001Mic check one, two, mic check one, two, mic. Mic mic check. Mic check. Mic mic mic check. Mic check one, two. All right. Good evening everybody. We have a busy night. Welcome to this the regularly scheduled meeting of the San Marcus CISD school board. It is 6:00 in our central offices. I would like to welcome everybody. This is a meeting and remind everybody that this is a meeting held in public, not a meeting of the public. You're invited to observe and listen as the board conducts this business. During the public forum portion of the meeting, you are welcome to address the board per our published guidelines. All items that will be discussed and voted on this evening have been posted as required by law. In compliance with the state government code on open meetings act,
002this proceeding is being recorded and will become part of the San Marcus CISD permanent legal record. In accordance with state law and district policy, disruptive conduct must be avoided so as to not interfere with the meeting. This statement serves as the first warning from the presiding officer to the public that if an individual decides to disrupt the meeting, assistance from law enforcement officials will be requested to have said individual removed. Thank you for joining us this evening and thank you for your support of San Marcus CISD. And I am declaring us in session. And we have a quorum with all board members present in person. And I would like to invite Miss Perkins, the proud principal of Mendes Elementary School, and her strikers to lead us in the pledge of allegiance this evening. Want to
003>> say that we have some seats up front for parents. >> There's also seats up front if people want to come sit up there. Hi. >> Hi, my name is Mika Salana. >> Hello, my name is Esles Gada. >> Hello, my name is Grant Nail. Hello, my name is Camila Gara. Okay, start. I >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, one indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I aliance to the Texas. One state under God. One indivisible. Great work, y'all. Great work. Thank you, Miss Perkins. You guys have a terrific summer. >> Thank you, sweetheart. >> Have a great night. >> THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT, NEXT WE HAVE PUBLIC FORUM. WE HAVE several speakers
004this evening. The first is Matthew Young. Good evening, President Hollyy, members of the board, Superintendent Dr. Cardona, and all those present tonight. As we close out the school year, I do not want to speak only about scores, calendars, or budgets. I want to speak about the people. A school year does not happen by accident. It happens because teachers showed up tired and they still gave their best. Because instructional assistants sat beside students who needed extra support. Because counselors carried stories that never showed up on a report. Because custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, nurses, office staff, substitutes, interventionists, special education teams, and administrators kept showing up. And when the work got heavy, and I'm going to tell you this year, the work was heavy. There were days when staff walked into the building carrying their own
005worries, bills, insurance, groceries, child care, health care, their own families, their own health, and they still found a way to smile at somebody, someone else's child. That matters. For some students, that smile was the safest part of the day. For some students, school was a place where somebody noticed that they were really struggling. For some students, one adult saying, "I'm glad you're here today," may have been the thing that kept them going. That is why budgets, insurance, and staffing decisions matter so much because behind every line item is a person. And if we want students to feel valued, then the adult serving them must be valued as well. Passion is powerful, but passion doesn't pay medical bills. Commitment is beautiful, but commitment doesn't cover rising insurance cost. Love for students is real, but love alone
006cannot keep great people in our district. So, as this board moves into budget renewals, conversations about compensation, benefits, and insurance, I ask that we remember the human side of every decision. Because when we invest in staff, what we're really investing in is stability. When we protect our employees, we protect our students. And when we keep take care of our people who take care of our children, our entire community becomes stronger. Students do not remember the budget spreadsheet. They remember the teacher. They remember the bus driver. They remember the instructional assistant. They remember the counselor. They remember the adult who made them feel safe, seen, and worth fighting for. So my ask tonight is simple. Take care of the people who take care of our children. To every employee who stayed, who served, and carried more
007than people know, you're not just part of the school system. You're the reason it still works. Take care of those who take care of others. As we say in many of our homes, gracias. Thank you, Mr. Young. Uh, the second speaker this evening is Kate McIntyre. >> Good evening. My name is Kate McIntyre. I live at 2011 Ridgewood in San Marcus and I've been an ELA teacher at Goodn Night Middle School for the past four years, but this is a my first time at a board meeting in person. I'm here speaking now because this is my last week in this district. When I was first hired, we were strongly warned against speaking to the board. I invite those listening to consider why a school district might be so afraid of what its teachers have to
008say. What I have seen over the past four years is a pervasive distrust of teachers. I've witnessed a drastic reduction in teacher freedom in the classroom as the district toward turns toward curriculum mandates insisting that all lessons come from McGraill which led every English teacher except me to leave the department at good night. Now the district is turning toward AI. 100% of secondary ELA lessons delivered to teachers by the district this year were written by chat GPT. Aside from ethical considerations, these lessons are riddled with basic factual errors. Teachers, including but not limited to myself, have raised this issue to campus and district leadership repeatedly. We were told, and I quote, "The board loves AI." I invite you to comment on the truth of that statement tonight. Let me be very clear. I am not
009here today because I think teaching should be easier. Teachers should be constantly learning and have a strong understanding of their content, of current pedagogical research, and of their students. Teaching should not be a matter of following a script written by those who have never set foot in this community. Every dollar, every minute spent on lessons from outside of the community depletes our community resources. We should be building strong teachers and students here in San Marcus. Our community deserves better. I have been told that the reason for all of this is the fear that our low scores will lead to a state takeover. But history shows again and again that compliance only emboldens fascists. What began as a series of mandates regarding testing and curriculum has now turned into attacks on our most marginalized community members.
