001A lot of people Yeah. Oh, thanks. How many do we have? Two. Okay. Thanks. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's right. Hopefully Good evening. Good evening everyone. Good evening members of the community, board members, Dr. Cruz, district staff. The time is 6:00. This is the 21st day of May, 2025. And I call this regular meeting of the United Independent School District Board of Trustees to order. May the trustees present please announce themselves for the record. Rudy Gonzalez Jr. present. Ramito the third present. Alisa Olivia present. Javier Montayor present. Let the record show that a quorum of board members is present. That this meeting has been duly called and that the notice of this meeting has been posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Agenda item number two, pledge of allegiance. Texas flag pledge. Will
002everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee Texas. One state under God, one and indivisible. Okay. Thank you. So, ladies and gentlemen, this is a portion of the meeting where we're going to uh conduct our recognitions. We have a lot of recognitions this evening as you can see from the crowd that's present. So, we ask for your patience while we recognize all the deserving members of our of our of our district team. Thank you. And we'll be right back. Good evening, board members, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience. My name is Rebecca Morales, associate superintendent for district administration and student services.
003We gather today to celebrate an extraordinary group of parents whose dedication, generosity, and community spirit greatly enhance our schools. At United ISD, we recognize the vital role that our parents play in our district's success. Their commitment and collaboration create a positive environment for our students. So this evening we are going to continue with our most valuable parent uh program MVP program highlighting our exceptional parent volunteers for the month of May. Beginning with Conpion Espinosa from Finley Elementary, Kimberly Dea Cruz from Zapirini Elementary. [Applause] Brenda Fas Gutierrez [Applause] Elementary. Leticia Gomez from our family matters resource center with federal programs. Olga Garca Montayor also from our family matters resource center. Israel Nunes, Kaisen Elementary. Stephanie Nunees, Kazin Elementary. Jennifer Antiviveros, United South Middle, and Melissa Vadrial, United South Middle. [Applause] Congratulations once again to all our
004honores and thank you for your unwavering support of our schools and our UID community. [Applause] Good afternoon everyone. Guests, I'm Laara de los Santos, executive director of special education and at this time we'd like to welcome to the stage a very important community member, Mr. Joe Baron from Kasakarinho. Mr. Von, in appreciation of your vision, your generous heart, and forward thinking in bringing to life the Rocking the Spectrum Music Festival, this celebration was one of unity, inclusion, and autism awareness. Your leadership and creativity sparked a movement, sir, and brought our community ga together and gave our students a voice. Mr. Von, thank you so much. Gracias. ready. Good evening board members, members of the audience, and fellow United ISD co-workers. I'm Ofel Dominguez, director of the risk management department. This is the second annual recognition
005to the district's hardworking bus drivers. On behalf of the sponsorship by the district's insurance provider, Property and Casualty Alliance of Texas, PCAT, and the broker Chase Carile from Acure, we present the bus driver of the year program. Along with the United ISD students, administration, and the risk management staff, we extend and express our gratitude for your dedication and service. All bus drivers deserve recognition. This evening, we are proud to present a distinguished selected bus driver for each district compound. The selected drivers must adhere to the following criteria. Present a clear driving record, good job attendance, and show pride and unethical behavior in their workday duties. Keep in mind the bus drivers are the first friendly and welcoming face that our United ISD students see. They are ready to take on the responsibility of safely transporting
006United ISD students to and from school and special events showing patience and compassion for all. We are proud to recognize this school year 2024 2025 bus driver of the year. Mrs. Claudia Suarez, North Compound, Mr. Danny Dravinho, operations [Applause] administrator. Mr. Mauricio Akuna, East Compound. Mr. Francisco Raner, operations administrator. Mr. Francisco Menddees, South Compound. Mr. David Ernnandez, operations administrator. Thank you to the operation administrators and all transportation department staff for all your hard work. United much. Gracias. [Applause] We are pleased to recognize the fiscal operations department for having been recognized by The Association of School Business Officials International, ASBO, being awarded the meritorious budget award. ASBO provides programs, resources, services, and global networking to school business professionals who are passionate about quality education. This award reflects the district's commitment to sound fiscal management and budgetary
007policies. Some of the following individuals that are present with us this evening are Mr. Samuel Flores, assistant superintendent for business and finance, Felipe Himenez, our fiscal operations administrator, Norberto Martinez, our budget manager, Serio Morales, budget accountant, Danna Pñena, junior accountant, and Stephanie Torres, junior accountant. Congratulations again to our fiscal operations department. Tonight, we are also proud to recognize an exemptional United High School 9th grade student who has recently earned the prestigious title in the Miss Teen Texas Lonear Pageant in Edinburg, Texas. Desiree Rualkkava was named All-American Miss Teen Texas Lonear in the 2025 pageant. Desiree, your UISD family is incredibly proud of you. Your hard work, dedication, and community service embodies the values we strive to instill in all of our students. Congratulations on your achievements. [Applause] Good evening board of trustees, superintendent, and audience
008members. On behalf of the fine arts department, it is our privilege to introduce some of our most talented students. Today, we have the Kllum cheer team. [Applause] They are the cheer world nationals national champions. Their principal is Rapito Paliso Jr. and their cheer sponsors are Sullema Salasar and Jeannie Gera. On April this year, they received the Cheer World's Nationals National Champions Award in San Antonio, Texas. Congratulations to the Cowboys cheer team. [Applause] [Music] Next we have the Colonel Santos Benavides Danceretses. They are the MCDA Nationals Champions. Their principal is Dr. Adriana Vela and their dance sponsor is Edith Gulennena with coach Da Brenes helping them. MCDA nationals at SeaWorld San Antonio, Texas were held on April the 26th. The dancer ends are MCDA champions in hip hop kick and palm. Champion in solo is Ivana
