Chayo Gonzales

The Board meeting included the consideration and unanimous recommendation to rename the Alpine High School gymnasium in honor of Rosa Garcia. Discussions covered the selection of an Independent Design Representative, Jeffrey Bresee with CEI Engineering, for the Artificial Turf Project, and the selection of competitive sealed proposals as the delivery method for the construction services of that project. The Board accepted the Audit Report for 2024-2025 and reviewed monthly data, including enrollment projections and financial reports for November 2025, subsequently approving budget amendments totaling $609,816.00. The Board also accepted several donations and approved TASB Board Policy Update 126. During the Superintendent's Report, updates were provided on Chromebook updates, attendance waivers, and teacher certification progress. In open session following a closed session regarding personnel matters, the Board accepted the resignation of the AC/DC Director.

This plan outlines Alpine ISD's strategy to comply with House Bill 2 (2025) by reducing and eliminating the assignment of uncertified teachers in foundation curriculum courses. The objective is to achieve full compliance with Texas teacher certification requirements by the 2029-2030 school year. Key strategic pillars include establishing annual reduction targets, providing educator preparation and support, offering financial incentives, implementing recruitment and pipeline initiatives, and conducting continuous data review and improvement.

The meeting commenced with a call to order, invocation, and pledges. Compliance with the Open Meetings Law was verified, noting the public posting on January 15, 2026. Following a brief recess for the Board Appreciation Dinner, the meeting resumed with recognition of board members and campus principal reports detailing various student activities, assessment results, and facility updates, including the dedication of a new Buck mount. The Interim Chief Financial Officer reviewed December 2025 financials and tax collections, and discussed the current Property Value Study. The Athletic Director provided updates on sports programs and character education. Key actions included the approval of two budget amendments: one to cover an over-expended CTE Vehicles account from SHARS revenue, and another to pay down bond principal using Band Interest revenue. Consent items, including the minutes from the December 17, 2025, Regular Meeting and district expenditures for December 2025, were approved. The Board accepted several donations intended for various funds and programs such as the Angel Meals Fund and Alpine Buck Boosters. Furthermore, the Board approved an Order Calling for a General Election for School Trustees on May 2, 2026. Other approvals included the renewal of the 2026 membership in the Walsh Gallegos Retainer Program, updates to the 2025-2026 Calendar to add ADSY Days for optional summer school and partnerships, and a Low Attendance Day(s) Waiver for December 8-19, 2025. Resolutions were adopted to approve grant programs for Criminal Justice, Juvenile Justice & Youth Diversion, and General Victim Assistance for FY2027. A discussion was held regarding Senate Bill 11 concerning periods of prayer and religious text reading. The Superintendent's Report covered progress on board goals, including the potential renaming of the CNA program, a recent meeting regarding delinquent tax collection, attendance numbers (total enrollment at 847), and updates on the turf project at Buck Stadium. During open session following closed deliberations on personnel and the Superintendent's evaluation, the Board voted to extend the Superintendent's contract by one year until 2029 with a specified salary increase. Future meetings were scheduled, and the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting included a public hearing to discuss the district's rating on the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). Key updates covered K-2 Phonics Curriculum Design and the Teacher Incentive Allotment Program. Financial discussions involved an update on delinquent tax collections and a report from the Interim Chief Financial Officer, including a presentation on the Brewster County Appraisal District Property Value Study and Mid-Year Revenue Updates, as well as an update from the Big Bend Rural Initiative for Success in Education (BB-RISE) Regional Director. The board considered and took possible action on the selection and approval of Deferred Maintenance Projects, associated construction delivery methods, and the use of professional service providers for these projects. Other considerations included a review of an application to delay HB-z Teacher Certification Requirements and a request for an Additional Day School Year (ADSY) Waiver. The agenda concluded with superintendent recommendations regarding personnel matters, including employee contracts for 2025-2026 and administrative contracts for 2026-2027, following a closed session deliberation.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included verification of compliance with the Open Meetings Law, recognition of Board Members for Board Appreciation Month, and Campus Principal Reports. The Interim Chief Financial Officer presented the monthly financial report and discussed related topics. Agenda items involved consideration of budget amendments, review of district expenditures for December 2025, and consideration of donations received across various funds. The Board also planned to consider an order calling for a General Election for School Trustees in Districts #2 and #6 in May 2026. Further considerations included the renewal of the Walsh Gallegos Retainer Program membership, updates to the 2025-2026 calendar for optional summer school and partnerships, and a waiver request for low attendance days in December 2025. Resolutions related to the Criminal Justice Grant Program, Juvenile Justice & Youth Diversion Grant Program, and General Victim Assistance Grant Program for FY2027 were reviewed. A discussion only item concerned a resolution regarding Senate Bill 11 on periods of prayer and religious text reading. The Superintendent provided updates on the Board, enrollment, and facility improvements. A closed session was scheduled to deliberate on personnel matters, including employee resignations, retirements, and superintendent recommendations for contracts for 2025-2026, as well as a review of the Superintendent's evaluation.