010After Texas passed SB12 prohibiting student clubs for LGBTQ students and the use of students preferred names and pronouns at school, teachers received no guidance about how to support those students. Despite the fact that almost half of LGBTQ youth in Texas seriously considered suicide in 2024, the district has remained similarly silent as student after student has disappeared from our classrooms due to ICE abductions. In fact, the only time this district has taken a stance on this issue was to quash student protest by threatening intense repercussions for anyone willing to take a stand. I love teaching in this community, and for that reason, I feel compelled to say I have never been more ashamed to be a Rattler than I was that day. I do not believe that members of this board consider themselves supporters of these
011policies and yet we are materially supporting them every day. Time and time again, SMCSD seems to be acting in the belief that if we just stay quiet and follow instructions, we will be spared. Tell that to the student who disappeared from my classroom. What is avoiding a state takeover worth if we have already followed every morally bankrupt dictim? James Baldwin said it best. I can't believe what you say because I see what you do. I beg you on behalf of teachers and students who will be here next year and may not feel safe to speak to stand for something. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss McIntyre. The next speaker is uh Reverend Jim Davis. Greetings, superintendent, schoolboard members. My attention was first brought to the school library books while taking time for 40 days of
012prayer for my country. Reports are that over 500,000 unaccompanied children were crossed our border from years 2021 to 2024 with many more undetected godways. I came to realize that my country has become the financial capital of the world in child pornography, child sexual abuse, and the worst form of slavery, child trafficking. The Trump administration has recently rescued 35,000 trafficked children. The co-owner of Pornhub reports an annual revenue of 97 billion. USA Today reported in 2023 the adult entertainment market was valued at more than 172 billion with its growth expected to reach close to 250 billion dollars by 2030 with the help of graphic promotion of se immoral sexual behavior in our public school libraries. It's not unreasonable to think that the porn industry will reach or break their projected goal. If you don't believe it,
013the porn industry goal, you can find for yourself books like Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World, where QR codes and websites lead to recorded deviant sexual behavior in the books made available in our schools. A web search for girls under 18 or 14 year olds leads in each case to more than a 100,000 videos. Most aren't of children being assaulted, but some are. Why should the public tax dollars be spent on bait for pedophiles and for the porn industry's greedy financial goals? Again, I would share with you what Jesus had to say about uh about children. He said, "Whoever causes one of these little ones to who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the
014sea." Do them right. Uh get these books out of our schools. Uh we've read had many of them read here. uh they don't belong at uh being read by minors and I I pray that you will consider removing these books and and doing right by these children. I know that you care about them, but this is a serious thing. And I know that you understand, especially you men, how serious uh pornography can be in regard to addictive behaviors and how it ruins families and many things. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> The next speaker this evening is Nicole Yoner. Good evening, President Hollyy, board of trustees, Dr. Cardona, Nicole Yoner, Mendes Elementary, speaking as president of San Marcus Educators Association. I spoke at the last board meeting on the importance of providing a meaningful raise
015for district employees. Times are indeed tough for public school finances. We have seen the state failing in its duty to adequately fund our schools. As a result, we're seeing on tonight's agenda several options for next year's employee compensation that fall short of providing the necessary investment in one of the district's most important resources, its workforce. Four compensation options are presented for discussion and review in the board book. We believe that only option four, which involves a 2% raise for employees, represents a meaningful raise in the current climate of rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. So Marcus CISD is already trailing the other Austin area districts in terms of pay. None of the other options for consideration will help our district become competitive and will only serve to make it harder for the district
016to recruit and retrain the staff we need. Specifically, option one, which is being recommended by the district, would result in employees taking home less next year than this year. We cannot entertain this option as it will result in a mass exodus of employees from this district. Morale is already strained and compensation decisions like this would further risk damaging trust and retention. I am pleased to see the district has costed a dollar per hour raise for hourly employees. They are our lowest paid employees. We have 11 grades for paraprofessional and auxiliary where the minimum wage in each pay grade falls uh below $22 per hour. According to MIT living wage calculator, $22 per hour is considered to be the living wage for the Austin area, including San Marcus. Our employees deserve to live with dignity and
017for one job to be enough. San Marcus Educators declares its support for these employees to receive at least $1 per hour raise. While it's understood that these asks may result in a deficit budget, the district can weather this storm by pulling from its fund balance, which is very healthy. We must not be pennywise and dollar foolish. Turnover of staff costs monies and turn money in terms of retraining and hurts the consistency of our educational program. We must be bold. We must be courageous. We are urging the board to strongly consider the option for compensation plan which actur accurately reflects employees contributions, helps retain experienced staff and demonstrates genuine respect for the people who keep this district running every day. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Miss Honker. At this time, I would like
018to on behalf of the school board and this community thank Margie Vapondo for her 22 years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to our district and service students. Margie, your contributions have made a lasting impact and we're sincerely grateful for your years of service. At this time, we would like to present you with this award in recognition of your dedication and contributions to the SMCISD school board for these many years. All right, >> we have one more. Margie, Miss Vapano, for 22 years of dedicated service as a trustee. We honor and thank you for your commitment to our students, staff, families, and community. Throughout your years of service, you helped guide the district through moments of growth, challenge, and change. You took part in the important decisions regarding employee salaries, bonds, district policies, and educational
019opportunities that shape the future of our schools. Your leadership was especially meaningful during the most some of the most difficult times our community faced, including the CO 19 pandemic. During a time filled with uncertainty, strong emotions, and different opinions, you remain committed to listening, serving, and making decisions with the best interests of students and staff at heart. Serving as a trustee requires courage, patience, compassion, and dedication. Your willingness to stand firm during difficult discussions while continuing to advocate for education in our community reflects true public service. Your legacy will live on through the positive impact you made on generations of students and the lasting contributions you made to this district. With sincere appreciation and gratitude, thank you for the 22 years of exceptional service. Our art students at the San Marcus High School made you
020this wonderful mug that you can >> drink coffee and this bowl that you can eat your mana with. WOO! >> You should There's one more. Take it. >> Thank you. Okay, Great. Thank you all. >> And with that, she's gone. Now we will canvas the results of the May 2nd election. Dr. Cardona. Madame President, on January 20th, 2026, the board approved the order of election for May 2nd, 2026 for the purpose of selecting of electing three trustees to represent single member district 1, single member district 2, and single member district 3. The filing period for candidates began on January 14th, 2026 and concluded on February 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The deadline to file a declaration of right-in candidacy was February 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. On May 2nd, 2026, during a special board meeting,
021the board cancelled the election scheduled for single members districts 1, 2, and three. At that meeting, the certificate of unopposed candidates was presented and the board adopted the order of cancellation for the election scheduled to be held on May 2nd, 2026. The following candidates were declared elected to serve full three-year terms as trustees. Single member district 1, Pastor Jessica Kaine, single member district 3, Miss Sandra Sapulva Lopez. Due to the absence of applications for a place on the ballot for single member district 2, it is declared that there is no candidate elected for that position. Therefore, the position is deemed vacant. The vacancy shall be addressed in accordance with applicable law. In the name and by the authority of the state of Texas, this is to certify that at a general election held on May
0222nd, 2026, Jessica Lee Matlock Kane was duly elected trustee district 1. in the name and by the authority of the state of Texas. This is to certify that in a general election held May 2nd, 2026, Sandra Suppel Lopez was duly elected trustee district 3. And now this time you should both read the statement of the officer and sign it. >> Go ahead. >> All right. I, Jessica Lee Matlac Kain, do solemnly swear that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected, or as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation, whichever the case may be. So help me
023God. I, Sandra Sabura Lopez, do solemnly swear affirm that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value or promised any public office or employment for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected or as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation, whichever the case may be. So, help me God. >> Great. And I believe we have Judge Maggie Hernandez here to administer your oaths of office. So if you all want to go up in front of the podium. >> Sure. >> Separate or >> separate. >> Okay. >> It's not true. >> It's their choice. >> Yeah. the mic. >> Do you want your family to stand up behind you? Raise your right hand
024and repeat after me. I, Jessica Lee Matlock Kane >> I, Jessica Lee Matlac Kane, >> do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully execute the duties >> that I will faithfully execute the duties >> of the office of San Marcus School Board member District 1 >> of the office of San Marcus school district school board member one >> of the state of Texas >> and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend >> preserve, protect, and defend >> the Constitution and laws of the United States >> the Constitution and laws of the United States >> and of this state. >> So help me God. >> CONGRATULATIONS. STAND. No speeches. >> Yes. I, Sandra Lopez, >> I, Sandra Lopez, >> do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully execute >> the duties of
025the office >> of San Marcus School Board member District 3 >> of San Marcus School Board Member District 3 >> of the state of Texas >> and will to the best of my ability >> preserve protect and defend >> the Constitution and laws of the United States >> of the United States >> and of the state. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you, Judge Hernandez. And congratulations Oh, Congratulations, Reverend Kaine and Miss Lopez, and thank you for your continued good service on this board. The next item this evening is Dr. Cardona superintendent report. >> Madame President, members of the board, we have several student rec well many student recognitions. As you can tell, we have a lot of students doing a lot of great work. Uh but first, we want to re
026recognize our stu our campus attendance winners. Dr. Monica Valadez. >> Good evening, President Hley School Board Trustees and Dr. Carona. today. Um, not much of a surprise in elementary, but um, so April leaders was Ernnandez Elementary with 96.48 in their ADA for the month of April. And again, our goal is 95%. And I am sorry I don't have my phone with me. I left it at home, but you got it. Okay, perfect. Awesome. Thank you, Justice. And then for our secondary for April uh leader was Miller at 94.15% IN THEIR very congratulations. Thank you. And then if I could have Mr. CJ Odum, our director of career and technology with some more recognitions. Good evening board. I'm joined with Dr. Guardo to celebrate some San Marcus High School students that have had a fantastic year.
