001Okay. All right. Good evening. Good evening, board members, uh, Dr. Cruz, district staff, members of the community. Thank you for joining us this evening. Uh, the time is 6:01 p.m. Today is the 16th day of April, 2025, and I call this regular meeting of the United Independent School District Board of Trustees to order. May the trustees who are present please announce their presence for the record. Glad present. Michelle Molina presayor 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 posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. Agenda item number two, pledge of allegiance and the Texas pledge. Will everyone please rise to the flag of the United States of America nationisible with liberty and justice
002for all the flag and all right agenda item number three recognitions. We have a number of recognitions this evening. Um we're going to move the tables out of the way and and start recognizing all the honored guests that we have. If you could just please bear with us. We'll be right back. Good evening board members, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience, Rebecca Morales, Associate Superintendent for District Administration and Student Services. For the record, I am very happy to announce our first honores uh receiving their recognition for this evening. We gather 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 success. Their commitment and collaboration create a positive environment for our students and
003our staff. Today, we're excited to recognize our MVP honores for April. Robert Camaro, RJ Santos Elementary, Samantha Canales, Kaisen Elementary. Veronica Garcia Ramirez, Kaisen Elementary. Leah and Hector Luna, Huarees Lincoln [Music] Elementary. Alma Munoz, Salenas Elementary. Eduardo Garcia, Freedom Elementary. And last but not least, Yadira Kadena Lamar Bruna Middle School. Congratulations to all our honores and thank you for your unwavering support of our schools and the United community. Thank you once again and congratulations to our MVPs. Tonight we are also very proud to recognize four exceptional United ISD students who have recently earned prestigious titles in the Miss Laredo pageant. These young women exemplify not only beauty and grace but also intelligence, leadership, and dedication to their communities. Renee Mata, Troman Middle School, 7th grader. Miss Junior, Laredo, Texas, [Applause] 2025. Ariana Ernnandez from Gutierrez
004Elementary, fifth grade. Miss Junior, Southwest Texas, 2025. Victoria Kaitton Elas Era Middle School, 8th grade. Miss Pretine, Southwest Texas, 2025. Miss Jelle Gonzalez, Alexander High School, 12th grade. Miss Southwest Teen USA 2025. Ladies, your UISD family is incredibly proud of you. Your hard work, dedication, and community service embody the values we strive to instill in all of our students. Congratulations on all your achievements and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. [Applause] The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, GFOA, has awarded the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting to United Independent School District for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2023. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes
005demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. This certificate achie of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. We want to thank our staff in the business office under the direction of our chief financial officer Miss Laida Venavides, our assistant superintendent, Sam Flores, our director of accounting, Rosa Caveo. Congratulations to our business and finance office. Congratulations. Good evening, parents, guests, board members, Dr. Cruz, and members of the administration. Selia Tabada, director of staff development and library service. We are honored to recognize Miss Analin Johnson, the ninth grade librarian at Johnson High School, for her remarkable achievement as
006one of the 10 recipients of the I Love My Library National Award presented by the American Library Association. Mrs. Johnson was selected from a poll of 1,300 nominees from libraries across the nation due to her outstanding contributions particularly in expanding the access to literacy and library services to her community. Mrs. Johnson traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to receive her national award, which also included a cash prize of $5,000. Congratulations, Mrs. Johnson, and the LBJ administration, Mr. Salasad, and his administrative staff. You make us United ISD proud. Congratulations, Miss Johnson. Yay. Good evening uh board members, distinguished guests. It is with great pride that we recognize an exceptional student who has once again demonstrated the power of perseverance, intellectual intelligence, dedication, representing Raul Pales Middle School. Eighth grader Alejandro Martinez has has made his mark not only
