001Just going to announce the mini. All right, good evening everyone. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The time is 5:58. We're going to start the u recognition portion of the meeting. So, we're going to move the tables around so we can start recognizing some of the uh our successful students and some of the uh >> and the uh you know all the out outstanding accomplishments that the students have have obtained. So, if you could just bear with us so we can move everything and we can we can uh we Okay, never mind. We're going to start the meeting then. All right. Good evening board members, Dr. Cruz, district staff. The time is 6:00 on this 22nd day of April 2026. I call this regular board meeting of the United Independent School Board of Trustees to
002order. May the trustees please announce their presence for the record. >> Rudy Gonzalez, present. >> Gilbury present. Michelle Molina is present. >> Javier Mayot present. Let the record show that a quorum of board members is present, that this meeting has been duly called, and that notice of this meeting has been imposted has been posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Uh item number two, pledge of allegiance. Will everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance and and the Texas pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Honor the Texas flag. I aliance to thee, Texas. One state under God, one indivisible. >> Thank you. All right. Agenda item
003number three, recognitions. Now we will be recognizing our students. Thank you. You always go That's good evening members of the board, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience, my name is Rebecca Morales. I'm the associate superintendent for district administration and student services. It is with great pride and excitement that we gather here today to recognize an incredible group of individuals who embody dedication, generosity, and community spirit. These are the parents who have gone above and beyond in contributing their time and energy to our schools and students. At United ISD, we understand and appreciate the critical role that parents play in the success of our district. Their selflessness, commitment, and willingness to collaborate make an immeasurable difference in creating a positive and enriching environment for our students. To honor these efforts, we are thrilled to present our
004MVP honores for April. Present we have from Salvador Garcia Middle School, Miss Karolina Ariyaga. Good evening, board of trustees, superintendent Dr. Cruz and audience member Leticia Leal, fine arts director, I'm sorry, fine arts coordinator for the It's been a nightmare. No, no, I'm kidding. Uh, it is with great honor to present the United High School Larettes. The United High School Lariats dance team are the MA Nationals champions in jazz, contemporary, palm, open, and kick. They are national champion super team ring recipients, second place over team regardless of team size or division. Their principal is Jessica Salasaral and their assistant principal is Andrea Garca and their lariat director is Gina Lara Portillo. The Larads competed at the MA National Competition on March 27th through the 28th in Arlington, Texas. They received the following awards. National Champion
005Jazz Super Division, National Champion Contemporary Superdivision, National Champion Palm Super Division, National Champion Open Super Division, Highest Scoring Public School, National Champion Kick Super Division, highest scoring public school. They also received solo awards with soloist Himemena Salasar, national champion, Christa Rodriguez, second place, Ni Matani, second place, Lyanna Alfaro, third place, and Kylie Garca, solo finalist. Congratulations to the Larett. I love squishies. We have one more MVP. Uh, joining us from Dr. Henry Guer Elementary, Miss Jennifer Moore Gonzalez. go. What do you mean? Next, we have Alexander High School boys soccer. First, we celebrate the Alexander High School boys soccer program. This year, the Bulldogs demonstrated remarkable consistency and dominance on the pitch. The team captured their second outright district championship in school history. This season marks their eighth consecutive playoff appearance, a testament to the
006enduring culture of excellence within the program. Congratulations to the Bulldogs. Head coach Danielle Eosio, principal Rosanna Arisola joined by her administrative staff. Congratulations Bulldogs. Come on. Let's go. Let's go Bulldog. >> Next, we recognize the Alexander girls golf team. Their season was defined by precision and poise, culminating in a stellar performance at the Max Mandel Golf Course. The Lady Bulldogs claimed the top spot in the district, and their victory earned them a well-deserved trip to San Antonio to compete in the regional tournament. Congratulations to our district champions, head coach TJ Lopez, principal Rosanna, Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. Next we have the United South High School individual powerlifting. We are proud to recognize an extraordinary individual performance from United South High School. Joseph Vidal represented the Panthers with incredible strength and determination this season. After
007a rigorous qualifying process, he advanced to the THSPA state competition in Abalene, Texas, competing against the best lifters in the state. His performance was nothing short of elite. He earned fifth place overall in his weight division. Congratulations once again on qualifying for state and for your outstanding performance. Head coach Joseph Martinez, joined by athletic coordinator at United South High School, Charlie Gonzalez, principal Martha Alvarez, and administrative staff. Congratulations. See that's funny. They're about to start. consent to make about July 1. So what for the DC months >> I wish you would have gone up there. They're recording this. Yeah. >> All right. Thank you everyone for those recognitions. Agenda item number four, public comments. >> Yes, Mr. President. Uh we have nine um individuals that sign up for public comments in no particular order. First
008individual, Mr. Wy de Lagarsa and item to be discussed on consolidation. Mr. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the board. Dr. Cruz, I come again before this body to implore that a sound decision is made on behalf of all UIC employees. While so many districts face budgetary issues across the state, we can only address those that affect our community, our children, and the employees whose constant sweat and hard work keep the district running. Many of these workers often go unnoticed for many reasons. Yet, that does not eliminate the hard work that is being made on behalf of all of us, including myself, a UISD taxpayer. The current buzzword across the state is consolidation. While I do agree with consolidation, I think we need to consolidate mid and upper management positions which generate an exorbitant amount