027This has been the easily the most successful year for CTC CTSOs, current technical student organizations in a variety of programs of study. And we had a whole rush of them over the course of March and April that we're able to get to you today to celebrate. So, we're going to begin with Skills USA, which is a career and technical student organization for a variety of programs. And today, we're celebrating the work in fashion design and in cosmetology. This year we were fortunate to have a multitude of students from those programs qualify for the Skills USA state championships. And first we'd like to recognize the four students from the fashion design program that not only got to state but also earned top honors. And these students were led by their teacher Amanda Connor. And so the
028following three students uh one of which was able to join us tonight earned blue ribbons as top designs in their category at the state championships. And this included Emma Pulk, Kinsey Neman, and Jada Lopez. AND THEN THE NEXT STUDENT WAS NAMED at the state championships the overall best in show for her design. And we would like to congratulate Alinda Loausano. school skills. Also in Skills USA in cosmetology, a group of 22 students, far and away more than we've ever had happen before, qualified for those Skills USA state championships. And we will now recognize the 12 students that earned top honors. These students were led by their teacher, Brandy Lopez, who is here with us tonight. Come on up. So, we will begin with the nine state glue ribbon winners and one of those will be
029able to join us today. That includes Angelica Khan, Paulina Kerion, Briana Salazar, Holly Bishop, Savannah Flores, Jacob Gonzalez, Jasine Longoria, Caitlyn Slickerman, and Camila Herrera. Camila is here. JOIN US. ONE STUDENT placed fifth overall in the state in the cosmetology skills contest. So, congratulations to Jada Lopez. One more student placed fifth overall in the state in barbering skills contest. Congratulations to Josiah Henderson. And ultimately, one student won the overall state gold medal in aesthetics. And that congratulations goes to Evelyn Sanchez. Ready? One, two, three. Perfect. >> But wait, there's more. So, HOSA is the CTE student organization for future healthc care professionals. And this year, five students placed in the top 10 at state and with one student earning a qualification to the national championships in Indianapolis. Their teachers are Megan Boding, Jennifer Hargraves, Garvin
030Smith, and Jack Davis. Two of which are with us today. Come on up. First off in the emergency medical technician team, they finished in the top 10 in the state. And this is the team of Aubrey Albert and Aubrey Barnett. Also finishing in the state top 10 was the student in the National Geographic academic testing in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Congratulations to William Shepis. THIS next student placed fifth overall in the state in the clinical lab science event. Congratulations goes to Rice Tips. And this hosted member placed third overall in home health aid and will be heading to the national championships representing San Marcus. Congratulations to Lorraine Fraserand. READY? ONE, TWO, THREE. PERFECT. THANKS, Y'ALL. >> As you can tell, it has been an eventful last couple of months at the high school. We're really
031excited. So, next up is our FFA teams. We have two teams we're recognizing today as the FFA of course is a student organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. They compete in the spring in career development events where this year two teams won district and area qualifying events to earn their way to the FFA state championship. First up is the Aonomy team led by their teacher Joseph Nino. This team develops an oral presentation and a written plan to address a scenario in a situation involving the science and technology of field crop production and soil management and finished sixth place overall in the state. This team is made up of Jackson Uben, Jessica Perez, Chaz Collins, and the final member of the Aonomy team that played six with
032his team, but was also the overall individual state champion, and that is Mr. Rice Tips. Ready? One, two, three. Perfect. Thank you. And so our other FFA team to make it to state was the floraulture team who trains to identify and evaluate cut flowers, plants, and floral designs and compete in a written exam on propagation and production of floral products. This team outworked literally every team in the state as they brought home the overall FFA state championship. They're led by their teacher Fallon Drinan. The state championship team is made up of Ivory Mendoza, Nico Kent, KENTTONIA, a student who also placed individually eighth place overall in the state and that is Tristan Tosskano. And the final member of the Floric Culture team not only won the state title with her team, but was also the
033overall individual FFA state champion, and that is Natalie Gonado. We'll do waist up. One, two, three. PERFECT. CONGRATS. THANK YOU BOARD FOR your support of these organizations and these programs of study all the time and we're really excited to have brought them to you today. Lots of great stuff happening out at that high school. So, one more recognition that's our athletic director, Coach Walsh. Last but not least, I would like to recognize our U state medalist, Paul Valter, Nelly Moritz Pabosa, if you'll come up. Her coach is head coach Michelle Washington, Kobe Vine, and then Leslie Adamson, come up, PLEASE. TALK about the coaches for a second. Uh Michelle Washington's been at Miller Middle School as our girls coordinator for eight years. She has always set a high standard, but always since I've been here
034told me she wanted to have aspirations to be a high school head track coach and last year it came open and she took over the boys and girls head track. Continues to be our coordinator. Took on a lot, but she has the highest standard at Miller and she brought that high standard to to the high school. Uh, I was a head track coach 20 years ago before I became head football coach. I love track, but she is track stupid. She loves it. Coach Vine is our PVO coach, and I'll come back to him in a second. Leslie Adams is no longer coaching with us. She's raising her family, but she was It's uncommon at high schools in America to have a pole vault coach. It's just a unique event. Uh, and I'll explain what Nelly
035actually does here in a second, but it's to have Leslie at the middle school and she actually coached all our middle schools, all the high schools when she was on staff and continues to stay. You go to track meet, she's at the track meet supporting Nelly. Now, here's to now there's another Brooklyn is her name, right? She you have to have a private coach to teach you this. And uh Leslie's one of those Brooklyn, Glenn, and Isaac. Am I right there? I've seen Brooklyn at the meets. And here's how UIL works. Uh they cannot coach her at a meeting. Coach Vadrine is our Provo coach, but he's more of a defensive tackle coach than a POV coach. So the rules are she can only talk to him. Uh so for two years, I've watched Kobe
036with his phone. She calls Coach V. Yes. She says she says something. He runs to the stands. Brooklyn says something. Lesie, he runs back and forth. So but for two years, I think through osmosis, he's learned a little bit of pole. It's a good team. It's a good system. Uh, let's talk about Nelly. Here's what Pvault is. Um, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, high jump. Running down a run, your approach takes a lot of work. And just take high jump. You have to be perfect on your approach to get a height or to compete at the at the state level. She has to do it with a 12T pole, 14t pole, however long your poles are. She's got about six of them. Uh, she's got to move the standards back and forth, plant the
037pole in a metal box, bend the pole perfectly at an angle, be upside down where heads facing the track, her feet are facing heaven, and then somehow get over that that bar. Here's what she did. Not only did she she cleared 12' 6 and something, right? A quarter, two/4 to 3/4. Um, and that's her personal best. At the state meet, there's nine vters at the 6A level. She finished on the podium third. But overall, I looked up every classification. There were only three girls that completed that that went over 13 foot. So, not only is she in the elite in 6A and in the state of Texas, she's a junior only 6 in away and with a bright future for next year to become a state champion, she works hard. You you can see a
038champion in the summers. When the coach doesn't tell you to be there, she's always there by herself asking for a key to get in the weight room running by herself. So, congratulations, NELLY. WILL YOU hop in one? >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> Perfect. >> All right. Ready? One, two, three. >> Perfect. Thank y'all. >> Madam President. >> Cool. Madam President, that concludes the superintendent's report. >> Thank you. Congratulations to everybody. Have a great summer. Thanks for all your hard work. The next item on our agenda this evening are reports and information information items for the board. Uh the first one is our mental health awareness proclamation. It's going to be read this evening by trustee Clemu. Whereas the core four partnership, city of San Marcus, Hayes County, San Marcus CISD, and Texas State University