007at the district level but on the national stage as well. After earning the title of the district spelling be champion last year, Alejandro advanced to compete among the nation's best in Washington DC where he proudly placed at the 60th uh place in prestigious national spelling bee. His journey is a testament to hard work and academic excellence and we are thrilled to celebrate his continued success. We extend our heart heartfelt congratulations to Alejandro and his remarkable achievement and wish him the very best as he travels to Washington DC from May 27 to through the 29th to compete one more time. Congratulations and please join me in congratulating Alejandro. Good evening board members, superintendent, Dr. Cruz, and audience members. It is my privilege on behalf of the fine arts department to present the United South High School
008Silversteppers Steppers National Champion winners. Their principal is Martha Alvarez. Assistant principal is Veronica Mancas and their dance director is Lisela Dosal. The Silversteppers dance team competed at Universal in Orlando, Florida, February the 27th through March the 4th. The Silversteppers had one main goal, which was to go above and beyond their own expectations with confidence and passion. It was an intense competition and the girls left it all on the dance floor representing Larredo, Texas and United South High School with pride. awards they received was national champion winners in military, national champion winners in palm, first place medal winners in the extra-large ensemble division, and second place in open. Congratulations to the silver steppers. [Applause] Good evening, Dr. Cruz, board members, and members of the audience. My name is Jerry Drizz, director of fine arts, and it
009gives me great pleasure to present our amazing fine arts groups who achieved various honors uh this semester. Our first group is a John B. Alexander High School orchestra who recently performed at the UIL region 14 concert and site reading evaluation where they earned consecutive first division ratings in both concert and site reading earning them a UIL sweep stakes award. Director is Raundo Pñena. Assistant director is Aruro Guerrero. Principal is Rosanna Arisola. Congratulations Alexander High School orchestra. [Applause] Awesome. Congratulations. The next group we're recognizing is a Jambi Alexander High School mixed choir who also earned first divisions and concert and sight reading also earned them a earning them a UIL sweepstakes award. Director is Ricardo Fuentes. Principal is Rosanna Arisola. Congratulations, Alexander High School Choir. [Music] Congratulations, Alexander High School Choir. [Applause] [Music] The next groups
010that we're going to recognize are also from John B Alexander. We have the Symphonic Winds and the John B. Alexander High School honors wins win ensembles who both earned a UIL sweepstakes award by receiving consecutive first division ratings in both concert and site reading at the UIL region 14 band and concert site reading evaluation. [Applause] [Music] In addition, we wanted to recognize also the Jambi Alexander High School avantgard A who competed at the TCGC state color guard competition in College Station. Directors for the Al John Alexander High School band are Joshua Martinez, Ricardo Fuentes, assistant directors Josei Martinez, Armando Blanco, Adam Denkins, and Camden Sidenker. Principal is Rosanna. Congratulations, John B. Alexander High School. [Music] Go doggy. [Music] up. up. Up down up. [Music] What [Music] happened? [Music] Let's go. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
011Congratulations, John B. Alexander High School. [Music] [Applause] Go. One more. [Music] We love you, [Music] darling. Darling, daddy. [Music] Let's [Music] Georgie [Applause] Welcome. [Applause] [Music] Good evening board members, Dr. Cruz, members of the audience. My name is Bobby Cruz, director of athletics. Tonight is it is with great pride that we recognize outstanding performances this past soccer season. Leading off today, we'd like to recognize for another outstanding season, the John B. Alexander Boys soccer program. [Music] These young men, These young men have set a high standard in athletics and soccer in our region. For the past seven years, they've had an incredible run. They have made the playoffs seven consecutive times. They're seventime by district champions, four-time area champions, fourtime regional quarterfinal champions, and fourtime sweet 16 semmit finalists. This year was no exception. The
012Bulldogs were by district champions and area finalists for the seventh year in a row. Congratulations, Bulldogs. [Applause] The Bulldogs are led by coach Daniel Mosio and proud principal, Miss Rosanna Arisola. [Music] Let's go. Let's go. [Applause] Congratulations, Bulldogs. One more time. [Applause] The next groups we are recogniz recognizing this evening are from United High School. The United High School Symphonic Wins and the United High School Honor Wins both performed at the region 14 UIL concert and site rating evaluation and both earned consecutive first division ratings in both concert and site reading earning them the UIL sweepstakes award. Directors for the Mari Longhorn Band are Samuel York, Michael Valdez, Amarius Contreas, and Gilberto Garcia. Principal is Jessica Salazar. Congratulations in High School. [Applause] [Music] You got it. [Music] Happy. [Music] You got it. [Music] United [Music]
