uh Mr. Santiago there. But the $18 million is still the amount that would be needed, but it's the interest amount that would actually be slightly higher. And we we'll budget with Mr. Santi to make sure that if that were to be the case, um we could comfortably pay that off in that time. And we're only looking at loans that we can none that are going to give us because we've been able to >> correct the banks have have uh we put a provision there for the banks to allow

108us to pay um the notes early without penalty just pay the acred interest to the time that we're going to pay that off. >> I have a question. So sorry. So like you put out bids and stuff, right? How like h how do you attract like you know what I mean people that really want to bid because we want the competition and the bid like >> what you know I'm just >> yes >> doing it for our finances. >> We we we first to begin with we email all all the possible B banks out there uh from your large banks from a JP Morgan uh to Capital One to your regional banks as well. um to so we we would go out there first initial the initial contact is is a email that's sent out

109then we follow up with with calls make sure that they did receive the emails and make sure that you know hey um that there is that interest and make sure that they're reviewing that bid um and then from there you know it every bank has its own appetite on what they're going to bid on >> and you still have negotiations have relation yeah >> on their portfolios the the smaller regional banks you know they have smaller appetites on what they could actually bid on >> um the larger ones have a a little bit more leverage because of their capital that they have behind them. So, uh but yeah, we would go out there and and contact and reach out and make any every effort to get in the most possible bids for the district. >>

110Is it go back one slide? >> Go ahead. >> For your information, we also try to include our local depository. So, we invite Frontier Bank to also bid on this. like he said, sometimes those smaller banks are the ones that have the hardest um cannot give us uh or for the lower interest rate. Um one thing that I also wanted to add on on your question related to the amount of the borrowing, we also have to anticipate that next year is a legislative year. >> So we do not know what uh the state legislature is going to do to state funding. So I have to add a little bit of cushion in the amount that we're having to borrow which is the same thing that we did the last time that we borrowed 30 million

111though we did not use it at all but uh we have to anticipate those things that could happen which we don't know of. U so on this proposal I added about 3 million more just to be on the safe side if anything goes negative. >> Yes I requested you to go back one slide. Uh madame president, you talked about the interest and so here it shows that for estimated the 5% that the interest rate total will be 686,000 right >> so that's would be the impact if it was to go up to like 8% it would be 8% of that >> correct >> that's correct ma'am >> well that's just making an assumption >> madam president so um just a little bit of clarity there So rates are are set by the Fed and that

112usually that that they they typically will decide I mean that decides how much they go up or down. And really what we're looking at mostly is uh costs that uh the financial institutions will place on us to give us that loan. It's not so much that each individual financial institution sets their own rates. That's really set by what the Fed has going on at the time. Well, they they borrow from the Fed at that at that rate and then yeah, each institution does have their different rates depending on on their portfolios and how how they want to bid their how how much they want to loan money out >> typically. That is that a big difference? >> Uh we've seen it anywhere range 100 basis points. So let's say from this last one for example

113that bid in the 30 million u you had a range from a 375 to about a 410. Um, so that was about a 35 uh basic uh uh point difference there. But I mean, yeah, you could see different uh differences uh depending on the >> So we wouldn't get a jump from five to eight. >> I have I have not seen it. Uh Don, have you seen that in your lifetime? I mean, >> not that's that's that's correct, Mr. Martinez. Not we would not anticipate something like that. >> Right. So they set the rate and then each bank tries to be competitive. So there's a little difference here and there and I think mostly is what fees they charge you right for for >> Yeah. One of the distinctions here is you we're actually borrowing

114at tax exempt rates and with the district's very strong credit rating at double A minus by S&P A3 by Moody's. Uh the district enjoys that nice rating and banks typically borrow at taxable rates as you mentioned through the Federal Reserve window. And so what they'll have to do is then make a conversion on that taxable rate to a tax exempt rate that they would bid for the district. And depending upon what they see as a spread between taxable and tax exempts, then they will come in at what they believe is fair to the market, fair based on the rating. And of course from their perspective they want it to be as high as possible but they know because of competition that if they want to win the bid they've got to come in at a

115very competitive level. So there's various factors that'll come into play. Uh but you're right the cost of funds is going to be largely driven underlying cost of funds uh by what they can borrow through the Fed window and funds that they have on hand. One last question and I've always asked this every time we borrow money. [laughter] You mentioned credit rating again. So this is like the second or third time we're going to borrow money. There's at least two more times again where we are today. How is that borrowing us money again going to impact our credit rating? >> Current currently, you know what for these banks? Uh they like seeing progress and that's something that you have done. Uh as far as the the rating agencies as well, um they like to see progress

116and where you move forward with. Um so the rating agencies, you know, they they'll give you a window of opportunity to to prove that that you are going in the right direction and and that's a conversation that we potentially have with the rating agency once we proceed forward essentially with with probably a bond or just they'll sometimes reach out just for an annual surveillance on monitoring on see where you're at. Uh but as far as the borrowing, um it's not it's it's not going to really impact the rating. It's it's really the trends on what you're doing to increase your your reserves. And that's really what they they're really really looking at. Uh you know, the reserves are above 10% at minimal um or above um they really want to see it above that that