009Saias and champion duet Karolina Torres and Ivana Saias. Congratulations to the dancer. [Applause] Coming up, we have the Alias Eera Middle School Soaring Sapphires Dance Team. [Applause] [Music] They are under the direction of Mrs. Selena A. Sanchez. Their principal is Mr. Carlos Martinez. They are the MA Nationals competition award winners. First place in jazz, open, kick, and palm. Also, national champion, best in class, national champion winner circle dance team, and overall national champions junior high middle school division. Congratulations to the Soaring Sapphires. [Applause] Okay. Good afternoon, Dr. Cruz, board members, and members of the audience. For the record, my name is Laya Ben Avidas. I'm the chief financial officer for United ISD. In recognition of an outstanding achievement, the superintendent's office, the department of attendance, and campus administration commend the following United Independent School District
010students for their unbroken record of perfect attendance from first grade through 12th grade. Right. [Applause] This accomplishment represents more than just being present. It represents dedication, perseverance, and a true love of learning. Congratulations to these exceptional graduates and their parents. Your consistent presence has made a difference. From John B. Alexander High School, the never been absent allstars are Onesimo G. [Applause] Benides and Valeria Eileene Ivada principal Rosanna [Applause] Risola from United High School. Never been absent allstars. Lao Luis Arc III, Ian Ian Mitchell Batric, Zeana Charisma Lee Gonzalez, Reina Ray Rodriguez, Principal Jessica Salasad, and from United South High School, Never Been Absent Allstars, Manuel Jorge Benavid III, Miguel Miguel Alejandro Garcia Jr. and Juan Eduardo Osorio Jr., Principal Martha Alvarez. Congratulations to all these outstanding graduates from United Independent School District. We wish you
011the best in your next level of going of leaving our our doors. So continue your perfect attendance wherever you go. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening. Members of the board and members of the audience, my name is Melissa Cruz, executive director for secondary education. It gives me great pleasure to recognize the following outstanding career and technical education students who participated in this year's competition season. Students from all four high schools being recognized today either qualified for state, placed at state, or advanced to nationals in their respective organizations. Beginning with state qualifiers from Alexander High School, we have students from their taffy program, HOSA, Future Farmers of America, and barbecue teams. Congratulation to all state participants and adviserss from Alexander High School, principal Rosanna Risola from United High School. We had qualifiers from Taffy, from FFA, from
012barbecue teams, from Criminal Justice Texas Public Safety Association. So, congratulation to all state participants and advisers from United High School under the direction of principal Jessica Salasar. Our United South High School state qualifiers are from Taffy. We have state qualifiers from Taffy, FFA, Barbecue Team, Health Occupations of America, HOSA Okay. Yes, I will. Once again, we'd like to recognize our state qualifiers from United High School. We have students from our taffy program, from our future farmers of America and our barbecue teams, and also from our criminal justice Texas Public Safety Association. Congratulations to all state participate participants and advisors from United High School under the leadership of Principal Jessica Salasad. [Applause] from our United South High School state qualifiers. We have students from our taffy program, from our FFA barbecue team, from our HOSA, from
013Skills USA, from Business Professionals of America, and from DECA. Congratulations to all state participants and advisers from United South High School under the leadership of Principal Martha Salasar. I'm sorry, Martha Alvarez. Lastly, we have students from state qualifiers from LBJ High School from our Taffy program, Future Farmers of America, our HOSA program, Skills USA, Business Professionals of America, and also from our Criminal Justice Texas Public Safety Association. Congratulations to all state participants and advisors from Lynden B. Johnson under the leadership of Principal Armando Salasar. [Applause] Yes. [Applause] No, I'm doing this. You got it. I got it. Okay. Now honoring our UI. L academic teams. It is with great pride that we would like to acknowledge United ISD's UIL high school academic students that have distinguished themselves as champions in the district, area, regional, and
014state academic contests. These students devote countless hours preparing for UIL academic competitions, said Dr. David Stevens, UIL director of academics. Like their athletic counterparts, they practice before, during, and after school and attend invitational meets and competitions. For many schools, UIL Academic serves as the school's best gifted and talented program. And for virtually every school in Texas, it serves as an extension of the regular classroom for highly motivated, intelligent young men and women. Students who placed in the top three at district or were members of the winning teams advanced to UIL regional meet. Most placing at the regional meet get to compete at the state meet in Austin against the best of the best from the state. Other events like one act play advance to by district area before the regional meet. Our first group of
015students being recognized today are from LBJ High School. Fourth place overall district sweep stakes team garnering 235 points under the direction of Melissa Janak UIL coordinator and the UIL academic coordinator. 25 students were placing. Seven students advancing from district to the regional contest. Two students advancing to the state contest in Congress. Christian Ruvio coach and journalism coach Melissa Janak. Congratulations to the students, sponsors, principal and administrators from LBJ High School. No. Okay. Okay. We also have students from Alexander High School joining us on stage. Our students from Alexander High School. We had first place overall district sweepstakes team, 471 points under the direction of Gumo Moreno, UIL coordinator and the UIL academic coaches. 27 students placing 16 students advancing from district to the regional contest. Two students advancing to the state contest in Congress, Jacob
016Thompson, coach and ready riding Jacqueline Garcia, coach. Our robotics team advanced to state best and FTC contest uh Juan Medina coach. Congratulations to the students on stage from Alexander High [Applause] School. We also have students from United High School. Second place overall district sweep stakes team 422 points under the direction of Eronica Perez and Anna Martinez. UILO coordinators and the UIL academic coaches. 45 students placing approximately 35 students advancing from district to the regional contest. One student advancing to the state contest in current issues and events. Erica Espinosa, coach. One student in Congress, Miguel Eera, coach. Robotics team advancing to best state contests. Samuel Samuel Flores, coach and cross-examination debate, Erica Spinosa, coach. Congratulations to the students and sponsors uh and administrators from United High School. Lastly, we have our group from United South High