013[Applause] [Music] So, while the band is still up there, I just wanted to take this opportunity if you were here earlier, At 5:30, we had four gentlemen perform uh their saxophone quartet. These students competed at the UIL State Chamber instrumental music competition in Bassrop and the United Saxophone Quartet competed against several states uh students throughout the state and they ranked third in the state of Texas earning them a bronze medal. So, congratulations to the United Saxophone [Applause] [Music] Quartet. [Applause] [Music] Congratulations, United High [Music] School. [Music] Probably this one. Yeah. [Music] [Applause] [Music] We're on the other side. Yes, sir. People are washing their hands. Airport. There's something Take that. want me to take. All right, for the record, Alisa Lores Oliveros or is here this this afternoon joining us and uh we're on agenda
014item number four, public comments. Do we have any public comments? Uh yes, Mr. President we have five uh first comment um I'm unable to read their first name but I believe the last name is Barios that individual is here and as concerning it says I believe humiliation in front of student from uh students from an associate principal Cardo Garca that's accurate and the speakers do have three minutes good evening yes good evening Dr. Cruz and board member my name is Sorio for the eight years I've been working as a substitute teacher. I have a degree. I have bachelor degrees and a and a master. On March the 21st, 2025, uh I got a job for Miss Caron, one of the expert resources class. However, when I arrived at the school, I was assigned for another
015class for Miss Garcia. I didn't refuse to cover that class. Uh but then before the the ends the school ends I was told by Miss U that I need to report to the cafeteria. Um at that time I didn't get any rest because I have the proof that I covered a class I was not assigned for. And then I call Miss Flores and I asked her uh I came for this teacher and they sent me to another class. And then um she told me when I called her that they already somebody else already reported that another son went over there and she went for PE and she was assigned for another class. Okay. Then I reported to the cafeteria because the principal wanted all the SS to be over there. I didn't refuse to go
016over there neither. But when I got to the cafeteria, uh the assistant principal, Mr. Mr. asked me if I was okay. I told him no because I covered two classes that I was not aside and then I have to go to the cafeteria and also I stay there. I didn't have any break not even 10 minutes. So I told her I was not happy. He says I'm going to address to Miss Gara. Five minutes later Miss Garca came upset yelling. She put it on the spot in front of the staff in front of the student and she said this is g going to be always I don't pay you to do anything and I said for me I just cover three classes that I was not assigned. I went for Miss and you put me
017to another class. I don't get paid for another class. So she said whether you like her or not. Okay. I said pardon me. Then she said you don't like it. Let's go to my office and discuss this. But she was yelling me Dr. Cruz. Okay. I only have three question for you Dr. Cruz. As a former principal, this is the way that a principal approach to the staff member or students. This is how as a teacher approach for a student for you, Miss Martine, Miss Olivier. Ma'am, you're you're past the three minutes. Yes. Just wrap it up, please. That's all I want to say. I don't think it's fair. Like, I never been good with her. I don't know why she was like that yelling at me in front and humiliate me and in front
018to everybody when I never was with anybody. I was doing my job and like I mentioned before I never refuse to do what they told me to do. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Next speaker, Mr. President, Miss Lati Huarees, concerning transparency and accountability. For the record, Martinez is present. Good evening. My name is Leti Huarees. For the record, I am an advocate for both students and teachers. And I'm here today to clarify my comments that I made regarding the ACE program during the March workshop. When I speak at these meetings, it is to bring clarity, raise important questions, and offer a different perspective, one shaped by 25 years of firsthand classroom experience. You all have a copy of the 2324 approved ACE program application submitted by UISD and available on the TA website.