11720 that that three day that three-month marker. Um so they that's that's going to be the the the important part of a rating agency is looking at that reserve amount. Um the as far as borrowing again you're borrowing less so you're doing you're making progress and so that's that's looking >> saying that is I just don't want it I'm I'm hoping that it won't pick uh um hit our credit rating because also the credit rating also gives us a better interest rate when we you know and the reason I always ask is because for when whenever we started again it was nobody knew and the answers that we were given was a little different that okay it might increase because we're barring you know but It was a different situation back then, too. So, I

118just want to make sure. >> Yes. I I would just add that the the budget challenges that the district has addressed have been the keys from the rating agencies in terms of the actions that you've taken and and that's been able to get us through the last couple of years of surveillance. and and so they have basically given us warnings and and the district acted appropriately. >> Okay. So I remember those were warnings, >> right? I just >> and so there was a a negative outlook that was put on the district kept the rating the same. >> Okay. Basically, they they were saying, you know, act accordingly or [snorts] anticipate a downgrade. And the district not only acted accordingly, but I from my perspective, I would say has not only acted accordingly, but has put

119together a plan, more importantly, a plan that you've executed on that has brought down uh any type of deficit, has increased the fund balance. And I want to be a little bit more specific with that fund balance. And they are looking at unassigned fund balance. So they really are looking at are your cash balances that are available as opposed to fund balance that may be assigned to pay certain other expenditures. So when they see that unassigned fund balance increasing, that has that carries the most weight in their eyes. and and on in those specific uh metrics, the district has done very well and I think that's you know in large part to your leadership and and work that the district has done to accomplish those things. >> Thank you. All right. Thank you very much.

120If we don't have any further questions, discussions, we are good to go. Thank you so much. We'll see you on >> travels. [laughter] Thank you. I know. Um, we are moving on to action item 12.2. Consider nominate a trustee for region 13 seat on the TASBY board. >> Uh, Madame President, I recommend that the board of trustees nominate you as a candidate for the region 13 seat on the TASBY board. >> Thank you, Trusty Patterson. Um, >> I second that. I have a motion from Trusty Patterson to name Anna Cortez as the region 13 seat uh candidate and then I have a second by trustee Howard. All those in favor say hi. I >> thank you very much. I appreciate the nomination and we'll move on to action item 12 three the consideration and adoption

121of resolution honoring Dr. Mary L. Thomas. And um at a previous board meeting, we read the resolution of um in honor of our late trustee, Dr. Mary Thomas. Following the adjournment, due to the open meetings requirements and agenda posting timelines, the resolution could not be formally considered at that meeting. by placing it on tonight's agenda, um, we're able to officially adopt the resolution and, uh, ensure it becomes part of the official record as we honor and recognize Dr. Mary Thomas's service. And so, um, can I read the Oh, go ahead and >> make the motion. >> Motion first. I I'll take the motion. >> I move that the board adopt the resolution honoring the late trustee Dr. Mary. Thomas. I have a motion by trustee Rodriguez Barnett. I have a second by trustee uh Patterson.

122All those in favor. Motion passes 70. So now I'm going to read the resolution. Dr. Mary L. Tomas celebration of life of educational exc excellence and service. Whereas Dr. Mary Thomas devoted her life to the noble profession of education, serving students, families, and colleagues with unwavering commitment, integrity, and compassion. And where whereas Dr. Thomas exemplified excellence in scholarship, earning advanced degrees and distinctions that reflected both her intellectual rigor and her steadfast belief in the transformative transformative power of education. And whereas throughout her over 40 years in public education, Dr. Thomas championed academic achievement, equity, and opportunity for all students, ensuring that each child, regardless of circumstance, was seen, supported, and challenged to reach their highest potential. And whereas Dr. Mr. Thomas' contribution in public education include in time as a teacher, principal, central office administrator

123and as a mayor ISD trustee since 2022 and whereas Dr. Thomas served as a mentor served as a mentor and role model to educators and leaders fostering professional growth innovation and a culture of collaboration that strengthened the entire educational community. And whereas her leadership was marked by vision, wisdom, and humility, inspiring those around her to pursue excellence not only in their work, but in their character. And whereas Dr. Thomas's contributions extended beyond the classroom and campus, enriching the broader community through advocacy, partnership, and service. And whereas legacy lives on the countless students whose lives were changed by her encouragement, the educators she mentored, and the institution she helped to strengthen. Now therefore, be it resolved that her colleagues on the schoolboard and the superintendent of Mayor ISD, her team of eight, honor and celebrate the

124extraordinary life and educational achievements of Dr. Mary Thomas. Be it further resolved that we express our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her life. And be it further resolved that we commit ourselves to carrying forward her legacy of excellence, equity, and unwavering dedication to students. and be it finally resolved that this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Mary Thomas as a lasting tribute to her to her remarkable life and enduring impact and we have presented the resolution to her family. [applause] All right. Um, confirmation of our next board meeting is scheduled for June 15, 2026. Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> Madame President, I move to adjourn the meeting. >> I have a motion by Trusty Howard to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m.

125Do I have a second? >> Second. >> I have a second by Trustee Small and Trustee Lowry. All those in favor? Motion passes. 70 747. We did good. We had lots of comments, but we did good.