017School, fifth place overall district sweep stakes team, 182 points under the direction of Danielle Muskis, UIL coordinator and the UIL academic coaches. 33 students placing four students advancing from district to the regional contest. Robotics team advancing to FTC state contest. Waines kamya coach. Congratulations to the students, sponsors, principals and administrators from United South High School. Congratulations to our state qualifiers and their parents. Student teachers and parents, thank you for your support. Good luck in your future endeavors and congratulations once again for setting the example of scholarship and academic excellence in our district. [Applause] Good evening everyone. Dr. Cruz, board members, members of the audience. My name is Bobby Cruz, director of athletics, and we're proud tonight to recognize outstanding performances for this past spring semester in athletics. Beginning with some history that was made at
018Lyndon B. Johnson High School. Congratulations, boys golfer Jason Gomez. Head coach Ivan [Music] Medí. Jason Gomez made history by becoming only the second golfer in school history to qualify for the region. Region 4 encompasses all the way up to Austin Lake Travis, Del Rio, San Antonio, down to Larredo, and down to Brownsville. Congratulations, Jason Gomez. Proud principal Armando Salasar. Good evening board members, Dr. Curtis, members of the audience. My name is Jerry Odius, director of fine arts. Gives me great pleasure to present our amazing fine arts organizations that have a achieved various honors. The first group is the indoor drum line from LB Johnson High School. They participated in the TECA state competition held at Harland High School in San Antonio on April 5th. The director of the LPJ drum line is Kevin Gonzalez. Head
019director is Jose Valenuela. Principal is Armando Salisar. Congratulations, Johnson Indoor Drum Line. [Applause] Our next team is the LB Johnson Dreamcatchers. [Applause] [Music] They are the MA national champions in prop, military, and modern. Their principal is Armando Salasar and their assistant principal Maria Solis. Dream Catchers director is Gricia Sandoval and assistant Freda Amaya. They received the highest scoring prop and military routine of the entire competition regardless of division in Arlington, Texas on March the 28th through the 29th. And they also received the prestigious Hamilton's Innovative Award recognizing the most innovative choreography at the competition along with a $375 prize. Congratulations to the Dreamcatchers. [Applause] Good evening. Once again, at this time, we would like to congratulate Jose G. Eskin Eskinia, uh, the fourth junior at Alexander High School who won first place in the SIFMA
020Foundation stock market game for the Rio Grande Valley region in the spring of competition. Jose placed first in the region out of 190 teams. In addition, Jose ranked 17th out of 4,180 teams in the state of Texas. Congratulations to Jose on this great accomplishment. He has been guided by his fantastic teacher, Mrs. Cecilia Santos. Congratulations to all. [Applause] Good evening again. Tonight we're proud to recognize outstanding performances in the spring for Alexander High School. Congratulations Alexander Girls Golf Regional Qualifier District Runner Up. Congratulations. Head coach TJ Lopez, proud principal, Mosana Arisola. Congratulations, girls golf. [Applause] Staying at Alexander High School, history was also made in track and field. This young lady's a junior. Congratulations to Miss Christina Garcia as the region champion in the 100 meter hurdles and state qualifier in two events, the hurdles
021and the triple jump. Christina placed sixth at state and made history for Alexander High School. Keep in mind that the region encompasses from Lake Travis in Austin all the way down to Brownsville. Congratulations, Christina. State [Applause] qualifier. Head coach Mike Beil. staying with track. Congratulations, Alexander High School boys track as District 36A champions area qualifiers and region qualifiers. Congratulations head coach Brian Swain. Our next group also had an impressive run this past spring and we'd like to recognize and congratulate the Alexander High School PR spring spring tennis team as district champions. regional qualifiers and the girls were co-dist Congratulations, spring tennis. Our next group, also from Alexander, just finished an incredible run. Let's congratulate and recognize the Alexander baseball team as district 36A champions by district champions, area champions, regional semi-finalist, sweet 16. Alexander has
022been in this position three out of the last four years. Head coach Fernando Lemos. Congratulations [Applause] I just want to Next we have the JB Alexander Dazzlers. They are the MA National Champions and Officer Modern and Team Kick. Their principal is Rosanna Risola and their assistant principal is Priscilla Lea. Dazzler director is Kendra Pñena. The Dazzlers competed at the MA Nationals in March and were awarded national champions in Officer Modern and National Champions in Team Kick. The Dazzers placed 10th overall in the entire competition. Congratulations to the Dazzlers. [Applause] The next group we are recognizing is a John Bi Alexander High School Honors Win Ensemble. The Alexander High School Win Ensemble participated in the UIL State Win Ensemble Festival in Austin, Texas. Each student in the entire win ensemble is recognized as an outstanding soloist
023for the festival, an unprecedented event. Directors for the honors wins is Joshua A. Martinez. Assistant directors are Ricardo Fuentes, Jose Martinez, Armando Blanco, Adam Dinkens, and Candens Siden Stricker. Principal is Rosanna Risola. Congratulations Jambi Alexander High School honors win ensemble. [Music] to our [Applause] [Music] team. Awesome job. [Applause] [Music] Where we [Music] go? [Applause] Here we go. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Up next, we are proud to recognize and congratulate the United High School Lady Longhorn track team. [Applause] The ladies excelled in track and field this year as district 36A champions, area qualifiers, and regional qualifiers. Head coach Amy Via Seenor, proud principal, Miss Jessica Salasar. Another great performance in golf. Congratulations to individual regional qualifier Miss Paola Gonzalez from United High School, head coach Hector Velasquez, and the boys golf team as district runner-ups, regional qualifiers,
024head coach T. Robert Melendez. The next group of students we are recognizing are the indoor percussion is the indoor percussion ensemble from United High School and the percussion section. for the United High School Win Ensemble. The United High School percussion indoor ensemble participated at the TECA state competition held at Hardland High School in San Antonio. On April 5th, United ranked first in Scholastic Concert A category, earning them a state championship in their division. The director of the United Indoor Percussion Ensemble is Gilberto Garcia. Head director is Sam York. Principal is Jessica Salazar. Congratulations to the state champion United High School Percussion Ensemble. [Music] Happy Mr. in golf. We're proud to recognize and congratulate the United South Lady Panthers golf team. [Music] The ladies finished as district champions and regional qualifiers. In addition, congratulations to individual