019Page one confirms that this is the official application submitted by the district and the grant writer was Miss uh Morales. Page three highlighted for your review specifically states that by 2024 students would meet the their RIIT growth target on MAP assessments. Essentially what that means is you are going to be following their progress. And that's what I was asking for at that March meeting, that workshop. I wanted to see the progress because that's what the application stated instead. And then and if you go on on that same page in the bottom, it said that they were going to recruit teachers and that those teachers were going to help with their the students academic pro progress. And then on page four it states that tracking that was the word used tracking students academic progress will take
020base would take place using DMAC iris etc. So yes at the bar at the March workshop I expressed concerns that the ACE program presentation did not include any evidence of true academic growth. My comments were not criticism. They were based on the district's own application which clearly states that the program should track and support academic progress. These are the district words, not my words. And yet I was mischaracterized by Miss Onto as someone attacking the program and being unfair. Asking for transparency, ma'am, is not an attack. Transparency is accountability. Let me tell you what I think is not fair. It's somewhere where some of you, not all of you, and I've said Mr. Monttoayor, I've given you that you come in and I believe that you understand your your agenda, but some of you, you
021come in here, you don't do your homework, you don't understand the agenda items, and that's not what you're there for. They should in my opinion, that's my opinion. It's unfair. For example, Miss Molina who is not here is not here, but she met with teachers almost two years ago and they expressed concerns about the students being confused with the different softwares and yet two years have gone by almost and we don't have a productivity report. That is unacceptable sir. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Joe Von on topic is blocking the spectrum. Good evening, Mr. Baron. Good evening, board members. Superintendent, just wanted to give you a quick update on the event that we're having on the 26. This event's going to be uh it's rocking the spectrum. It's uh kind of
022winding down or rocking out, right? The end of the month of of April, which autism month and uh things are coming along very well. The city is is doing its part big part of it. Uh the committee is working hard to to make it a success. Right. Just wanted to make some things clear. Um nobody is uh selling anything. Uh the event is free to the public. Uh the only people that will be selling something would be the food trucks that are vetted through the city to be on city. There will be no alcohol on the premises. No one's going to be allowed to take alcohol in. No one's going to sell alcohol. Not. So, uh, wanted to put that out there. Um, why are we doing this, right? Um, my brother Richard, I hope
023he doesn't get mad for me mentioning his name, but has two boys with autism, right? Eighth grade. they will be going into high school next. And I've seen several kids come up here, which is I'm I'm proud of all the kids that come out here and share a voice, right? I've seen kids come out here and ask for lights where they can practice at night. Uh come out here and and ask for extra ban, whatever it is, right? And by all means, allowed to and by all means they should have everything we need, right? Well, my nephews can't do that. My nephews don't have that for, right? So, if we hear if I hear that they that there's a room uh a sensory room that's needed at United or if it's needed at Alexander, wherever
024this the room might be needed, then I'm going to be that voice. Right? So, that's why we're we're doing this. Um, I don't know how much money we're going to raise. I don't want to commit to anything. Right? If if it's $10, it's $10, right? If it's $5,000, it's whatever it is. Whatever money we raise, we will be giving up to the special department for them to use for us. And just wanted to make those things. All right. Outstanding, sir. Thank you. Thank you, [Applause] Mr. Mr. Baron. Mr. on. You want to say the date and the time and the place? The 26th, Leartnick Park. I think it's called the Huvas Park, but everybody knows it as the Bartlett Park. Market and Gale Market. Yeah, exactly. Um, we will have your your high school, I
025think drum lines are going to participate. I think one of your middle schools is going to participate. We have a guy coming in from Austin uh that's going to play some music. We have two local bands. We should have some u someformational booths. Should be nice. It's from 5 to 11. Thank you guys. Thank you. [Applause] Next speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Beer Alahadat. It's on Sanro and grievous process. Good evening, Dr. Cruz and respectful board members. My name is Air Alhad. I'm a parent of an 8-year-old who attends Sanro. So they indicate indicated that filing a grievance would ensure fairness and transparency. But I have discovered through challenge and experience spanning for two years now that this process is far from straightforward. From the initial step to speaking out publicly, I have encountered numerous obstacles