009on the annual budget. Many of these positions can be consolidated and some of these employees holding these pods can best be utilized on campuses where there are needs for teachers and administrators. The cost savings from closing down schools is but a small trickle as students will have to be fed at the receiving school and personnel will be dispersed according to district need. The real savings is clearly at the mid level and upper echelon of the organizational chart. I value the education these employees have undertaken to improve themselves and reach the pinnacle of the district. I am not dismissing their hard work, grit, and long hours, for I too have made the journey to earn two master's degrees and almost complete a doctoral program while working full-time in the public education system. However, the needs of
010the many outweigh the needs of the few, and as such, we have to do what's best for all, not for a few. To quote our founding fathers, a plurbus unum was not a catchphrase for the time. Rather, it's what's made the American system in which public education belongs to work for all of us. With that in mind, I ask that you do consider consolidation for mid and upper management positions which can help drive down a portion of the debt. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, sir. Next uh speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Serio Ramirez on Mataziano school closure. Good afternoon, Dr. Cruz and members of the board. I think that we can all agree on one thing. Something has to be done to help the district start to get back on
011the right financial footing. The issue at hand is what? While some might say that me advocating for the district not to close Matias Deaniano is an emotional decision, one might argue that rushing into a decision without exploring all other cost-saving measures is as if not more of an emotional and rash decision. Besides the cost-saving measures that have already been presented, there are so many more areas that the district could tap into to provide alternatives to the board members on what's the best way to move forward. It's about needs and wants. We need to prioritize the educational needs of our students and minimize all of the extra wants, at least for the meantime. I previously stated that no valid reason has been given for the selection of Matias Deano. It isn't the school with the lowest
012enrollment. It isn't the school with the lowest tenure projected enrollment, and it isn't even the school that in the 5-year plan would save you the most money. I think the board should consider approving and implementing all other proposed cost-saving measures, excluding school closures. Request from district administration additional alternatives that may not have been previously provided. Follow through with those proposed measures that are still in the works, like negotiations for the district's health insurance and potential sale of land. Lastly, in the near future, adopt a fiscally conservative budget for the 2026 2027 school year. At that point, the district would have a better financial picture of how these measures have affected the fund balance and truly do what is best for the taxpayers, the district, and its students. Thank you for your time and consideration. >>
013Thank you. >> For the record, Daniel Martinez is present. >> Next speaker, Mr. President, Miss Daisy Gomez. Consolidation of schools is the agenda item to be discussed. >> Good evening board members and superintendent. I am a parent at Finley Elementary School. I want to ask one simple question. when you make this decision and are you honoring the foundation of this district or walking away from it? Now, I have another question as well. Do you know who the big three are by any chance? I know you can't answer. I want to ask one simple question. I mean, I'm sorry, my bad. Finley Elementary is named after the late Mr. Joe Finley Jr., a founding trustee who served the district for over 30 years. In 1961, he was one of the big three alongside Mrs. Aaro Gutierrez
014and Mr. John Art who led the uh the consolidation of three districts that created United Independent School District. They consolidated districts. They did not consolidate schools. His legacy is not just history. It is the reason the district exists. He championed bilingual education as early as 1964 because he believed every child deserved opportunity. Finley Elementary opened in 1988 reflects that vision. It has been also recognized throughout its years a national blue ribbon school that has served generations of families with strong academic results and the data matters. Enrollment is not declining evenly. Some areas are still growing while many campuses are already near capacity. Closing one school doesn't remove the need. It shifts often increasing class uh sizes and strain elsewhere. So the question is are we solving a problem or just moving it? Closing a neighborhood
015school disrupts students and burdens families with longer commute and loss community connection. This is not just a building. It is a high performing school and part of this district identity. This is not about sentiment. Don't get me wrong. It is about responsibility. You are sitting in seats made possible by leaders like Mr. family, Mrs. Gutierrez and Mr. AR, that's why you're all there. The question is, will you all honor that legacy or turn away from it? Because once a school like Fendley is closed, you don't just close a building, you lose a piece of the district that cannot be rebuilt. I urge you and demand to reconsider closing Philly Elementary alongside all elementary schools. Not this year, not next year, not ever. No school should be consolidated. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, speaker,
016Mr. President. Mr. Derek Garza, consolidation of um is the topic. Hello, my name is Derek Garcel and I am here today to ask you to not close KD. I have a question. Why do we the students have to face for the consequence? Why do we have to face the consequences that for the decisions that you made? The staff are nice and motivational. They help us a lot. They're like a family. I ask you please do not close KZ. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you sir. >> We have Maria Del Carmen Gara consolidation kapata. My name is Marielman. Kennedy. Finch. consequences. Correspondent. Kennedy. for the Next speaker, Mr. President, Miss Jessica Lopez on uh schools. My name is Jessica Kennedy. forend. Kennedy. Middle school. high school. See you. Thank you. Thanks speaker. Mr. President,