025qualifier Aruro Canu, head coaches Peter Hu and Tommy Rodriguez. This is the third championship consecutive championship for the ladies. Individual champion was Miss Alias Para and the top three were Leslie Rodriguez and Anukica Canu. Congratulations Panther Golf in tennis. Congratulations to the United South Panthers tennis team. The ladies were co-dist champions and Mia Alvarez and Jer Pñosa were district mixed doubles champions. [Music] Congratulations, Panther Tennis. [Music] Our final athletics team to be to be recognized tonight. Congratulations, United South Panthers baseball team. Proud principal, Miss Martha Alvarez. The baseball team went on a great run this year, finishing as by district champions and area finalists. Congratulations. [Music] Head coach Dante Madrial. [Music] All right, guys. [Music] Carlos. [Music] The final group from United South High School is the United South High School indoor drum line. The
026South Drum Line participated at the TECA state competition held at Harland High School in San Antonio on April 5th where they earned second place in the extremely competitive Scholastic marching doubleA division. The director of the United South Indoor Drum line is Rodulo Montalvo. Head director is Alono Martinez. Proud principal is Marta Alvarez. Congratulations United South High School indoor drum line. Good It's been longer. Two hours. Yeah, let's do it. On the legs. My legs are weak. For the record, we have Miss Martinez present Martinez present for the record. I think I saw Miss Molina here earlier. She is here. Okay. Miss Molina is here also here for the record. Proceeding with the agenda. Agenda item number four, public comments. Uh yes, Mr. Mr. President, we have two individuals signed up for public comments in no
027particular order. We have first individual Horge Mendulsa and agenda item that he's discussing is budget capital expenditures. Good evening, Mr. Winds. Good to see you again. How you doing, Dr. Cruz for members, how you doing? Basically, I'm just here because I I want to see like last year I we looked at the budget and everything and I look at your ends and your GNAS and and all that stuff, but you guys never mentioned the capital expenditures and and during the year last year they came out something on Mer School that you were going to buy some land not part of the budget. I don't even know what happened if we bought it or didn't buy it. Last time I came here and we I was discussing the notes payable, how much bond balance we had
028and we had a gentleman discussing about some lighting that we needed to buy and like where where does it come? We don't have anybody looking forward a year like a budget should be for a year. Okay. What are you going to have? What are major expenditures do are we going to do? Do we have anything in plan? does the our assistant superintendent looking at what what's coming up or we don't know what's coming up. I know emergencies come up for schools and I understand the air condition breaks down or whatever, but buying land should be part of your capital expenditure. Building a school should be part of your building a capital expenditure. The production facility that the food facility we're building should be part of it. And maybe it is, but we don't know. the
029taxpayers don't know. I don't even know how much money you guys are spending or where you're getting the money from. And I try to follow more or less what's going on. And I know the cash is I can't see it. Nobody sees it. I see it once a year or maybe twice a year when Mr. Flores puts out a schedule out there, but I don't know. I have all the money for the bonds being used. Are you using bond funds? Are using capital expenditures? So I think when you guys do that part of it or whoever is doing the budget, they should tell us the taxpayers what we expect to spend. Don't come out and tell me, okay, now we're going to discuss buying 15 acres for the Kellum Ranch for the day from where?
030So that's all I got to say. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, Mr. President, and final speaker, we have Miss Letti Huarez. Uh agenda item or topic is academic coordinators and agenda item I think 15 acres is what it says here. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. For the record, my name is Leti Huarees. Informing academic coordinators that their take-home pay will be reduced is never a conversation that ends well. Well, while I understand that a $5,000 stipen was approved to offset this loss, the reality is these employees will still be expected to do more for less. I am asking that the approval of reclassification of these individuals be delayed until after the Texas legislature final finalizes its decision on teacher pay increases. Under House Bill 2, eligible teachers may
031receive raises up to 5,500 depending on years of experience. These individuals deserve a fair opportunity to be benefit from any forthcoming salary increases. Additionally, I received the I I reviewed the action uh item form for the purchase of 15 acres that Dr. crew submitted and noted that it lacks the critical sections of rationale, budget, and policy references. The absence of this information raises serious concerns and gives the appearance that transparency is being deliberately avoided. Probably the district will cite Texas code, Texas government code 551.072 to justify withholding this information. I would remind you that this section applies only when the public discussion would have a detrimental effect on UISD position in negotiations with a third party. This is not this does not appear to be the case here. To further support my concerns, I have
032included five examples from other school districts as well as UISD that have proposed land purchases and have clearly disclos disclosed to the public the rationale behind those decisions and sometimes even the purchase price. Lastly, there is a talk of UISD selling the the trying to sell the 155 acres located on Benas Road which was purchased in 2011 for 2.6 million. As a taxpayer, I will be very unhappy to hear that you are selling it for less than 2.8 million. Taxpayer dollars were used for this purchase and the community deserves to see a return on their investment. Thank you. Right. Moving on. Agenda item number five,formational items. A, superintendent report. Yes. Uh, good members of the board, members of the audience. Uh, with immense pride and gratitude, I present this report highlighting our district's remarkable achievements