026including personal attacks, retaliation, concealment of information and open records and a tendency to shift the blame to the parents ultimately neglecting the well-being of a child. This marks my third occasion addressing the board and I will persist in doing so. The system appears to be design uh designed to exhaust and frustrate the parents prompting them to relinqu relinquish their efforts. However, as a parent, I have made a commitment to my children to stand by them as long as they are in their rights. Whenever I feel inclined to abandon this, I recall the tears and questions that my child had after being mistreated by those we we trusted. When we when we are questioned why do we have a memo to keep the counselor Miss Camaro away from my child? I would like to explain that
027just recently Miss Camaro's response to the child segregation was alarming. She cited that she was simply following the principle Miss Messa's orders. The counselor that has many training should have reported any misconduct. She has a responsibility to the well-being of a child first. As a professional counselor, it is imperative to maintain a child- centered approach and tainted by personal biases or conflict. Then, Miss, you have Miss Amlissa who has already been made aware of everything for the past two years, and she has already made up her mind. She was chosen to be the hearing officer for the level two grievance. Even though I asked for her removal, I asked Mr. David Canales uh and I sent an email including the superintendent, Dr. Cruz. Yet, Mr. Canal insisted to have her as a hearing officer. I
028already know what her decision will be and I know it won't be fair. And just remember, I asked for an apology from both from the counselor, Miss Camaro, and the principal, Miss Messa, before going forward with any grievance process, and they refused to do so. Again, I'm a mother that speaking on my child behalf, and I'll continue to be his advocate. Thank you for your time. Thank you, M. Uh, next And last speaker, Mr. President, Miss Edna Orda and agenda item topic is going to be vouchers, policies, and district improvement. Good evening, Mr. Good evening, Edna. For the record, as the year comes to an end, I am very concerned and disappointed that not much has changed. I've continually been advocating for races for teachers and staff since 2010 and have brought issues of concerns
029as well. So today, I stand before you earlier than usual again advocating for our dedicated teachers and staff. Over the past years, especially during COVID and during potential threats of school shootings after UVAL, our teachers and staff have continually continue to nurture and educate our children at miss these challenges. Although UISD approved a raise in July 2023 and a one-time payment of 1,500 per classroom teachers and a 1,100 for other full-time staff in October of 2024. These gestures are appreciated. Don't get me wrong. However, let's wake up and smell the roses and face reality. These races have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Since 2019, inflation has surged by approximately 22%. Thus, placing a strain on our educators and staff who are the backbone of our educational system. These concerns have been
030brought to you. Teachers and staff are undervalued and we are losing excellent teachers and staff. They have been overworked. Most are leaving the professions. Yet we still have this situation and this wasteful spending. Another concern right now there is a growing push in our state to introduce and expand school voucher programs. Vouchers may threaten the very foundation of public education by taking away funds from school district. Yet UISD continues with their wasteful spending, disregarding the true needs of students, teachers, and staff. UISD is currently operating a budget deficit under a budget deficit. In the previous meeting, Miss Flores Olivos, you suggested that a social media platform was misinforming the community by stating that UISD was in a 7 to9 million deficit and question, where were they getting their information? Well, I'll tell you from you
031all. It was said in a July 2023 meeting again in an October 30, 2023 meeting. There are so many other concerns, but not enough time. So, I'll end with this. Stop your wasteful spending before some of our campuses will begin to be shut down as seen in other places. I hope you will listen to those who bring concerns as the lady before me or the two ladies before me um to you all because we have offered solutions but you have not listened and we have been watching and we will continue to be watching. Thank you. Thank you ma'am. Thank you. Any more? No more comments. No more agenda item number five uhformational items. Superintendent report. Yes. So, good evening members of the board and members of the audience. Um, I would like to recognize the
032ongoing success of the United ISD CARES program. Uh, this initiative continues to highlight and celebrate our employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional customer service. Our CARES employees for the month of April are Miss Sara Guutieras, office aid at Quad Elementary. Uh, Mr. Mario Gonzalez, fixed assets officer, uh, Cynthia Lugo, secretary to the principal Lincoln Elementary, and Jessica Pedrosa, office at Salvador Garcia Middle School. In our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic resource allocation, I have initiated a comprehensive review of staffing levels and department budgets across the campuses and central office departments. These collaborative discussions with campus principles and departments heads are crucial in identifying potential cost savings and ensuring that our resources are aligned with our educational priorities for the upcoming school year. We are carefully analyzing current expenditures, enrollment projections, and program needs to