017Miss Edna Orda and its discussion of retirement of schools. Sorry. >> Good evening. Eda, for the record, >> today you will probably be making one of the most important decisions that could affect the lives of some of your students or our students. Students you swore you would protect and advocate for. It would also affect the parents who entrusted their children to you and perhaps voted for you so you could bring positive changes to the district. Yet today, some of you will disappoint them by voting to shut schools down. Some of you will even consider taking money not from the highest paid employees, but from the ones who are already struggling financially and those who service and interact with students and parents on a daily basis. You're taking away stipens, contract days, wellness days, and considering
018lowering the district's insurance contribution or not contributing at all, placing a heavier financial burden on teachers and staff. Miss Olivos, I'm sorry she's not here, but you stated you have acquired a thick skin and don't have an issue making hard decisions. And that's good because you're going to need it because I have plenty to say but don't have the time right now. But if you do so then do what's in the best interest of the students which is cutting at the top until all of you figure out what you are going to do. You also stated don't make a decision based off your feelings. I'd rather make my decision by feelings than making a decision blindly because you all are making your decisions blindly because it appears you all are blind to the elephant in
019the room which is payroll. Payroll which is about 83% of the budget. So, let's take the elephant out of the room and cut these $90,000 and 100,000 plus salaries and let's end this circus. This is the future because as Miss Molina also said, we have luxury campus, but what you neglected to say is we have luxury salaries. And if things continue as they are, the district will not be able to pay those luxurious salaries. You also stated, "We speak emotionally. How could we not? If you all are hurting our most vulnerable and claiming they are resilient, our students, but you neglect to say so are the adults. You are also hurting the teachers and staff who have already sacrificed for the district enough. When the pandemic hit, you asked them be patient and you froze
020their salaries for 3 years. You overworked them and underpaid them. They lacked training during that time. Yet they pulled through for our district. But most of all, our students. Students who focus who for us, sorry, aren't just a number like for you all, a $6,000 number. They become our kids and we develop a bond you will never experience. So yes, do we get emotional? That's right. And if you care, so would you think about your decision today and think carefully because United ISD will not will soon not be the place you want to be. Thank you. >> Next speaker, Mr. President, Miss Erica Rendon, and discussion of school retirements. For the record, Mr. Oliveros is now present. >> Good evening, everyone. Uh, for the record, my name is Eric Aron. Um, I am here, but
021I'm going to read this on behalf of one of my colleagues that was not able to be here. Members of the board, tonight we are being asked to accept school closures as though it is the only option available. Yet, we are lacking sacrificial leadership with a readiness to endure personal hardship and relinquish personal advantages such as salary to foster a sustainable high trust environment. For years, I and other advocates have raised concerns about wasteful spending and mismanagement of funds. We warned you that if administrative growth continued unchecked, if high level positions kept being created, if promotions and titles kept expanding while enrollment and budgets did not, we would eventually face this exact situation. Those concerns were dismissed then and today. We are all being asked to pay the price for lack of action. There are
022still serious questions about whether the district has done enough to reduce cost at the top. How many administrative roles are absolutely necessary? How many could be consolidated, restructured, or eliminated? How many how much money could be saved if leadership shared in the sacrifice? The message being sent right now is that the district is more willing to close schools than it is willing to confront the unnecessary administrative growth at the top. Hiding behind an A rating does not excuse financial mismanagement or a failure to plan ahead. Likewise, saying other districts are doing it too is not leadership. We should not be measuring ourselves against districts that are also struggling, closing schools or facing deficits. True leadership means being proactive, making difficult decisions early and showing other districts that we are willing to do everything possible to
023protect our schools before putting students and families on the chopping block. The community is also still waiting to hear a real plan for recruiting and retaining enrollment. What is the district doing to make sure families choose us over any other option? What is the plan to bring families back and keep them here? Because closing schools without addressing enrollment only treats the symptom, not the problem. So, please do not ask our students and neighborhoods to pay the price for decisions they did not make. Thank you. >> Thank you, Last Speaker. Mr. President, Mr. Filipe J. Rodriguez II and it's on discussion of consultation with legal counsel regarding termination of probationary contract classroom teacher at the conclusion of the 2526 school year. Good afternoon. Uh Philip Rodriguez, English teacher at John B. Alexander High School. So today,
024the board will performatively vote to close down schools and alter the material conditions of hundreds of people, including myself because they will be voting to terminate my contract. For the past several weeks, I've witnessed children, parents, community members beg for a reprief, and their pleas have fallen on deaf ears as the board continually shifted blame or engaged in tactics of deflection. Now, when the line item was presented to the board, they were probably briefed on the reasons for the recommendation. They were probably told that those reasons have largely to do with non-compliance. But what they weren't told was that the reason for that recommendation also stemmed from uh I'm sorry, what they weren't told were my repeated attempts to communicate and attempt to reach compromise with my campus administration. So I won't stand here and
025list all of the uh instances right but I can tell you that a lot of it stemmed from pedagogical differences. Now a lot of these differences were about ways to enhance and deliver the curriculum. Um all I did was supplement the curriculum as plenty of other teachers do. I am grateful to my colleagues and other professionals who were able to offer guidance during those contentious times. I want them to know that I have the utmost respect and appreciation for them. Um, now I was willing to look past harassment from school resource officers. I was willing to look past uh being asked to withdraw grievances. I was even willing to look past lame attempts to defame me by placing me on administrative leave as retaliation for refusal to resign. Because by the way, the specifics of