033and dedication. Uh this is a time to celebrate the incredible individuals who contribute to the success of our students and schools. From our seasoned educators to our graduating seniors embarking on our next chapter. I'd like to recognize the ongoing success of United ISD cares program. Uh this initiative continues to highlight and celebrate our employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional customer service. We have received numerous positive testimonials from parents, students, and community members all touched by our staff's kindness, professionalism, and dedication. Our CARIS champions are Yolanda Reigns, registar at Tropman Elementary, Ariana Viel, office aid at Veterans Memorial Elementary, Anna De Luna, attendance officer at United Health Middle School, and Analisia Belare, registar at RJ Santos Elementary School. Our district's strength lies in a wording commitment to our employees. Recently, we held an inspiring employee recognition ceremonies
034to honor those who have reached significant career milestones. We celebrate our esteemed colleagues embarking on well-deserved retirement after years of dedicated service to United ISD. Additionally, we recognize numerous employees for their incredible loyalty, honoring significant years of service. These ceremonies are a small token of our immense appre appreciation for their hard work and dedication which serve as a bedrock of our district. We firmly believe that teacher and principal appreciation are essential. These individuals are on the front lines daily teaching our students and expertly leading our schools. Their passion, dedication, and resilience do not go unnoticed. We have made concerted efforts to ensure our educators and leaders feel valued and supported, understanding that their commitment directly translate into student success. The prestigious Golden Apple Award and School Awards are shining example of this recognition. These programs
035allow us to celebrate and honor outstanding educators who go above and beyond, inspiring a love for learning in their students and serving as beacons of excellence within our educational community. Furthermore, we're incredibly proud to recognize over 200 except exceptional teachers designated under the teacher incentive aotment. This significant achievement underscores their excellent performance and dedication to fostering student achievement and academic growth. Through their hard work, these teachers have collectively earned nearly three million in well-deserved incentives. Our students continue to reach new heights and we are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our ambitious students who graduated with certifications and associates degrees from Laredo College. Their dedication to pursuing advanced learning and career readiness while still in high school is commendable and sets a powerful example for their peers. Finally, with immense
036pride, we congratulate over 3,000 seniors of the class of 2025 who will graduate on May 29th and May 30th. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. We're incredibly proud of every one of them and look forward to witnessing the bright futures that await them. In closing, United ISD continues to strive uh to give thanks to the collective efforts of our outstanding staff, the remarkable achievements of our students, and the awareness and support of this esteemed board and our community. United ISD continues to set the standard for the region and the state embarking on a league of our own. Thank you for your continued dedication and to our school district. Thank you. Any questions? No questions. No. B presentation discussion regarding April 26, 2025 Rocking the Spectrum Music Festival,
037Mr. Los Santos. Good evening. Hello board members. Good evening. La Santos, executive director for special ed. I think we have a presentation, Mr. Samura. Here we go. Okay. So, I'm here to present. It's a small presentation just to showcase this great event that uh one of our community members sponsored together with uh some members of our board. We're going to go through it just to showcase this great event, some of the things that took place and then of course our participation. So this was uh the invitation. It occurred on April 26 at the Bartlet Park. So this was an invitation that we sent to all our units. Uh we sent to all of our parents for uh parent so that our parents could come. We have the we provided the information so they could be
038part of it on that day. We also provided I guess trying to move the slide up a little bit. So together with the invitation like I said we sent it through different media outlets. We also sent it through our different uh par Google Google classroom through our dojo system. We also provided the lineup and as you can see we had a great great lineup uh from different from our different campuses participated and then also we had great local bands that they were there that day and it was a lot of fun. So this is the information that was sent out to our parents through our social media, of course, Facebook, and then of course through our parents. Okay. So what campuses participated Okay, I guess we lost it. Well, let me go ahead and give
039you the information. So, the we had all four high schools participate. Uh, Alexander High School, their drum line, LBJ drum line. We also had um United South, United High School, and then of course Elasera with their jazz band. And then very very proud that this year our cherished students, our heroes were able to participate as well. These bands uh participated. We see in the pictures that they were very happy to participate, very eager. If we move one more up, we can see their happy faces. So we contacted the campuses. They were the principles very happy to participate. The students as well once they arrived to the park. They were very very happy to be part of this. In this slide that we're seeing here is so many partners that sponsored us that went there to
040the park on that day to share the information. We had different city and community members, different partners that were there and we have the list in the presentation that presented themselves. They had different booths as the parents were there walking around visiting the booths. They were also given different pamphlets, different information of services that we provide in their community. As we can see there, we can appreciate uh Mr. Bonduk was there. He sponsored our own DJ from uh Cherish Center. Very, very proud of Chito. He's one of our success stories. He's going to be graduating from the Cherish Center. He's one of our students that has been with us from kinder all the way to our Cherish Center. He now has, you know, through the transition program. He now has his own DJ, his speakers.
041He has his own um his own work. he that he works with us and that we've been able to get him different different jobs. So, that's just part of the rocking the spectrum uh partners. Next slide if you want to move up. So, these are our volunteers. We had 17 volunteers from the high schools. We had our own special education department. We can appreciate some of our coordinators and clerks also participated. uh some donated their time, others are receiving uh trade days. And then we had um from the different high schools students that were able to come out, volunteer with us, and they received uh community hours. Next slide. So, who are our champions from the city of Laredo? Ruben Gutierrez Jr., our very own Michelle Molina, secretary UISD board of trustees and Jenny Sanchez.