039through the SMTX mental health coalition, Health Haze Coalition and its members and partners recognize that mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. And whereas the mental health is foundational to our wellness allows us to care for ourselves and others and make valuable contributions to San Marcus Consolidated Independent School District. And whereas with early and effective interventions, those individuals with mental health conditions can cover can recover and lead full productive lives. And whereas a lack of mental health awareness leads to devastating impacts on the well-being of individuals and communities. And whereas each business, school, government, agency, health care provider, organization, and citizen share the responsibility to learn about mental health and to promote
040wellness and support prevention efforts. And whereas San Marcus CISD project aware, the core for partnership, San Marcus, Texas Mental Health Coalition, Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas, Youth Task Force, Healthy Haze Coalition, Hill Country, MHDD Centers, Communities and Schools of Central Texas, Senator Foundation, Greater San Marcus Youth Council, Community Partners, and Care Providers collaborate to reduce stigma and to provide education and awareness of prevention, early intervention, and treatment resources for mental health and do hereby call upon the people of San Marcus to support San Marcus CISD, the San Marcus, Texas Mental Health Coalition, the Youth Task Force, and the Core 4 Partnership by supporting efforts to recommmit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible
041services for all people with mental health conditions. Therefore, the San Marcus CISD board of trustees do hereby proclaim May 2026 as mental health aware awareness month in San Marcus, Texas. >> Thank you, Trusty Kentu. I believe we have two of our school counselors here. >> Uh good evening, President Hollyley, trustees, and Dr. Cardona. I'm reading a uh letter on behalf of Miss Crystal Lopez, who oversees our um core for partnership uh work. um she cannot be here tonight, so I'm sharing her words on her behalf. Um thank you for your continued supportive efforts that strengthen the well-being of our students and the broader community. We appreciate your leadership and commitment to these important priorities. As we recognize mental health awareness month, we take time to highlight the importance of supporting the mental and emotional well-being
042of our students, family, and staff. This month also reminds us of the value of encouraging open, constructive conversations about mental health and making sure help is available when it is needed. Schools are an important part of this effort by connecting students with trusted adults and providing access to support services. Additionally, we recognize the school district's vital contribution to the strengthening community partner partnerships including the core for partnership and SMTX mental health coalition. These collaborative efforts help minimize the barriers and create meaningful opportunities to connect and leverage local resources in supporting our students. And I've uh if you are here from one of the organizations that was named, would you please stand? you're here to support. God, I know that we have a couple of our people that shoot us all. Thank you. And why don't
043we go ahead and skip to item three and do the core for youth task force senior recognitions since we're here. Good evening to you all again. And once again, I am reading on representing um Miss Crystal Lopez. Uh thank you for the opportunity to recognize one of our outstanding youth task force members. The youth task force serves as a youthled advisory group to the core for partnership, bringing together students from across San Marcus, CISD, and Hayes County to build leadership skills, engage in meaningful dialogue, and provide input on issues that impact young people in our community. Through this exper experience, students develop skills in public speaking, collaboration, civic engagement, and decision-making. The youth task force is grounded in the positive youth development framework, an evidence-based approach that views young people as assets to be nurtured
044rather than problems to be fixed, and focuses on building the skills, resilience, and supportive environments they need to thrive. Today, we are proud to honor Jaden Stagel, a graduating senior and a dedicated leader within the youth task force. For the past two years, Jaden has served in key leadership roles as both a liazison and secretary. Roles that require strong organization, responsibility, and a commitment to supporting both his peers and adult partners. In these roles, he has helped ensure our meetings run effectively by managing agendas and minutes, and by keeping our work focused and moving forward. Jaden is a strong example of the impact of the positive youth development approach through his time with the youth task force. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, thoughtful organization, and a genuine ability to connect with others. He
045approaches his work with empathy, listens with intention, and helps create a space where all voices are valued and respected. During his time in the youth task force, Jaden has contributed on planning and implementing the youth leadership conference, supporting service-based projects such as creating care kits for our unhoused neighbors, and partnered with organizations like San Marcus Housing Authority to serve seniors and individuals with disabilities. More important, Jaden understands the value of community that meaningful change happens when we work together and leverage our collective strengths. Jaden, your leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Youth Task Force and our broader community. We are incredibly proud of you and excited to see what you accomplish next, especially as you continue your educational journey at Texas State University. Even cats, that's not on here. Congratulations on your
046graduation. Please join me in congratulating Jaden Stagel for his outstanding service and leadership of the youth task force. Congratulations, Jaden. The last item in our reports and information is a little bit different. We don't typically do things this way, but tonight um we've heard a lot about all the various CTE programs that we run. Tonight, we're going to get to have a little preview of one of the programs that will be going to the national competition. Mr. Odum, >> thank you again board. >> And thank you, Miss Hollyy, for requesting this and having a chance to showcase this. So earlier this semester, students from our TAPY organization, the student group for future educators, competed in various contests that resulted in 18 students making their way to their state championship with five students qualifying for nationals
047across three different events. And one of those teams will now be featured here today. This is the ethical dilemma team. They must debate an ethical educated education related dilemma for the judges. This year's dilemma centered around a school and parents discussing AI related issues. The team will now give a demonstration of what they have worked on for this event. And this team consists of Mabri Kratz, George Aricio, Sam Somi, and Juliet Reio. >> Good afternoon. My name is Sam Smi. >> I'm Avery Kratz. >> I'm Julia Reio. And I'm George Aricio. This year's educator's rising ethical diploma scenario takes place at an openhouse event at a high school where the principal invites parents to ask questions about the upcoming school year. >> I'm concerned about the use of artificial intelligence in the schools. I've heard
048that some teachers are relying heavily on AI for lesson planning and I'm worried about the impact on instructional quality. Is AI truly being used to enhance student learning or simply as a shortcut? >> Interesting question. I would like to turn this over to one of our teachers, Mrs. Chin. >> Pause. Miss Chin is a first year teacher at our school. She was previously mentored by another teacher, Mr. Percy, and is now teaching 10th grade physics. Miss Chin is proud to contribute to the planning committee this evening. But this question is difficult for her to answer because Miss Chin can recall that her mentor teacher used AI tools extensively for lesson plans, assessments, and classroom activities. When responding to the parent, Miss Chin should consider four key points. Number one, there is currently a lack of
049laws regarding the use of artificial intelligence in education, meaning that this parent's question has no concrete answer. Number two, AI technology is in rapid development, and the possibilities of AI are always changing. >> Number three, there are benefits and drawbacks to using AI. When creating policies, school districts should consider both the positives and the negatives. Number four, as an educator, Mission needs to remain neutral and professional. Her answer should not negatively reflect your school, nor should it invalidate the parents concerns. >> To create our solution, we've researched laws regarding the use of artificial intelligence in education, as well as the conduct that teachers should uphold during teacher parent discussions. The Office of Educational Technology states that 25 countries have introduced legislative proposals regarding AI and education. These proposals consider the intersection of AI in students
