Cathy Ayala

The meeting included an executive session where Board Member and Superintendent responsibilities were considered, and the Superintendent's Evaluation and Employment Contract were approved. Recognition was given to a Principal named Principal of the Year and several high school students for achievements in music and art competitions. The Academic Spotlight highlighted programs at Galena Park Middle School. Several district policies, specifically CH (LOCAL) Purchasing and Acquisition and CV (LOCAL) Facilities Construction, were presented and approved at first and final reading. New business involved the approval of the certification and order of cancellation for the May 2, 2026, trustee election, declaring three candidates as unopposed winners. Consent agenda items covered the approval of minutes from the February 9 Regular Meeting, a waiver request to the Texas Education Agency for Staff Development Minutes, and various construction/professional services approvals, including LED lighting upgrades and roofing upgrades at multiple campuses. Financial consent actions approved the purchase of musical instruments, uniforms, instructional materials (Texas StudySync and STEMScopes Math), the February 2026 Budget Amendments, an engagement letter for the Annual Financial and Compliance Audit, and the renewal of a Truancy and Dropout Prevention and Intervention System contract. Information items included updates on Early Head Start, the Tax Collection Report, and financial reports for the 2016 and 2024 Bond Programs.

The meeting began with a presentation on the design development for the Simmeron Elementary School replacement project, including details on site planning, underground detention systems, necessary city easements, and the construction phasing which allows the existing school to remain operational. Subsequent agenda items included special recognition for Jose Jimenez being named to the GF Coast School Board Association board of directors, recognition of CLS Health Webster for donating Automated External Defibrillator (AED) backpacks valued at $2,000 to middle schools, and commendations for students achieving placements in the 2025 Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo for their lamb and steer projects. The board also received presentations highlighting the costume design and technical theater programs at Galina Park High School and Northshore Senior High School, featuring student work and performances. Following these items, board members provided general comments congratulating various groups including the Mustangs in the playoffs, FFA students, and Region Choir triout participants, and expressed appreciation for the Superintendent, cabinet, and staff. The meeting included an executive session to discuss administrative contracts, which concluded with the approval of a written contract for administrators to receive a financial benefit for services outside Galina Park ISD.

The meeting commenced with an executive session followed by an open session. Key actions included the approval of a letter of support for submission to Harris County Precinct 2 regarding elementary sidewalks improvements to promote safe walking routes to school, which passed seven to zero. The board also approved the employment of contractual personnel, also passing seven to zero. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing the Business Services Department for earning several awards: the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, as well as the Merritorious Budget Award of Merit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and the Texas Association of School Business Officials Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025. The academic spotlight featured a video presentation on the Accelerated Center for Education (ACE), detailing its focus on accelerated classes for early graduation, mentorships, the Young Men's and Women's Club, and various counseling opportunities. Board members provided positive commentary regarding the business office's operational support and the positive impact of the ACE program on students facing academic or personal challenges.

The meeting began with a closed executive session to discuss matters authorized under the Texas Government Code. Upon reconvening to open session, the board approved the superintendent's evaluation and employment contract. Key discussion items included special recognitions for personnel, such as naming Mr. Kenneth Bryant as the 2526 Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators Principal of the Year, and recognizing three high school band students for earning positions in the Texas Music Educators Association All State Band and Orchestra. Additionally, recognition was given to a high school senior whose artwork was selected for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's school art auction. The academic spotlight segment featured a video presentation from the principal of Galina Park Middle School highlighting the award-winning band program, staff alumni, and community involvement.

The meeting commenced with administrative announcements regarding open meetings law, followed by a closed/executive session that adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Key actions during the open session included approving the employment of contractual personnel and approving written contracts for administrators to receive financial benefits for services outside the district. A public hearing was conducted regarding the school's first annual finance management report (Schools First report), which presented a superior financial rating of 98 out of 100 points, marking the 23rd consecutive year with an 'A' rating. The presentation also covered compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), detailing technology protection measures (internet filtering, security features, monitoring via Bark for Schools), the acceptable use policy, and the required internet safety curriculum for employees and students. The meeting concluded with special recognitions for coaches who administered CPR/AED to an athlete and for students featured in the Peter Piper Pizza Calendar Art Contest, followed by a moment of silence for a recently deceased program director.