026that fiasco, if I were to disclose the details, calls for resignation would ensue, but I'm not interested in costing people their jobs, unlike you. Um, so um I my only interest is to enhance the education I offer uh to further what's really everyone's interest, right? Giving our children a better chance at a future. And so I wanted to teach students the value of literature from a different perspective um than they're used to. But now the lesson has become one of seeing what happens when you go against the grain. So I persisted against these hostilities because I wanted to show my students that not every adult is a coward. That some of us are willing to put aside our own needs in the name of higher pursuits. So I'll leave you with this. I want to
027keep teaching and strive to do it well. And of my vindication, only time can tell. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Agenda item number five, superintendent report,formational items. >> Yes. So, good evening, uh, board of trustees and members of the audience. As we celebrate the hard work of students and staff, especially with star assessments underway and the end of the school year quickly approaching, we must also confront the financial reality shaping our district's future. A combination of declining enrollment, stagnant state funding has created a crucial imbalance that requires a decisive insist uh decision. A formal recommendation is before us this evening. We understand that schools are part of their neighborhoods and the possibility of closing a campus is deeply emotional. However, maintaining underutilized facilities is no longer sustainable if we are to remain fiscally responsible.
028Consolidation is only one part of a broader strategic financial plan. We have already implemented several cost-saving measures designed to reduce expenditures. These include offering early exit incentives to employees, reducing operational expenses, and freezing hiring for non-essential positions. These decisions are difficult, especially during a time when students or teachers are working tire t tire t tire t tire t tire t tire t tire t tire t tire t tire t tirelessly to prepare for star testing and of course the close of the academic school year. Yet they are necessary. Addressing these financial challenges is not simply about balancing numbers. It's about safeguarding the long-term stability of our district. Despite the obstacles UISD will pull through. Our history is defined by resilience, community strength, and an unwavering commitment to students. By confronting these challenges now, we ensure
029that United ISD continues to provide a safe, supportive, and academically strong environment for generations to come. Together, we will come overcome this moment and emerge stronger, more efficient, and better prepared to serve every student who walks through our doors. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Agenda number six, consent agenda. Is there a motion? >> I do have a quick clarification on DEC local. Uh, Mr. Canales uh and I spoke there does need to be a slight change in the language. Um he's going to explain uh the reason for that. >> Uh good evening m board members. Just so you know we did cover this at our board workshop but we do have about a handful about two or three uh retirees that will not qualify if if we enact it today. So, what we're going
030to ask is we approve it today with the idea of it will begin July 1st of 2026. So, we can capture those two to three people that just recently submitted their their retirement. Okay. >> Um, and is this for the exit incentive? >> This is for the the accumulation where they can buy back their days. >> Okay. And so we want to make sure that that we don't penalize them for this for this uh this new policy >> because there there is a few months left in the current employment year. So uh we did discuss that how there probably should be a carveout for for that but we'll we'll make those revisions in consultation with him and it'll still be first and final reading. >> Okay. And just to clarify this is um different from
031the exit incentive. Correct. Perfect. >> This is the benefit that we've had for you for years. >> Congratulations. So, is there a motion to approve the consent agenda item from the ones who were present? Motion. >> Mr. President, I'd like to pull monthly dispersements and um which is A and C for individual discussion if >> I'll second it so we can have discussion. >> There's a motion and second for discussion. >> Yes. Thank you. Um for the monthly dispersements, I did send an email um earlier today. Miss Cabayo, I'm not sure if you were able to >> Yes, we were. For the record, Rosa Cabo, director of accounting. And we do have um the backup. Well, not the backup, but a description of what the >> Okay. Um yes, there was one there was one
032for communications for BH Photo I guess electric DNP 4x6. >> Yes, for BH photo, we do have a paper for photos for districtwide events to print out the pictures. >> Okay, it's to print out the pictures at machine. Okay. And then I did also see another one load business ESM LBB2 and Larredo Morning Times um ads for I'm assuming assistant principles. >> That's the it's called it's Loading and that is our provider uh for maintenance and for the supplies like to make banners and posters and things like that. >> Okay. And um the other one was an ad for $900 and that was for >> that is for the law enforcement uh week. I believe it's the week in January and board recognition. >> And board recognition. Okay. And then there's another one for entertainment
033for 10,250. >> Yes. So for the record, that one is for the League of Legends. I I had shared a memo with you all prior to the the event and uh we actually collected $18,000 over $18,000 in revenue for that event. So none of it came out of the district's general fund. >> Perfect. It was all from donations, right? Just wanted to make sure that it was on the record. >> More than actually we had so many left over, but we can only use it for that event. So we will see about future events next year. >> Perfect. Thank you. And then um I know for uh legal fees um there was also uh for one legal firm 986 and for another $84,000 um this was for the month of February or is it broken
034down um like several months or >> you know this is this is a legal legal fees for real estate for Ba Marine. It should be for the month of uh February I believe that we paid in March. >> February. Okay. And for the other one is also just for February. >> Legal. Yes. Legal council. Is there fees or monthly fees? >> Okay. The monthly fee. Okay. $84,000. Okay. Thank you. Those were all the questions that I had for that. And I know for um I'm not sure if anybody else has any more questions. >> Um I know for letter C, just wanted to make sure um that it's for the record. Um, I was reading the I lost it. I was reading the um the resolution. This is just basically for us to be um