050with disabilities, the rapid advancement of AI, and how to navigate its safe usage, ultimately suggesting that school districts utilize the potential of this technology with caution. We also found that many districts restrict should communicate with parents about district policies. It is possible that Miss Chen is prohibited from communicating existing AI practices by her school. When responding to this parent, Miss Chen should remain neutral and factual, avoiding taking a direct stance on AI or misrepresenting her district in a negative way. So, how should Miss Chin respond to the parents question? Let's go back to our scenario. Technology is always developing. With AI becoming such a prominent discussion in the classroom, it is difficult to make a blanket statement regarding the use of AI. Hearing your concern, I look forward to working with our principal and district
051to collaborate on an district policy for AI for both students and teachers. This is a strong response because Miss Chin does not show her opinion or push an opinion onto the audience. She simply provides a solution for how the district could respond and implement an AI policy. Miss Chin needs to address these problems brought up in the meetings to her higherups. She should encourage the district to have further consideration of AI policies after the parents concern is brought to their attention. After the PTA meeting, Miss Chin should discuss with her superintendent and principal about the implementation of an AI policy to clarify some uncertainty within their community. She should express the need for an explicit policy that shows teachers how to navigate AI in the classroom. Hopefully, after discussions with the school board, Miss Chen's
052district will create a policy regarding the use of AI in education. >> When creating a policy, the district should consider six main points. >> Number one, what purpose would the AI serve in the classroom? AI is beneficial when used as guidance, not as a crutch. For example, students with disabilities or those who are multilingual may now have access to more tools as teachers can adapt their lesson using AI to benefit all types of learners. >> Two, AI opens up a wide range of misinformation. Students must learn how to navigate around what is being provided by AI by making smart and independent decisions. Number three, the district should make sure that AI is used properly in lesson planning. The usage and need for AI differs extremely by class. When creating policies, especially districtwide ones, it is
053necessary to effectively provide structure for the differing classes. Number four, AI poses many concerns in school. Personal information security are at risk using such a wide resource. Another problem arises when teachers overuse AI. Their lessons become less and less personal and professional. While computerenerated lessons may be an easy resource, they should not be used at the expense of teachers creativity in the importance of demonstrating thought process and originality for students. While AI such as Chatbt are advertised as ways to make work more efficient, we all know how easy it is to take advantage of this resource to cheat on your homework. This is a huge concern in the world of education and any policies regarding AI should be preventative of cheating. Number six, AI is an everdeveloping technology which is important because we do not
054fully understand its capabilities and how it should be regulated in the classroom. Districts should be ready to change and adjust any policy regarding the use of AI and shouldn't attempt to find a definite answer to how involved AI should be in the classroom as it rapidly changes. With all this in mind, we firmly believe the best way to address this dilemma is to have Miss Chin stay neutral throughout the meeting as to not create confusion between district and teacher statements. After the meeting, Miss Chin should address her higher-ups on the lack of AI policies and the concerns of the parents. This provides them with a standpoints and a foundation to base the policies upon. By considering the ethical concern and suggestion from pre-existing sources, we can support the conclusion that the creation of an district-wide
055AI policy would be the best way to address this dilemma. >> Thank you for your time. >> Wait, wait, wait, hold up. Wait a minute. Hold up. Wait a minute. Don't we get to ask you all questions? Just tell us what when's your next where you per where are you uh doing your presentation next? >> We are competing in Portland, Oregon on June 20th. >> Excellent. Congratulations. Good luck. >> Thank you. >> I have a question on on that presentation. Are the students recommending that they be involved in the district policy setting up? you know the setting up of the district policy for AI. Are y'all recommending that in any part of your presentation >> that the students should be involved? >> I believe so because the policies are directly affecting students and teachers even
056though teachers are probably the primary deciding factor in what this policy would look like or teachers and district members. Students really should be involved in a discussion about what that policy should look like. And also it like it depends on like what course the student is wanting to go into and is studying to like be a part of in the workforce because it it just depends like we can see that a lot of them are focusing on using AI while some of them are completely ignoring it. And so it's it's really imperative that students are like there when it's discussed. I I just think that you all had a good presentation and I thought that students should be involved in the policy making since they will hear from the teachers what the policy is. >>
057Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank y'all. >> The next item is an update from operations on our child nutrition summer program. Hello, good evening. How are you all? Um, good evening board of trustees, Dr. Gardona. My name is Melba Bettis, child nutrition director, and tonight I'm here to share information about our upcoming summer nutrition program. Oh, sorry. Thank you. Gotcha. Thank you. Okay. SMCISD participates in a seamless summer option to ensure students continue to have access to nutritious meals while school is out. Free meals are available to all children 18 and under and up to 21 for individuals with disabilities at designated meal sites with no ID or registration required. While the Texas Department of Agriculture requires districts participating in the National School Lunch Program to operate the seamless summer option for at least 30
058days. SMCISD goes beyond a requirement by continuing meal service throughout the summer to better support our students, families, and children of our community. Beginning June 1st, SMCISD will continue offering free breakfast and lunch meals at the designated campuses listed on this slide. In addition, free lunches will be provided through the listed community partnerships and the purple bus to help reach more children and families across San Marcus community. I would also like to share that this summer we have added a new meal site in a rural area at Staples United Methodist Church will which will operate in June. We are hoping this site will help us reach more children in this rural area. All meal sites will operate Monday through Thursday with closure during the district shutdown from June 29th through July 3rd and resume service
059on July 6 at designated sites as listed here on this slide. This slide shows participation data from the past two summers, including the number of operating sites and the number of meals served in the summer nutrition program. SMCISD has continued working to expand access to summer meals through additional community and mobile meal sites to better serve families across our district. While participation naturally decreases later in the summer, particularly in July, the program continues to be an important resource for students and families who rely on access to nutritious meals during the summer months. This slide highlights a few photos from last summer's nutrition program, showing the great work our team did and the positive impact it has on our students, children, and community. The district welcomes all families and students to join us this summer. We
060look forward to serving and feeding the children in our community and seeing everyone at our meal sites this summer. In closing, we will make meal site information, including summer meals, available soon on the summer 2026 page of our district website. That concludes tonight's presentation. Thank you for the opportunity to share with share this with you this evening. >> Thank you, Miss Perez. We we appreciate everything that you all do. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Miss Haldi. If possible, could we pull up executive session items A, B, and C in order of the agenda and take care of those now. >> So, the entirety of close session? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh, are you making that motion? >> Yes. Second. >> All in favor of moving into close session, please raise your hand. That motion carries.