042These these three individuals championed um this activity, this initiative from the very very beginning and of course you know from the day one to planning to the execution of the day of the event. These three individuals instrumental in getting this this initiative and this activity done. Also appreciation. We want to appreciate the following individuals and the following departments. Of course, UISD board of trustees, I understand a lot of you were there. Um, not everyone we understand, but your your support from the get-go uh instrumental as well. Dr. Herardo Cruz, Emma, our campus principles and our band directors, our special education department, Frank Gutierrez, director, our special ed coordinators, UISD police department, Mr. Ben do Ben uh Bonduct, and of course our UISD facilities and maintenance personnel. Everyone was on there uh hands- on deck helping
043this this event take place. And of course the person that brought this idea to us, his initiative, his leadership that we like to call our angel. And I want to bring him up right now. But before I do, just want to reiterate this was such a first time ever, but it was a huge success. We had over a little bit over 250 adults. We had 150 students go at different hours. It started at 5 in the afternoon. We were there till like 10:00, 10:30 at night. We had a lot of participation, community members. This is what truly encompasses. It takes a community and it did and we want to thank Mr. Joe Baron for bringing this initiative to us and making it happen. Mr. Von, if you could please join us up here. We really,
044really appreciate everything you've done. Thank you. And I apologize for the technology, but thank you so much. Thank you for everything. We really appreciate everything. Thank you. Um, so I I want to thank every one of you. I I spoke to the majority of you guys at the before we got this thing started to ask permission. I came up uh to you guys twice to present the idea and and to say that we're going to donate whatever funds we got to special ed, right? Um why we did it my nephew, the kids that don't have that voice, the kids that can't come up here and speak to say what they need, why they need it. Right? So, why we did it is for the sensory room. Sensory room that is needed at United High School.
045United High School has your largest population of kids with special needs. They don't have a room. This is their gym. This is a gym place they can go to every day to for whatever they need to learn, to grow, right? So why we did it for them, not just him, but every child that has a need that needs a room. That's it. No politics, no nothing. Clemente par um we were we were lucky enough and fortunate enough to not charge a dime to our community, but we're lucky enough with sponsorships to come up with $18,000. That's it. I I wish it could be more. I really do. But it was such a success that people were talking about it for next year and if we do it again next year may hopefully do it bigger
046and better. Right? So I want to thank each and every one of you for your support for your um guidance. Miss Molina um when I called you I didn't call you as a board member. I called you as a parent. I see what my brother goes through every day and um it's hard, right? So again, thank you. You and your staff were amazing. Um Ruben Gutierrez, the moment I called them, he said, "I'm in." Right. um their resources that they put in the simple fact that United Independent School District and the city of Laredo were able to come together and put on such an event and didn't blink an eye on what it was for speaks volumes. I think that more than anything is a bond between two entities that can grow even bigger. They're
047talking about uh 5K runs. They're talking about doingformational things together already. That is a plus. So again, thank you to all of you. Uh Superintendent Jerry, thank you sir um for your guidance. I know I might have called you more than a few times, right? Sorry for bugging you, but um again, thank you to all of you for such an event and hopefully we can do it again next year. Thank you. Thank you, sir. I apologize for the technology issues. Does anyone have any any questions for me? Um no, I just like to say, you know, I think I wasn't able to attend the event, but I've heard a lot of great things from it. Um hopefully next year we are able to do it so more schools benefit from this um great event. Right.
048So I know you all were very busy. I was just going to say yes. Thank you, Miss Martinez. And I know that was a very busy day. The morning we trained teachers and then um I think like what like at 12 we were at the mall. You were there with us for the the um Macy's fashion show. So you were there supporting us and that's why that's what I wanted to reiterate. Each of you I know cannot make it to all our events but the fact that you try to and then make it to some we understand you have a very busy schedule but you know I appreciate everyone's support. I know we went to the fishing derby and uh Mr. Gonzalez was there and so was Mr. Gilbert Aguilar. So I know that you
049all try to make it to whenever you can to the different the you know the different activities and so that day was very busy right and then in the evening uh we had this so I appreciate the support and thank you so much and it's it's it's not even about I mean I can speak for myself right I'm pretty sure the other board members have the same sentiment it's not even about us but it's about what you all do right for the community and so uh thank you Mr. Von for taking the initiative uh for that and Miss Molina for collaborating and uh hopefully we are able to do it next year so other schools do benefit from this. So yes and and we're we're learning everything that we did and we're always okay what
050can we do better for next year make sure we start maybe promoting it sooner and giving more opportunities. So thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thank you Joe. Thank you. Okay. Uh consent agenda. Uh we have agenda items for approval. Second. Motion to approve items A through P. There's a motion in the second. Any further discussion? Um I'd like to pull agenda item number A for um individual discussion. I don't think we need to. You could just discuss it. Okay. Well, we're here. You want to talk about it? Yeah. Okay. Well, I just wanted to discuss uh in regards to the dispersements for Moch and Casey. I know at the last board meeting um I did request how much we had spent um as of the fiscal year to
051date. And so we've spent uh $93,000 $93,21345. And so the the document that I was provided does say that its services provided include advocacy service, strategic planning, um which that's what catches my attention, the strategic planning because um we do have a UISD cabinet team, right? So, I mean, to me as a business person, right, why would I consult outside or bring somebody to to help strategize because $93,000 is a very alarming amount for me um what we're spending. Okay. Yes. I can I can shed some light on that, Miss Martinez. So, Moch and Casey, yes, you are correct. They are consulting firm, but they have a wealth of experience when it comes to strategic planning. um they assist us in uh strategizing, getting with the community, getting stakeholder input uh to develop a strategic
052plan. Uh we have had several parent sessions of community members come in. We've even had them at at Next Door at our sack. um you know coming in uh looking at or doing a SWAT analysis looking at our strengths, our weaknesses, opportunities for growth and all this information has been collected and they have been guiding us through developing a specific plan where we can utilize uh for for the next coming years. As a matter of fact, we'll be ready to be presenting that strategic plan sometime in the summer. So they so they've been the leaders in that in the state of Texas, not only with strategic planning, but also do legislative work. As you know, the legislation is is in session. So there are eyes and ears. As a matter of fact, they have u