033maximize efficiency without compromising the quality of education we provide to our students. April is autism awareness month, a time to celebrate and support our special education students and the dedicated professionals who provide exceptional instruction and care. We recognize the unique talents and abilities of our students with autism and are committed to providing them with inclusive and supportive learning environments where they can thrive. Furthermore, the special education department successfully hosted a parent conference that provided valuable resources, support networks, and informative sessions for families and students with disabilities. Feedback received from participating families has been overwhelmingly positive with many expressing appreciation for the practical information shared and the opportunity to connect with other parents and district staff. This month, the federal programs department successfully hosted our parent uh mini conference, an engaging event to foster stronger connections
034between our schools and families. I was privileged to meet with numerous parents, representatives from various community agencies. These interactions provided valuable insights to the needs and perspectives of our families and the resources available within our community. These home and school community partnerships are vital to our student success and well-being. The district also hosted a student enrollment fair this past Saturday to proactively engage prospective families and showcase our district's diverse educational opportunities. This event aimed to streamline the enrollment process, provide comprehensive information about our schools and programs, and create a welcoming environment for potential students and their families. I want to express my sincere gratitude to our campus leaders and teachers for their unwavering commitment to preparing our students for the state of Texas assessments and academic readiness, also known as STAR. Throughout this academic year,
035their focus instruction, targeted intervention, and tireless efforts have equipped our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate their learning. As we go into the holiday break, I want to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday break. That is all. Thank you. Agenda number six, consent agenda items A through G. I have a motion. Motion. Um I'd like to um I'm sorry. Got a motion on the on second got a second. Any discussion? Yes. I'd like to pull monthly dispersements and um V for individual discussion. And really quickly to the board, Mr. I would like to note for the record uh that item 6C RFP 2024-031 bank depository services uh this was obviously presented at the board workshop. Since the board workshop there was a non-material change to the tabulations uh that the consultant
036notified the district about. It has not at all changed the district's recommendation for PNC bank to be the bank depository services for the district. But I did want to note for the record that the materials in the backup have been updated since the board workshop. Um, are you able to tell us what was updated or I would have to defer to the procurement or purchasing on that? But I do know it was nonmaterials. So, so do we have to pull it out for individual consideration? No, we can we can entertain it as a consent agenda. So with the exception of item 6A, is there a motion to approve items B, C, D, E, F, and G as presented? I think she A and B. A B and C and so approve. I'll amend my motion
037to approve items 6 D through G. Is there a second? I'll second that. Motion in a second to approve item six through G. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Motion passes. Agenda item C. Uh items for individual consideration. A approval of donations. Okay. So, well, we'll come back. We'll come back. We'll finish off with Okay. Don't go too far. Yes. A donation by the Women's City Club board of directors in the amount of $7,13.85 to go towards the purchase of equipment and supplies for the JB Alexander High School Graphics Design Club. A donation by Mr. Robert and Miss Susettin in the amount of $5,000 to go towards United ISD Partners for Scholars Foundation. A donation by the United South High School Swim Team Booster Club in the amount
038of 2443 and60 cents to go towards the swim teams account. A donation by Francisco Salania in the amount of 2,100 to go towards the Dul Pales Middle School boys athletics account. A donation by the Borchers Elementary PTC booster club in the amount of 1,617 to go towards the school's end ofear expenses and students incentives. A donation by the Laredo Diploma Plus Foundation's Board of Directors the amount of $1,000 to go towards Juan Armidas Middle School ban. The a donation from the US Department of Justice awarded UISD a non-monetary contribution of 50 Han 310 series 5 drawer vertical file cabinets. There was an additional four donations under $1,000 for a total of 20,6945. Motion for approval. Second. Motion second. Any further discussion? Approval of donations. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion carries.