0616. The board will now is authorized by section 551.074 and 551.075 of the Texas Government Code and section 11.060 06 of the education code moved into close session. Okay. Okay. I'm calling the meeting back to order. It is 8:58. At this time, the board will take action on items discussed in close session. Uh the first item is item A, consideration and possible approval of the assistant superintendent of academics. Is there a motion? Yes. I move that we accept the recommendation to offer this position to Dr. Wardo as discussed in closed session. >> Second. >> A motion made a motion seconded. Is there any discussion? Any questions? Seeing none. All in favor, please raise your hand. Opposed. That motion carries. Thank you, Dr. Mardo. We appreciate the work that you have done at the high school
062and we look forward to seeing what you do in this new capacity. Uh item B is going to be uh an appointment to represent the single member district 2 on the board of trustees. Is there a motion? >> President Hollyy. >> Uh thank you, President Holsey. I move that the board of trustee board of trustees of the San Marcus Consolidated Independent School District appoint Freddy Ormando Duran to serve as trustee for single member district 2 effective immediately in accordance with section 11.060 060 of the Texas Education Code. Mr. Duran will serve in this capacity until the next uniform election date in May 2027, at which time the position shall be placed on the ballot for the remainder of unexpired term if applicable under state law. I further move that the board authorize the administration to
063complete all necessary filings, notifications, and oath requirements associated with this appointment. >> I'll second that motion made and motion seconded. Any questions? Any discussion? All in favor, please raise your hand. Opposed. Sorry, Mr. McLolin. Did you raise your hand? >> Got it. That motion also carries 6. >> Thanks everyone. Now we will return to the regular schedule portion of this meeting. And we are at the approval of the consent agenda items. >> I'll move to approve the consent agenda items. >> Second. >> Motion made and seconded. Any questions? All in favor, please raise your hand. Opposed. That motion carries. 6 made by Mclofflin. Seconded Aridondo. Items for action. The board of trustees will now consider electing a Tazby delegate and an al alternate delegate to represent the district at the TASBY delegate assembly. First, I
064would like to ask if there are any volunteers to serve in this capacity. Do we >> I'll volunteer to serve in that capacity. >> Miss Cantu >> and I'll I'll volunteer to serve as the alternate. >> Great. Any discussion of that? Seeing none, I will nominate Miss Cantu to serve in as the delegate and Miss Lopez to serve as the alternate delegate. >> Second. >> Motion made and seconded. Any questions? All in favor, please raise your hand. opposed. Thank you, Miss Cantu and Miss Lopez. Uh, academics, considering the approval of the 2026 2027 curriculum and grading guidelines. Do we have a presentation on this? >> I'll move to approve the 2627 curriculum grading guidelines. >> Really had no substantive changes from last year. >> I'll second. >> Any other questions, discussion? Seeing none, all in
065favor, please raise your hand. opposed. That motion carries 6. Item two, discussion and approval of the optional flexible school day program of FSDP application for the 202627 school year for SNCISD. Hi there. Good evening board. We do not have a presentation, but we are here if there's any questions. It is an annual application that must be submitted. I'm here with principal Velasquez and assistant principal Miss Lucio. Um they're running our Samarus Excel Academy where the optional flexible school day has been very successful and this is districtwide. So it's open to any students across the grade levels who meet the qualifying criteria for opt optional flexible school day program. >> Miss Holly, I'll move that we approve the optional flexible school day schedule as presented by SAP. >> I'll second that. But I do have a
066question. When you say successful, can you give us an idea of what success looks like in this in these terms? >> Sure. So we started optional flexible school day at the Excel Academy last year. We inherited about 70 kids into the program when we took over in October at the Lamar campus and um of the 70 we graduated 60. This year we started with 14 kids. 14 kids uh we grew that into 102. We're graduating approximately 50. 54 will be returning to us. Uh we have recap or recovered uh five students at the ages of 19 to 20 and they've all graduated with the their high school diploma. Because of the optional flexible school day, they are able to work around their work schedules, work around parenting, work around other situations that are very uh
067specialized and very unique to them. And so we do have a lot of kids that would have otherwise dropped out um come into our campus and work. We're also now attracting students from other districts that want to come in and work on our op optional flex flexible school day or OFSD um so that they can work uh quickly and accelerate through the program from home and then come and proctor test at the campus. And so we're hoping to lean into it a lot more in the coming years uh starting with 54 instead of 14. I think this year we're going to build a bigger capacity. And then we've been working on mainly on the structures of what our expectations are for our students as far as progress goes, but they get to work from home
068and we do get ADA if they are working from home and we get ADA if they show up for at least 45 minutes in the school day, which is what they need to do to test. And so we've been working on setting our foundation and we hope to lean into the OFSD more so that we can attract more kids that a traditional high school is not the best setting for them. >> Terrific. That sounds wonderful. Keep it up. >> Thank you. Um, any questions? All in favor, please raise your hand. Opposed? >> Thank you. >> Item C, human resources, the consideration and possible action of compensation for the 2026 2027 school year. >> Good evening board. I'm Stephanie Munos, chief of human resources. And before we begin, we wanted to provide a little bit of
069clarification on our niatorum that was proposed at our last meeting. >> Okay, I got the short version or the long version. We're moving fast here. Which one y'all want? >> Short. >> All right, good. >> The tile was not even supposed to be on the the uh workshop y'all had. Yeah. And because in cabinet we were working on budget each department working on budget cuts and two of one of them was uh a meal our meal budget that we use for athletes and we we took that away. We're going to raise it in other ways. The second one was downsize how we're going to open the nitorium. We need two directors to run all the programs, right? And uh so we knocked it down to one backing off the programs. We're going to pilot some
070uh elementary programs. So, we just left it was just left on there. It really wasn't should have been in the budget already. So, we need it. Uh, if you need a longer version, I can give it to you, but we do need it. >> Questions? >> Yes. >> I thought this was going to be revenue neutral >> and you said that. So, um, to build an open with no people, it already costs chemicals. It's going to be a deficit. Okay. So revenue neutral would be running our meets um having lanes rented out during the school day and and we can do those things and we can do without a director cuz we can we as you know the our athletic office can handle that. Um but it won't service the elementary programs like we can
071service it. Uh when we went to uh Mr. Sandival and I went to Alamo Heights. We went to West Lake and then we settled on Southwest ISD and they run an auditorium supposed to be run not just for competitions and UIL events but for their school district and they got a great elementary program that we've studied. I took uh Stephanie and Claudia the last trip and it just takes people and if we don't want to do that and don't want to service our kids in the elementary schools um then we we can we can probably get away with not doing it at the first but uh I would like to open it the right way and if I have a director in there um we can do the renting the facility to the other districts
072around us. We can we can host meets, but we can start piling that elementary school program where we're servicing our kids. Um, and let me give you some background. So, the vision of this was 3 years ago. Our our um swim coach is Christopher Vos. He was going the AP route. He was actually shot on the APs when Madioski was at the high school and got out of coaching. Auditorium got approved, snatched him back, talked him into it. This has been our vision together for 3 years now. So when you sent the position to Mars, you actually sent Christopher Vos to Mars and I want him back cuz we just needed that's has been we've we've uh had this plan. He's been working he's been shadowing University of Texas uh nitorium director. Uh he's in
073a partnership with Southwest CD this summer to learn their programs. Uh so to answer your question about revenue neutral, it won't be if we don't have anybody in there. So I would say that what I'm I am fine with having him come in in that position. I my expectation would be that he would be pilot the program but also grow it so that you're here a year from now asking us to make another hire to help with that facility that will then bring in the funding that will fund both of those positions that >> we have that person lined up already too. >> But but where does that go though? Like if if we approve in our general budget the aquatics manager whatever I don't forget 65k 70k whatever it was um we're and then
074they take a gate on a meat or they rent it out how does that come back to reimburse me for what I paid the >> talking about for the district revenue. Yeah. >> Yeah. It all goes to it all goes to >> what I >> I caught the black hole. We don't see anything. We host football games. We host basketball games. It all goes back to a district revenue account. >> Which one? >> That'd be heard. >> It's just our It's our general revenue account that we get back. That just goes right back into fund balance at the end of the year. So, it doesn't go back into a budget. If we wanted to bring it back to a budget, we'd bring it as a budget amendment to you and say we got $80,000 and