053they have um I guess come up with some strategies in terms of you know what of our legislative u updates and what our input should be in terms of meeting with our legislators. Actually they've even u planned a meeting with the state legislators where we have had a voice and I'm proud to say that our voice has been heed uh particularly when it comes to some legislation dealing with special education and how we utilize funding. So, so they've been our eyes and ears in in our capital and they also provide a daily if not you know hourly updates in terms of what's happening in legislation particularly when it comes to House Bill two which is you know being reviewed right now at the House level. So that's the kind of kind of work that they
054do for us. Okay, thank you for that clarification. Um I just do I mean that number is still very alarming to me. So maybe we can revisit um with some of the things that you know there's no doubt in my mind that they do provide great support, but I think um we do need to revisit that and see where we can maybe um save money in in that that area. Dr. Kadoose, is that a going rate for other school districts that they work with? Um I believe so. May I think it goes into maybe our the size of our school district and the the terms of the services that they're being provided. Yes. Uh In all fairness uh to Dr. Grz uh we hired Mo Casey uh through a co-op and they had their menu
055of services and so it is a a rate that they charge to districts. Um and as administrators in charge, Mr. Gara, Miss Morades and myself, we we took the we made the decision to bring these individuals on to help the district. The district was going through a lot, right? We needed to move the district forward. And so the strategic planning section which was handled by Miss Morales uh and then the advocacy service, we knew that it was going to be a very tough legislative session. We wanted to prepare prepare for that. And then for all the different studies that they're doing for us that we want to bring together, make sure that we are um doing the right staffing ratios, that we are doing the right services to our kids. And so we just felt
056at that time when we hired them and again in all fairness to Dr. Grus, it was before he even got here. But as administrators in charge, we did make that decision to hire this firm. Well, I remember I remember Mo and Casey when they were hired, I guess sometime during my my tenure. Uh they do provide substantial lobbying efforts on behalf of not only our district but South Texas districts as well. districts with our our type of population, with our economically disadvantaged or special ed population are our are our our students in in general. Uh the needs of our students in general, they provide advocacy on behalf of our district specifically. We are one of the largest in region, in fact, the largest in region one and the largest in the state in this area.
057And so, but more than anything that I was rather impressed with was their forecasting, the type of forecasting they can do with what the legislature what what they're looking at as far as bills that are being proposed, passed, and how the districts are, you know, should should react or should, you know, absorb those those votes and those bills coming in. How's it going to affect our district? So, I remember that they were they're very instrumental in in helping us, you know, through our through our bond uh you know, issues that we had back in 2013. And so, they've been but they've been very attentive. Uh they do have provided training as well to some of our employees uh but some of our departments and and the board as well. So, I you know, I think
058they've done an outstanding job. They they have and I just want to add about the strategic planning. So the individuals that we work with, all the professionals at Mo Casey that we have even after hours on weekends that sometimes we're working on a project that we need their advice, they're all former superintendent with many, many years uh of experience across the state of Texas. And so they also bring that outside perspective, which is, you know, critical. We want to know what other school districts are doing. Of course, UISD we've been doing exceptionally well, but like Miss Benavid mentioned, you know, last last year, I think the three of us did feel that we needed uh some support. It was a very challenging year and and we wanted to make sure that we were all headed
059in the right direction. And so, um, as far as the strategic planning is concerned, of course, this is not something that we have to do continually for years and years. You're helping us set our plan, you know, direct our our our focus in the right areas. And like Dr. Kus mentioned, even our community planning has been very critical. the training that they have provided the board as well. So I think that it was also key for us to get an outside perspective from a lot of individuals that have extensive experience running school districts across the state. I want to thank our our previous administrators in charge uh Miss Benavides, Miss Morales, Mr. Gara for being proactive and presenting this and of course it had to be approved but you know it was perfect timing because
060now is a time for us to review that with all the instabilities of everything, the House bills and everything. um with what hasn't recently passed, what's pending to pass, and with our budget uh season coming up, um it's just a prime uh opportunity right now for us to review all that. So, thank you for being proactive and getting us where we are today. Thank you. And so, I I I just, you know, you mentioned that you all hired them, right? And I'm new, so I'm thank you for clarifying that. Um, so I guess we can forecast to maybe that expend expenditure going down because I know from what I'm understanding Mo and Casey was hired to help you all right for support which I think that's fine. Uh, but moving forward now that we have
061Dr. Gru I mean I could maybe forecast that expenditure would go down or is it something that like you just said maybe you can revisit? I'm just I'm just I'm just asking because to me $93,000 is a lot when for example at AIA the tennis courts are horrible and so I get calls all the time when are the tennis courts going to get replaced? When are the because it it's a safety issue for the kids. So I'm just you know I understand that it is needed. I don't I'm not saying it's not but maybe we do need to revisit and re evaluate maybe. Yes, Miss Martinez. We actually are currently re-evaluating the the need for services. Is it necessary that we need all of the services that they're providing to us right now? Some of
062the like Miss Manavidas mentioned some of the studies that they're conducting. As a matter of fact, we just had a team here uh of some individuals that visited with our uh with one of our teams, you know, several days. They have to conduct campus visits and all that. So, we're we are reevaluating. The session is almost over. our advocacy uh services may not be needed you know in the amount of you know time that they've dedicated to them in the last year I would say so we are already yes we are to answer your question we are reevaluating that perfect and this is not like to put anybody down or to insult anybody I know Mr. Mendoza just said, right? Like it's important for us to to really dive in and see where are we
063where are we spending and how are we spending our money. So I think that's just a very important aspect of that just to re-evaluate I that it's needed. There's no doubt in my mind that it's needed. I know with legislative issues you all are very very busy. So I could see why that service would be needed but maybe it is important to just sit down and I'm glad that you all are doing that now. So looking forward to maybe um down the line or in the next school year to to make a comparison, right? I'm a numbers person to so to see the data um of how much. So we certainly have some budget workshops coming up in the near future and hopefully we can revisit this issue u again then and that's I'm thinking