035what's the word? I guess we're not going to be providing the seat belts because of our financial hardship. Correct. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. But we do have some buses with seat belts. >> The newer buses. Excuse me. Uh for the record, my name is Mike Gara, associate superintendent. Members of the board, um, any new buses that are purchased are required to have seat belts. So, any of our new buses do have seat belts. >> Okay, perfect. And then will we uh be applying for grants or are there grants available to >> I I suspect that the reason that they're gathering this data is to hopefully, you know, we're talking about the state that they would provide funding for this in the future >> for that. >> That is that is our hope and our
036wish. >> Yeah. And but this doesn't jeopardize us in any way. Correct. If we apply for this hardship, >> I mean, this is a resolution that they've allowed for every school district. We're not in we're not the only ones. Every school district in the state of Texas under this situation. A bus runs about 150,000 each and so uh you know the cost to purchase a new bus is prohibitive and so in lie of that they allow you to do this resolution. >> Perfect. Yes. Thank you. >> Yes ma'am. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. Item number seven, discussion possible action regarding the retirement of Matias Elementary and corresponding boundary adjud adjustments for Borchers Elementary, Colonel Santos Elementary, Malikoff Elementary, Troman
037Elementary as recommended by district's administration. Is there a motion to to approve the superintendent's recommendation as presented? >> I'd like to have discussion if we may, Mr. >> Let's get a motion in the second. We can have discussion. Is there a motion to >> I'll motion for purpose of discussion? >> I'll second. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion? Ma'am. >> Um, yes. So, for the retirement of Matiasano, I know in the first presentation that we were given, it was stated that Matiasano would incur an approximate savings of 1.9 million, which would be almost 2 million in payroll uh payroll savings and benefits. But in this last weekly update, the board was provided with information that shows that only one position is retiring from Matiaso. Correct. >> So the question is >> there is
038only one person who submitted their resignation from Matias. >> I'm not HR but I let me get >> Yes, that's correct. that was discussed at the board workshop and what I what I explained was that the payroll savings is uh through attrition. It's reduction of force through attrition. So as we consolidate a campus in this case matasaniano we have uh other campuses that will absorb some of those uh teachers and those those teachers who are not vacancies uh will will be transferred to to other other positions. >> So instead of hiring uh we are transferring the position therefore that FT or that position is taken off the budget. Okay. So again, Matiaso only has one person retiring. So we're really not reducing payroll. We're basically just shifting it to another. I know the explanation that
039was given in the past was that we're going to basically wipe out Matiaso's budget, right? Move the employees to the other campus so they become part of their payroll. But then wouldn't the most logical thing because to me you're displacing a whole campus, a whole community for just one person, right? That one person that's retiring. So wouldn't it be easier if you would just eliminate the positions um of those that have already submitted their retirement. The plan is to um staff per our staffing guidelines all let's say all our elementaryaries. So if a principal is needed and vacated at another elementary, a principal can be moved there. Same thing with teachers, you know, doing our ratios at 22 to1. And so I don't know the question about the one person retiring that one because uh
040the person was at the yes that position would get uh eliminated from the budget >> completely eliminated from the budget. And then all the other staff uh human resources is finding positions. Remember we asked them uh to prioritize which schools they would like to go to. And so they're going through that exercise to uh reassign them to those campuses that will have vacancies as a result as a result of resignations of this exit incentive that we had of just the regular retirements that come up during the year. So we do have vacancies to move uh the the DEAO staff over to these vacancies. >> Yeah. And also in the report but again you're just reassigning and in that report that we were given there's three employees who are left in limbo. So another question that
041I did have which I did ask Dr. Cruz earlier today is that there was Ampara Gutierrez that had all the check marks, right? All the positions would be filled, but Matias Zano, those three employees were left um in a limbo with no position to be vacated. >> So, Miss Matas, keep in mind that we're only in April and so people retire every day. So, I'll give or resign every day. I'll give you an example. Today, we did get another resignation coming from one of our schools. did not didn't even apply for the incentive but could have but didn't. So normally by the time we get done we have resignations for retirements that will come between now and August. So we feel very confident that we'll be able to fill those positions and if we don't
042we'll find positions for them where they can help us with. >> Yeah. But then that you see I can't work on that and I've said it time and time again because these are livelihoods of three individuals. >> They're not losing their position. They're not losing their pay. So the livelihood will still be there, ma'am. >> Which I understand. >> I understand your position. The thing is that we need to make a decision today, ma'am. And so the it's still early in the game as far as the number of positions that will be vacated because we're only April 22nd now. >> And we still have May, June, July, and August. That's four more months that people will always leave us and retire or resign. >> Yeah. But we don't know. We don't know yet. So I
043for the record attrition right attrition only works when positions are permanently eliminated not recycled right so you're basically again you're moving all of these positions from matias and you're moving them to somebody else's budget so that payroll still stands now I do know like you said >> I don't want to interrupt with Dr. Grin the the question before the board is the retirement of Matias Deaniano the attrition the reassignment those those that discussion is not before the board today and I again I hold all due respect to I know you were going to interrupt as well Dr. So the question is the retirement of Matias Deaniano. Do we have a vote on Matiasano today? There's a motion in the second on the closure or the consolidation or the retirement, however you want to term it.