075now we want to put it in, you know, athletic budget and we'd ask for for you to do that. Otherwise, it just goes into our revenue account. I just seem like we should account for this facility, the revenues in and the revenues out. Especially if Miss Hollyy's going to want a second person at some point, I'm going to be like, man, I didn't see any of the first money. >> Right. Well, we are going to account for everything for the nitorium in a different uh accounting fund number. So, everything will go back to that accounting number. And so, we'll be able to track all the monies that they get um during the year. I mean, I think that makes a special sense if we're talking about changing the food allocations, which having worked with the
076booster club this year on figuring out the food allocations, it's very difficult to feed a team when they're out of town on the current budget. So, whatever changes they're going to make, but I think that the more we track and the more that we say like this is the gate and this is how much we recouped here and this is where this is going and this is what the output is. So we can see that across all of our extracurriculars, the better off it'll be. >> You're talking about like we track the like when we track the infamous scoreboard. >> I remember that. Yeah. You showed the revenue that came in from the ad generation and I could kind of see, oh, we got this much. Wasn't quite as much as mistreated said, but um
077yeah, something like that would be useful or else it's hard for me to especially if they ask for any future investment. And I mean, I don't think chemicals and service are going to be really that expensive. I mean, I service my pool. It's it's bigger than our pool, but it's like 170 bucks or something. >> Yeah. So, the the biggest So, here's here's the long-term plan real uh the meets and the um and just renting the facility. That'll be about a neutral. It's building a swim club. And Southwest CSD has got a great model for us to build our own LLC and then really generate money back into the program. That's and there's not a good swim club in the area. So that's the ultimate goal for coach Vos and Coach Dawkins. >> And then
078we lease the pool to the swim club. >> Say it again. >> And then we lease the district leases the pool to the swim club. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you for the answers. >> Yep. >> All right. So back in front of you is our compensation plan. Um we do have the different proposals. So we have option one, option two, option three, and option four. That was in your board book. >> Can we get it on the PowerPoint, please? It's on here. Technology, can we cast it? >> Can you all see it on your screen? Okay. >> So, in front of you are the different options. Um, as requested, option one was to bring forward a balanced budget. However, um option two, three, and four are different options um available if you
079should choose to uh pick one of those. Our finance team has kind of shown you the breakdown of um classified, professional, teacher, um benefits, longevity, stipens, and then your total with M. Go ahead, Mr. Auto. Miss Aussie, I make a motion that the board approve option four for general pay increase representative of a 2% general pay increase. >> Um, can I just make a comment just to make sure that we understand every com every option up here does have the 350 cop of insurance. Are we? Yes. And >> that's what these numbers show. >> Okay. >> I have questions now. >> Go ahead. >> Uh, thank you. The $350 insurance cap cap, do we have a projection of what that's going to be going into next calendar year if we pay the 50% like what's
080the difference for staff going to be? >> So, it's going it's going to go up to 521. So, um that difference. So, from >> so 171 a month to the employee for employee only. >> Yes. So the difference of 521 minus the 350 that'll be what the employee will pay on option four. So, can I just do like simple arithmetic and say if I am an employee and now we are capping insurance at the $350, the difference is going to be $171 and I can multiply that by 12 and that gets me what I'm now paying in like my monthly insurance search charge. Okay. So, just for >> to the next item >> that is $2,52. And so, under this equation or this compensation plan, like this eats into all of those pay raises for
081employees, like there's nothing left if they were to continue paying their insurance. So, just want to talk about that as we go into the next item. But, yeah, my motion is for option four. >> I have a question. Um, option four includes a 2% raise for classified hourly staff. Can you give us an idea of what that looks like in real dollars? >> So, in front of you is a breakdown for um the 2% is all the way to the right. Um looking at your auxiliary that could range from 565 annually to 1197 for clerical 577 to 1259 and then for professionals 1259 to 3,75 and on a teacher step schedule that is >> 1320 for all of our steps. >> Great. Thanks. I'm in favor of this plan also and I plan to vote
082on accordingly. Um, I would like to see administration come back to the board though with um a strategy for getting our district up to what was referenced earlier tonight as a living wage and just to see I think that that probably wouldn't be a blanket increase across the whole district, but I think that it would be targeted increases to ensure that all of our employees are able to live on the pay that they receive from the district. Um, any other questions? So, I did the math, too. So, we're giving a $2,000 pay cut because we're capping insurance for anybody who has that. Um, and that's not going to be balanced out in this pay raise even with 2%. And I don't know that I'm against doing the 2%. I just want to be clear, we
083do not have the ability to do both. And so I think what we're doing here tonight is we're going to choose one or the other. We're either going to give an increase in pay, but the insurance costs are going to go up or we can keep the insurance cost and there will be no pay increase. And I don't like either option. But I think we need to be honest about the reality of our financial situation is that I think all of us would love to keep the insurance continuing to cover all the insurance costs and also give raises and we simply were already putting ourselves at a $2 million deficit by choosing this option. I think it's pretty similar if we went the other road correctly or correct if we did no raise but we
084kept insurance we'd be at about $2 million deficit as well. Right. Okay. So we're making a decision here. It's going to affect some people more than others and that's important to say too. >> I'm sorry. So again, these uh figures that you have here, so once we go back and do the calculations, so some of your benefits are percents. So the more your uh pay goes up, the percent, so the benefits will change a little bit. So we'll be right around the, you know, 2.2 2.3 million when we're all said and done. just depending on how that lies. >> And that's I'm sorry that's for >> for the workers comp the fringe benefits that the salary is based upon >> your Medicare, your workers comp. >> So go ahead, Mr. >> So is there a
085reason why those calculations aren't in these formulas then? >> They're not in here because you have to you have to prepare the each plan individually as you go and they take a while to get them done. And so we got one plan done and then we uh just ran over the uh benefits just kept them the same. >> Okay. Um I hear you. So I'm actually voting for like a larger number than what is presented here tonight in either of those in any of these options except for option one. Is that safe to assume? Are you branded calculations for the addition? option one is is should be correct cuz those are those are the percentages that we have right now >> but all the other ones there's kind of like a question mark out there
086of like what those >> and like workers comp is like a 1.45% four five% and the others could be you know 25% or something. So they're small amounts but I'm just saying I don't want you to know that say that I'm going to come back and and it's a little bit um more than the 2.067 uh cuz it it is going to be a little bit more once you put the raises in the calculation. But but option one includes the insurance with a cap. >> Yes, they all do. >> They all do. >> And if we didn't cap it, it would be this cost plus two 2 million. >> The insurance that we took out with the cap, you would add one uh 1,620 back in if you didn't if you left it at a
087484, what we're doing currently. So on on option four, would that make it uh 3 million6? >> If you add the 1.6 back if you wanted to keep insurance at 484. Now if you wanted to put the insurance back all the way to 521 because that's what it's going up, then you would increase it another 423,000, right? 42. >> Yeah. Just the the difference. I'm sorry. just to try and clarify because I know you were curious about the the cap. Um essentially if if you go up about uh $50 on the cap, so like 350 to 400, um it would be an increase of about $625,000. Um so if you kind of took it to 350 to um all the way up to where we stand now, the 484, that would be about uh close
088to about 1.7 million of an increase in addition to the the amount there. So, just to kind of give you an idea, um it's about 625,000 if we increase every $50 on the cap. >> And I'm sorry it's late, I'm tired, it's been a long day, so forgive me if this is in here somewhere. Do we have the number if we were to not do a pay raise, but but continue to cover the insurance, do we have that number? If if you were going to cover the entire insurance, um that would be and you mentioned it was about 2 million, it's about 1.7. Um that's just covering the insurance all the way up to the 521. >> Okay. And that's not with any additional pay raise. That's >> Yes, ma'am. And that's an approximate number.