064the next two three weeks those workshops should be should be occurring and and those those those issues could be flushed out there. So, but for the record, we've been working with Moazi for about 12 years. Maybe more about the same. Yeah, about 12 years. All right, that being said, uh there's a motion in the second. All those in favor? I I I. Anybody opposed? Motion carries. Thank you. Um agenda item number seven, items for individual consideration. A, approval of donations. Yes. So, we do have a donation from Kasakarinho in the amount of $18,000 to go towards the sensory room at United High School. A donation by Francisco Salana in the amount of $4,000 to go towards Raul Palis Middle School boys athletic account for needed expenses. A donation by Triple H Field Services LLC in
065the amount of 1500 to Pettis Elementary to go towards the end of the year student awards including recognition for teachers and staff. a donation by Concentrics in the amount of $1,000 to support United IC Special Education Department. We had five donations under $1,000 for a grand total of $26,960. Motion for approval. Second. Motion in the second to approve. Any questions? Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. Motion carries. B. Approval of board minutes for the months of February and March 2025. Second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. C. Approval of board travel for the month of June 2025 to attend the Texas Association of School Boards Summer Leadership Institute Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Is there a motion to approve? Motion to
066approve. Second. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. Agenda item D. Request from board members in reference to the use of board of trustee discretionary funds for various campuses and departments. Is there zero? Yes. Uh Mr. Mando, members of the board, Dr. Cruz, my go for the record. Uh couple of amendments to the items that have been submitted um again as previous months. We want to fully disclose to the board that there were a couple amendments uh previous funds that were approved uh in the fall semester. We have a new principal at Alexander High School. Um it's for the amount of $500. Uh sponsor was Mr. Castillo. Uh they were originally approved for uh magnet and health science uh incentives. They're they're going
067to now be converted to student and staff incentives for $500. And then an additional request uh sponsors Mr. Fav Montto and Miss Flores Oliviveros. The amount for 8,000. It was for cafeteria audiovisisual equipment upgrades. They are now requesting the funds to be used for uh campus beautifification and campus upgrades for the amount of 8,000 with those amendments. Uh motion for approval. Motion amendments. Have a motion to approve. Second. Second. Uh all those in favor signify by saying I. I. All those against. Motion carries. And agenda item eight, close session. The time is 7:49 p.m. Uh, in accordance with the Texas Government Code section 551.071 072 074076, the board will discuss items 8 through 11. No action will be taken in close session. We are in close session. Thank you. Stay around. It was Michelle's fault.
068It always is. I asked too many questions. You ready? Okay. Time is 9:45. We're on open session. The board has reconvened from close session. For the record, no action was taken in close session. Agenda item 12A, possible action with respect to the lawsuit filed by Potential Holdings LLC against United Independent School District regarding the United ISD Student Activity Complex Educational Support Center Plat filed in the filed of record in volume 21, pages 43 to 44 of the Web County Plat records and the USD Lascus School Plaid filed in volume 18, page 55 of the Plat records of Web County, Texas and Santa Cla Drive within the USD sack flat matters incident there too including legal options available to United ISD. The suit was filed in the district court of the 111 judicial district of web
069county under cause number 2023 CVG 151D2. Yes. Uh Mr. President, the recommendation on that item is to authorize legal council to proceed as discussed in close session. Motion for approval. Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Motion passes. Agenda item 12B, possible action with respect to the granting legal council authority to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement with Kllum Ranch Properties Limited for the purchase of approximately 15 acres of real property located west of United High School on East Point Drive just south of the intersection of East Point Drive and United Avenue Extension. Yes, Mr. President. The recommendation on that item is also to authorize Eagle Council uh to proceed as discussed in close session. So move second. Motion to second. Any discussion? Yes. I'd
070like to ask um can you just briefly um state why we're purchasing um the land or you know for generalized? Yes. My understanding is that there is uh authority to negotiate potential uh purchase of this of this property uh for the potential to look at it as a transportation compound facility. And uh we're still going to um do studies, gather data. Correct. It's not Yes. The recommendation is to Yes. proceed as discussed in close session. Um and if there would be action to purchase this property or any property that would be done by formal board action. Okay. Thank you. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. 12 C possible action regarding the drainage easement and drainage facilities that run between Malda Norte and Clark Middle School as well
071as Clark Elementary School properties. Yes, Mr. President, the recommendation on this item is to authorize Eagle Council to proceed as discussed in close session. So move second. Motion to second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. Possible action regarding improving district employment processes and practices. Yes, Mr. President, the recommendation on that item is a motion to take no action at this time. So move second. Motion a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. No action is taken. Agenda 12. Agenda item 12E. Possible action regarding the appointment of Julia Bird Jones Muller Elementary School principal. Yes. For the position of principal at JB Muller Elementary, I recommend Miss Ariana Samura. So move to approve. Second. Motion and a second to approve.
072Miss Amora. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. Congratulations. Congratulations. 12f possible action regarding the appointment of executive director of elementary education. For the position of executive director of elementary education, I recommend Miss Zida Gonzalez. So move. Second. Motion second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations, Mr. Congratulations. And 12G. Discussion regarding the intruder detection audit report. Uh, Mr. President, members of the board, doc, superintendent, uh, Dr. Cruz, just something that needs to be read in, uh, regarding this item. Uh, the Texas School Safety Center uh, recently conducted an intruder detection audit uh, at one or more of our district's campuses. The audits test whether a campus is accessible or uh to an unauthorized individual. The audits seek to
073help school districts identify how uh campuses can improve safety for students and provide the district an opportunity to create a safer learning environment for all students and staff members. Netd acknowledges that parents and community members are likely to very interested in the details of these reports. However, it is in the best interest of the students that the district does not share this information to the broader public. uh as it could lead to compromising important uh campus security information. Um and specific details were discussed in the executive session and for the record, my name is Rubenella, safety and crisis response administrator. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you. Motion to adjourn. Motion second. We are journ. Thank you. Have a good evening. Have a good night.