044That's the question before. >> Well, yes, but this is part of it. If we're planning or we're voting on retiring the talking about plan, we're not talking about if the vote is to retire, we I have to have that justification as to if I'm going to vote yes or if I'm going to vote no. So, I should be allowed legal. Am I able to ask these questions? >> I think it's I think it's it's correlated enough in my legal opinion that you can ask those questions. I think Dr. Cruz did have something that that he wanted to add, you know, briefly. >> What what happens in this case in attrition um the individuals who are being moved in this case, Diana will fill vacancies and any other positions that we cannot fill to the accepting
045schools will get moved to other current positions that are vacant. So in other words, instead of hiring and adding additional position, we're taking away and at the end the anno FTEES will be eliminated from the budget. So rather than hiring that, we are moving staff to current vacancies where we don't have to hire. There is the savings where we're not hiring. We're not adding additional FTEEs. And you're right, right now it it is, you know, there there's one nurse, there's there's other clerical staff that do not have a position yet. And I do have to commend HR. I mean, they've done this exercise. Um there's there's one particular school the next school Gutas which is totally clean. There's positions for everybody. It just so happens in the there wasn't a fit. But in my experience
046as a campus principal and I did HR on the other school district and even now there there are positions even today there's current positions right now people who are resigning or retiring and probably well into the budget cycle when we continue into August there are going to be even more positions. So I'm confident that these three positions, these three individuals will will have a position uh when we begin the school year. >> Yeah. But I mean just in my opinion like I can't work on that confidence and on that vote because again I've said it hope is not a strategy and maybe if I would have seen that those people that the individuals would have and I can understand your approach but again it's only one individual resigning from that campus. I would understand if
047it was more than five 10 people resigning. I would understand. I could see that logical approach. But, you know, again, um the savings to me is is just it's not there. So, I'm going to ask, you know, my fellow board members to really um consider that when making your vote tonight. >> Thank you. >> Can I add a quick comment, Mr. President? >> Yes, sir. So, I'm not sure if you understand, Miss Martinez, but closing down Matiasano, the information we've been provided by by administrators, I'm seeing that 36 positions that will get moved to vacant positions throughout the district. Those 36 positions will not um equal new hireies. So, those those are the savings. Those 36 positions and number that we have there is approximately $1.8 $8 million that we're not adding new positions. So,
048yeah, >> that's a savings. I understand there's only one resignation that's indicated so far. >> That's from the immediate uh individuals there, but once we move the people around, it constitutes 36 positions that won't be added. Those are the savings. >> Yeah. And I can completely see that and I've I've thought about that approach, too. But I mean, we were not presented with the approach of also what would it look like if we just completely eliminated those 30 positions that are being filled with like what would that savings be like? What would that look like? We were not given that information. I understand that approach. I completely understand it. I I know. I've seen the past board meeting time and time and over again. But again, why not then just completely eliminate those 36 positions
049from the budget instead of moving everybody from Atazayano to other campuses? Why not do that work? That's what I'm asking. >> If you would if you were to move those 36 positions, then we still have vacancies in those schools that we still need to put a teacher in there. >> Yeah. But I mean, if we're if we're over Right. If we're over staffed, right? We're overstaffed because our projections have been off. Then why not just work from within the district? We have a lot of people that are very competent that have teacher certifications. I've received countless calls from employees that there are so many people who are certified as teachers to come back to the campus. So why not then if we are looking into address the payroll monster, right? Why not then just out
050of those I believe it's 233 employees who have um already submitted their exit 233 out of those 233 117 are teachers. Okay, let's just say in a real world out of those 117 we have to hire 50 50 back, right? Because we have to. Why not work there instead of consolidating campuses? That's what I'm trying to say. And we are doing that now. >> Well, actually it's a combination. >> Yes, >> it's a combination of a reduction. It's an automatic reduction in force. Attrition is a reduction in force. >> It's absorbing and and then also not filling those other positions back. >> Well, yeah, but I mean if you're seeing that in your 20 23 confirmed retirements, right, and again I'm just trying to understand this to justify the vote for Matias. If you have
051and for if you have 233 confirmed retirements, if you do the math, and I had to do the math because I was just provided with the list of salaries, that represents an estimated of 18 to$19 million. Okay? And that's with your French benefits. That's what I got. That's just in total payroll cost, right? Including the benefits, those $233. That in it in itself is a significant and builtin opportunity to again reconsider school closures and really look into our payroll to reduce that expense because the utilization the utility cost of the campuses with contracted services that's only 250,000 for Matia then we still have to keep it running and so again for the record right because attrition keeps keeps being mentioned. Those savings only exist again if positions are actually eliminated. Actually eliminate it. You they