089It's it's pretty close to that number. >> Okay. Thank you. So, >> so we only did insurance though. Only half of our our uh staff have the insurance, >> right? Only about 500 and something people have the insurance. >> 547 employees. >> 547 have the insurance. And we would >> have the employee option uh just employee only employee coverage. >> Yes, ma'am. And in the past they've been having to make up the difference anyway. >> No, we payable amount. >> Yeah, we have paid the full. >> We paid full employee. >> Full. >> Okay. And that would be 1 million7. You said >> it's approximately about 1.7 million. Yes, >> ma'am. Miss Kane, >> I have two questions. One is just a reminder. um for retirement purposes, even if we're at net neutral for a
090a teacher pay, for them to have the pay increase is better for retirement than for us to keep the insurance and keep their pay at the same. Okay, that was question one. But that only applies to teachers, correct? >> Everyone. Okay, that's very helpful. And then the second question which maybe you can answer is so we have employee insurance does that mean that with this rising cost our teachers would not be able to use the marketplace are they required to use this insurance because we provide it or do they have other options outside of my spouse has insurance or things like that. So typically because we are an employer and we're offering an affordable health plan, the marketplace wouldn't apply. Any other questions? I agree that it's >> Miss Ku, did you have a >>
091I'm just I'm weighing the fact that we've already had a motion in a second on the on the option four which includes the capped insurance. That's what the motion's on the floor right now. Correct. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And that puts us at 2 million deficit. 2 million67,000 deficit but our next agenda item is that health insurance. So that's we can make that decision separately. >> Okay. All right. Got any other questions? Are we ready for a vote? All in favor of the motion to approve option four, please raise your hand. Opposed. That motion carries 6. The next item is to consider the approval of the 2026 2027 district health insurance contribution. So I just want to clarify cuz I think I just heard I wasn't sure how I heard it. I thought that I
092heard you say that if we kept it at 484, which is what we currently pay, that it would be an additional 1.7. But then I thought I heard you say that if we increased it to 521 which would cover the full increase that then it would be an also 1.7 and that seems not >> No. Right now the option one plan already has the 484 in in there. Um I'm sorry it has 350. I'm sorry. It does. >> Yeah. So I'm saying I want to know what I thought when you said go from 350 to 484 would be an additional 1.7 and I thought also if we went from 3 whatever 350 to 521 it would be 1.7. So I want to know what the actual cost of 484 is and what the actual cost
093of 521 is. >> So 484 which is what we contribute now with the rising costs would add to option 4 that y'all saw an additional 1.7. >> Okay. So then if we increase to 525 521 what would >> an additional 461 to that >> 2.1 >> okay >> thank you for I just I I guess I don't get why this is a separate agenda item. I mean, option four included a $350 cap and contributions. Why Why are we voting on that again? Why is it set up like this? I don't remember doing this before. separate. >> So, our understanding was a lot of these items were requested from the deductible and how many individuals are on each plan. So, that's why it was shared. >> Um, if you choose not to, then it stays the
094350. >> I see. >> So, thank you, President Holly. I just want to chime in here. I know historically there was always just this base budgetary assumption that the full cost of insurance was like baked into that base budget for us, which I appreciated when we had the funds to do that. But I will say that this board or administration never got what I would argue is like the credit for funding it because it was never like an up and down vote, right? It was just this assumption. We would approve the the increase. We would never really kind of discuss it, you know, tangentially. you would say, "Oh, it's, you know, 1.3 million and then we move on, right?" And I appreciate that it being teased out tonight because for a decade now, we have
095said rather than employees taking money home, we've put it towards insurance, at least for those who have chosen, right? And now the unfortunate predicament that I'm in is I decide, right? And I'm giving it up to the employee arguably to decide, do you keep it with insurance or do you take it home? Um, I know that for some that's not a luxury, right? You need the insurance. And I'm still going to try and finagle what this looks like. So, you're not losing money year to year. I haven't done the math yet, but like working on it. Um, but I understand why it's separate now cuz I just can't do both. Like historically, we could. So, >> yeah. I mean, obviously, this is not a position I think any of us desires to be in. We
096would all love to continue to be able to pay the full freight for our employees, but we have very limited options. We are seeing what's happening in districts surrounding us. And I think that um as much as I am loathed to do it, I'm going to stick with the 350 tonight just because I don't want to have to go through what we did last year and have to cut a large percentage of our workforce and consolidate positions. And I think this is the best of bad options. So any other comment or motion? Seeing none, we will move into operations. Thank you. The first item is consideration of possible action to approve building abatement demolition company incorporated and approve a contract not to exceed $650,000 for the asbestos abatement at Irene K. Mendes Elementary School. >>
097Miss Hally, I move that we approve this item as presented by staff. >> Is this I do have questions. >> Is this with in the seconding? >> Sure, I'll second. >> Um for the purposes of discussion. Um, is this within our remaining bond money already budgeted? That is correct. So, as part of the bond budget for each project, we have uh four categories. One being the construction cost, one being the architect cost, one being the miscellaneous cost, and one being the FFN. So, this would fall under miscellaneous. >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Holdley. Is this specifically for asbestous abatement in regards to demolition or does this include demolition as well? It >> it does not include demolition. It's just the asbestous abatement. >> So that will be a separate item that comes to us to
098approve. >> The the demolition is part of the um construction contract that we already that we already negotiated with core construction. Okay. >> They're they're building the they're building the new school. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Questions? All in favor, please raise your hand. opposed. That motion carries 6. Consideration and possible action to determine the construction delivery method providing the best value for the Booby Elementary site work project as part of the 2023 bond supplemental projects and authorize the superintendent to take all action for procedural pursuant to the law and board policy. Oh, procurement. Sorry, it's late. Procurement pursuant to the law and board policy. Um >> can you explain our options here please? >> Yeah. So this is part of the uh 2023 supplemental bond projects that we uh approved at the last special
099board meeting. Uh this is just to approve the construction delivery method with all construction projects. We have to bring it to the board to improve approve the construction delivery method. And we're just because it's we're projecting about 1.5 1.6 6 million to get the work done at Buoie. This is just the um we think the best option is just a competitive seal proposal from various contractors. >> Yes. >> I move that the board approve the use of competitive seal proposal construction delivery method for Booby Elementary School. Second >> motion remain and seconded. Any further questions? All in favor, please raise your hand. That motion carries 6. Next item is finance. consider approval of June 15, 2026 for a public hearing on the tax rate and budget for the 2026 2027 school year. I make the
100motion that we do so. >> Second. >> Any questions? All in favor, please raise your hand. That motion carries 6. Is there a motion under item 14 to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Motion made by Mr. Second by Miss Kane. All in favor, please raise your hand. >> Post. Thanks everybody for all your great school work this year. Finish strong. Have a great week and we'll see you at graduation.