Alicia Reyes

The board conducted a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget and formally adopted the official budget and compensation plan. Key actions included the approval of a District Efficiency Audit, library material purchases, and revisions to policy regarding leaves and absences. The board also accepted a donation for East Point Elementary School, authorized a reimbursement resolution, approved revisions to the Student Code of Conduct, ratified an interlocal agreement with the University of Texas at Austin for the OnRamps program, and renewed a good cause exception regarding armed defenders. Additionally, the board reviewed district-wide intruder detection audit reports.

The board conducted a workshop meeting primarily focused on employee health benefits. Representatives from Gallagher presented an update on market trends, cost drivers affecting the health plan, and future projections. Key discussion topics included the impact of freestanding emergency rooms on plan costs, regulatory changes, and strategies to manage pharmacy and medical expenses. The board reviewed 2026 plan performance data and considered proposed adjustments to deductibles, co-pays, and plan designs for future cost management.

The board discussed a proposed amendment to policy DGBA regarding employee representation rights. The discussion centered on concerns about the impact of the policy on existing district timelines, particularly regarding investigations of serious allegations such as child abuse or sexual harassment. Legal counsel addressed potential conflicts with other board policies and clarified the district's authority to reassign employees pending investigations. The board expressed a need for further evaluation to ensure a balance between employee representation rights and the district's operational and safety obligations.

The board meeting included the presentation of colors by the JROTC and a series of student recognitions. Awards were presented to various high school student councils for excellence at the state and national levels, as well as to students for their achievements in the El Paso History Day competition. Additionally, the board recognized individual student accomplishments in gymnastics, arts, and the attainment of prestigious full-ride scholarships, including the QuestBridge program, the Gates Scholarship, the Terry Foundation scholarships, and other institutional awards for the class of 2026.

The meeting included various school announcements such as the recognition of student birthdays and the introduction of a weekly social skill focused on appropriate voice tone. Updates were provided regarding the cancellation of after-school tutoring, the commencement of parent-teacher conferences, and a fundraiser hosted by the robotics club. Additionally, information was shared about a district-wide attendance incentive program and the Read Across America event, which involves themed dress-up days and a book fair in the library. Security protocols were also reinforced, requiring teachers to keep classroom doors locked.