052retire, that's it. Eliminate them from the from from the budget. Not close a school. Eliminate from the school because there you're hitting the kids. I don't know if I'm trying if I'm >> so so um some of the positions of people who are retiring we do follow our staffing guidelines for every uh level and so some of those teaching positions would have to be filled because there is a teacher needed at another campus to meet the 22 to1 or even a secondary teacher that we need a science you know whatever type of teacher we do need and that's why we can't just grab all those teaching positions and say, "Okay, these are the 30 we're going to eliminate." Because they may be needed for some specialized courses, for some some grade levels at other campuses
053that are seeing the need to um have another teacher or replace the teacher that's leaving. >> Yeah. Which is what I'm saying. Out of those 233, there'sund 11 and 17 that are teachers. And let's just say out of those 117, you're going to need about 50 back, right? And if you do the math, that's still a significant savings in that in the payroll. So if you go back to the retirement of Matias, that's only a 2 million saving. If you go to Aaro, that's also a 2 million. If we just really look into payroll and just really start diving into that, we don't need to close these campuses. not this year. That's what I'm trying to say because the big monster is in payroll. That's where it is. And that's all I'll face. >> Okay.
054So, I have a motion and a second. >> All those in favor of that agenda item signify by saying I. >> I. >> All right. Motion passes. Agenda item B. discussion and possible action regarding the retirement of Abaro Gutieras Elementary and corresponding boundary adjustments for Clark Elementary, Newman Elementary, NY Elementary as recommended by the district's administration. Mr. Superintendent, you have a recommendation, sir? >> Yes. recommendation is to retire on paro Gutierrez uh for the same reasons uh declining enrollment and our analysis indicates a cost savings of approximately $2 million uh cost savings through through attrition and um and ensuring that we have u good stability moving forward and ensuring that we are good stewards and finances uh ensuring that we have sound deficit in the coming years. So this is a I do also want
055to want to mention that you know this consolidation is a package including other additional cost-saving measures that that we're going to be presenting and I do have a presentation that I will be sharing with you and and the public uh to inform them of the other measures that we're doing and other ideas that we we have in mind for this coming school year. So at this time it is a strong recommendation to retire uh Gutieras Elementary School. >> Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion for discussion. Motion. I need a second. >> Second. >> Motion and a second. >> Discussion. >> I just want to say that this is, you know, my my heart is in Ambalutz. I was a parent there for over 12 years and um, you know, it's it's a difficult
056decision to make and it hasn't been made solely by this board. It's been based off of the guidance given to us by many facets including the public's input. Um I just have one last question which is you know have we studied the development of the apartments that are going up by embassy suite. There's a large community that's going currently being constructed. >> Yes we have and the Zonda report indicates a very low yield in the coming years. the number of school >> we get like that student yield factor from our um our demographer and usually you have to wait till you know it it hits right like we had the housing down the street also >> yeah I expected a lot from there as well >> yes >> and and it didn't come to >>
057it's not going to bring in that many students >> yeah and then I know there's construction right across from the hospital on the corner of Gaia the northern Springfield um I I I think it is going to be a gas station, but somebody called me and said, "No, it's going to be a high-rise and there's going to be all these residents here." I mean, I don't know if anybody's looked into that. >> We can research the permit situation, but we looked at permits and we didn't see anything. Yes. Yeah. >> I think we had provided permits and subdivisions to to the board >> in different areas. This is my my 12th year on the board and I have to say for the record this is the most difficult decision. My I have my stomach I'm
058I'm I'm shaking. This is a very hard decision for me. >> Mr. You have discussion difficult. >> All right. Is there a motion? There's a motion and a second. All those in favor for retirement of Aaro Gutieras Elementary and corresponding boundary adjust adjustments as listed in the agenda signify by saying I. I >> I >> motion carries. Motion passes. Agenda item C. Discussion possible action regarding implementation exploration of additional campus and administrative building closures, consolidations beyond the 2627 school year, boundary changes, future cost-saving measures in in addition to or as an alternative to school closures and consolidations, and a superintendent report by May 26 regarding future staffing, payroll projections, and full campus cons comparisons, utilizations. Yes, I do have a presentation if I can have you know um our control. >> Yes. >> You know
059what? >> Yes. >> You know what, Dr. C, before we get there, um >> take a break. >> Yeah. I'm going to call for a about a 10-minute recess so everybody can gather themselves. Time is 7:05. We'll be back at 7:15. One more. >> Yeah. with the level tanks starting. >> Did you confuse >> you attached to your presentation to the >> email? It's not here. >> No, it's in the >> Okay, the time is 7:16. We're back in open session. Uh, agenda item number C, the presentation. Uh, as I had already read it out. U, Dr. Cruz, uh, I I looked at your presentation, sir. Uh, currently, uh, I know you've worked hard on it. I've got some questions on it. I wanted to see if if you'd mind if if I make a