039Agenda item uh 7B, approval of board travel to the 2025 region one school board association conference South Island, Texas. Is there a motion to approve? Motion. Second. There's a motion in the second. Any further discussion? Those in favor signify by saying I. Item passes. Item 7 C a request from board members in reference to the use of board of trustees discretionary funds for various campus and department campuses and department. Yes. Uh Mr. Montto members of the board Dr. Cruz members of the audience. Um there were some submitts for some amendments. um some previously just like last month some previously approved u uh discretionary funds from last semester uh that weren't able or they were they were able to purchase but there were some funds left over so just for the record and make sure that
040we have uh the information out there there's uh from the original request from Zephrini Elementary $3,000 there was $929 left over and they're going to be using those funds to purchase six chairs uh for their conference room. Um, and then the other request is from the health department. Uh, they originally had requested $500 for an event for the nurses and so they're going to apply it for another event. They weren't able to use the funds in that previous. Motion for approval. Second. Second. All right. Motion in a second. All those in favor signify say I. Motion passes. Number seven. U going back to 6A monthly dispersements. Um yes, I just have a question um just because I know there was a public comment um where they're stating that there's wasteful spending, right? Um is there
041an update on um I know it was talked before in one of the meetings that to provide a little bit of more transparency on the check register right online. Is there an update on that? I know that you all were working the logistics on that, right? Yes. Um we actually do have almost a finished product we will share with the superintendent. Um the delay is coming because there's an upgrade on our system and if we would have continued that delay they were going to charge us on the old platform and then again in August on the new platform. So what we did is we decided to work on it in-house and we met with um our technology department and we've come up with a report. Um it's fresh off the press. We just got to
042review it with the superintendent. Um I think the public will be happy with it. a lot more information that we have right now. Perfect. Thank you. That was my question. Yes, ma'am. Um for that and then for um let me let me get let me go to that one. So on item for individual consideration, is there a motion to approve dispersements? Second. Motion in a second. Any further discussion. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Motion passes. Agenda item 6B, a warning bid, proposals, qualifications, and extensions. And C, I guess we can talk about it in the same in the same uh discussion of RFP 202431 bank. Go ahead. Okay. So, my only question for it wasn't even a question really. It's just a comment. Um just so the public can can
043be aware. Um, on my way over here, I actually um got a a call that um there was a bill that had been proposed by uh Representative Ryan Guillen. And just so there is a little bit of more transparency, right, per se, um it's HB210. It just got approved out of the house and this is to crack down on conflict of interest in school contracts and hold vendors accountable for improper dealings with school board members. So, um that's, you know, I know there's been a lot of uh public comments in the past, right, that there's conflict of interest and contracts and whatnot. Um so, that is a little bit more of a piece of mind for the public. I just wanted to mention that. Not that we don't trust you all. I know that you
044all are doing an excellent job but I did just want to provide that to the public. So yes ma'am and on the if you'all can explain on the bank depository. Yes. Yes sir. Mr. McM there is a complex long you all saw the backup right spreadsheet calculation and a formula based on the best and final officer author from Chase. They extended the waving of the fees from 12 months to 15 months. Okay. And the calculation was made up here at the top part of the spreadsheet that determined the overall benefits. But at the bottom part, it was m it stayed at the 12-month calculation. So when they changed it to the 15th, there was a minor change over the spread of the life of the potential life of this contract because it can be renewed
045up to eight years. But we um found other reasons uh the locations that without the city throughout the city, we have seven locations versus two. There were other benefits that outweighed that minor change in the advantage that it gave mathematically to Chase, but um this bid is a large bid. We are the largest employer in the county. And we still we we boast that we have 90% attendance um of direct deposit, but that 10% of 6,600 employees at Gocaster checks at various locations at all of our locations throughout the city. uh that was an overwhelming um positive for PNC based on on the committee's uh opinion as well as some bank services that Chase was not going to provide that PNC mainly the depository uh the vault services for PNC they are going to continue