060motion to table this item for the May workshop only because I've got some questions on it and uh >> workshop >> and I'd like to discuss it in the workshop instead of keeping everybody here all night. >> That's fine. >> So I'm making a motion to table item C. >> Motion in a second. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. Motion passes. D. Approval of donations. Yes, we have a donation by Robert Deharina and Susette Dearina in the amount of 5,000 to go towards student scholarships. A donation by Gene Hos Foundation in the amount of 2,000 to go towards JB Alexander robotics team. A donation by the Borches Elementary Booster Club in the amount of 1,9971 cents to go towards Borchers Elementary School fifth grade class end of year dance and
061student incentives. a donation by the United High School volleyball booster club in the amount of 1,000 to go towards Step Academy ropes course. We also had eight donations under 1,000 for a total of $12,63124. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Motion passes. Approval of board minutes for December 2025 and January 2026. I make the motion to approve. >> Second. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. Request from board members in reference to the use of discretionary funds for various campuses and departments. >> Mr. Montto, members of the board, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience, uh in addition to your packet of information that we had already presented at the workshop, there
062was just one uh change that uh was added that should have been added that we we failed to add, which is um a discretionary request from uh Mr. Rudy Gonzalez for Freedom, Bonnie Garcia, Zafirini, Guyette, and Reese Elementary. We needed to add Kellum Elementary to that list. And instead of $5,000, $1,000 each, we're going up to $6,000, $1,000 each. That's the only change. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion to second. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion passes. Agenda item eight, close session. Time is 719, according to Texas Government Code 551. The board will discuss items 8A 8D. No action will be taken in close session. Yes. Okay, open session. The board has reconvened from close session. We are now in open session. The time is 8:02 for the
063record. No action was taken in close session. Agenda 9A, possible action regarding the revision of board policy BDB local. >> Uh yes, Mr. President, the recommendation there is to uh revise board policy BDB local as discussed in close session and this is relating to uh board subcommittees. >> Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion passes. Possible action regarding revisions to board policy BC local. >> Yes. The recommendation on that item uh Mr. President is to table that item. Motion to table. >> Second. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion passes. Possible action with respect to the sale of the two USD tracks of real property totaling 165 acres of land wrapping the
064northwest corner of Lastiendas Road and Franchito Penita's road. 2.5 2.5 north 2.5 miles north of Mines Road. 7.5 miles northwest of Loop 20 as described in the deed filed of record in volume 3121 page 93 and volume deed filed in volume 3121 page 174 of the official records of web county. >> Yes, Mr. President, the recommendation on that item is as uh with respect to that sale is to approve uh the surface use agreement as discussed in close session. >> So move second. >> Motion to second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion carries. Possible action regarding internal auditor's annual evaluation modification of employment contract. >> Yes. Uh Mr. President, uh the recommendation on that item is to approve the internal auditor's annual evaluation and modification of employment
065contract as discussed in close session. >> So move second. >> Second. >> Any further discussion. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion carries. 9E. Possible action regarding the termination probationary contract of classroom teacher at the conclusion of 2025 2026 school year and authorized superintendent to send notice of the same to affected employee. >> Yes. I recommend that the board take action to terminate classroom teacher Filipe Rodriguez probationary contract of employment in the best interest of the district conclusion of the 202526 school year and to authorize me to send notice of the same to the affected employee Filipe Rodriguez. >> Motion and a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Motion carries. Discussion regarding the intruder detection audit report. >> Yes. Uh Mr. Moto,
066members of the board, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience, the Texas Education Agency, Office of School Safety and Security in coordination with regional education service center, recently conducted an intruder audit detection at one or more of our district campuses. The IDA tests whether a campus is accessible to an unauthorized individual. The IDA seeks to help school districts identify how campuses can improve safety for students and provide the district an opportunity to create a ser a safer learning environment for students and staff members. Pursuant to CSA legal, any document or information collected, identified, developed, or produced relating to a safety or security requirement is confidential under government code 418.177 and 418.181 Texas disaster act. Specific details will be discussed at the board of trustees exe executive sessions. >> Motion. >> No, no motions needed on that
067item just for information. >> Thank you. Uh, next is a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. All in favor? >> I