046to provide that service and Chase we would have had to have gone out and rebid for vault services so there were other factors that made that change in and of itself has been immaterial but again recalculating it was still immaterial for the committees to change their mind on supporting PNC. Thank you. No, I just think that's important to mention because like you did say you know UISD is one of the largest. So I did read the study and that was one of the things where I said okay that is why right because at the end of the day uh we are looking for the best interest of our employees and like you said PNC does offer um I believe it's nine right nine ATM locations. Um the ATM I don't know but the the actual
047physical locations is seven. Okay, seven. Sorry, seven. So um but yes, but that's the reason why you know I I I'm all for that. At the end of the day, it's looking into the best interest of the employees and thank you for explaining that. Yes, ma'am. All right. So I have a motion motion for approval. BNC BNC second. I'm sorry. 6 BNC motion for approval and a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I motion items pass. Agenda item number eight, close session. The time is 6 sorry time is 710 in accordance with Texas government code sections 551.071, 551.074 and 551.076. The board will discuss items 8A through 8 C. No action will be taken in close session. Shall be done. All right, we're here in open session. The board
048has reconvened. For the record, Mr. Rudy Wonz is present. Was present in close session as well. Uh the time is 7, I'm sorry, 8:02. Uh no action was taken in close session. Uh agenda item 9A possible action regarding the internal auditor's annual evaluation modification of employment contract. Yes. The recommendation is to approve the internal auditor's 2024 2025 annual evaluation and to modify her employment contract as discussed in closed session. So move motion in a second. Any further discussion? All right. All those in favor signify by saying I. I I the motion passes all congratulations. Congratulations. Agenda item 9B possible action to approve superintendent evaluation instrument. Yes. The recommendation is to approve the superintendent evaluation instrument as discussed in close session. All right. Any further discussion on that? Any any motion to approve? Motion. Second. Motion
049in a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I motion passes. Agenda item 9 C, possible action regarding the appointment of United Middle School principal. Yes. For the position of principal at United Middle School, I I recommend Linda Mirez. Motion for approval. Second. Second. There's a motion in a second. Any further discussion? No, I I was just going to say congratulations, Miss Mirez. Um we're looking forward um for you to um drive United Middle School in the direct direction where it needs to be. do have a lot of support from the community. We did receive um the board did receive a lot of um positive feedback. So, uh we trust that you're going to do great work and you're going to continue um doing great and amazing work at United Middle
050School. Let's get her appointed first. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm already going ahead. All those in favor signify by saying I motion passes and yes. Yes. So, congratulations. She was on. I'll tell you United Mill is already doing well. Doing well. They're watching her her job to be maintained or too bad. Agenda item 9E, I'm sorry. Agenda item 9 D, possible action regarding the appointment of assistant principal at Lynden B. Johnson High School. For the position of assistant principal at Lynen B. Johnson High School, I recommend Geda Mendoza. Motion to approve. Second. A motion and a second. Any further discussion? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion passes. Congratulations. Congratulations, Mosa. And agenda, discussion regarding the intruder detection audit report. Uh yes, sir, Mr. Montto, members of the board, Dr. Cruz. Um for
051the record, I need to read into the uh formal uh record. Mike, associate superintendent. For the record, the Texas School Safety Center recently conducted an intruder detection audit at is at one or more of the district campuses. The audit test whether whether a campus is accessible to an unauthorized individual. The audits seek to help school districts identify how campuses can improve safety for students and provide the district an opportunity to create a safer learning environment for our students and staff members. United ISD acknowledges that parents and community members are likely very interested in the details of the report. However, it is in the best interest of the students that the district does not share this information to the broader public as it could lead to compromising important campus security information. Some specific details will be
052discussed at the board's executive session which we just had. And just for the record, I just wanted to share with the board to reassure the board and the public that u you know UISD is the gold standard when it comes to our safety and security program. Last year we had a 100% audit rating which you know district oursides is pretty impressive and we almost got to the end of this year with a 100% rating as well. So we had not been before this board in almost two years and and having any incident. So just wanted to reassure congratulations on agenda item number 10. Uh is there a motion to adjurnn? Motion second. Uh we are journal. Thank you. and David Bettis. It's always good to see you.