Clarissa Abbott

The meeting included a public comment section where several individuals addressed the board. Key discussion topics centered on school nutrition, with concerns raised regarding processed foods, sugar content, and food security/eating time adequacy for students. Another significant topic involved Senate Bill 11, with multiple speakers from different faith backgrounds expressing concerns about mandatory or designated prayer/religious reading time, arguing it could create an environment of isolation or pressure for students of minority faiths or no faith, and potentially infringe upon First Amendment protections regarding teacher roles and parental rights. Educators also voiced opposition to SB11, citing concerns about increased paperwork and loss of instructional time for opting-out students.

The Board Workshop meeting included a discussion item regarding the 2026-2027 Budget. Key aspects of this discussion covered an overview of the 2024-2025 prior year, an update on the 2025-2026 current year, and the outlook and planning for the 2026-2027 budget.

The meeting began with a Moment of Silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by public comments covering Child Nutrition, ER visits relating to community kids, and the importance of early nutrition. Consent agenda items included the approval and awarding of two RFPs: RFP No. 2024-1023 (Catering, Entertainment, Field Trips, Fundraising, Food, Restaurants, and Rentals) to Little Caesars (Sizzling Platter, LLC) through June 30, 2027, and RFP No. 2024-1021 (Apparel, Awards, Incentives, Printing, and Related Products and Services) with companies on the attached list through June 30, 2027. The Board also approved the First Amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement & Business Associate Agreement No. 2026-224 with Hidalgo County regarding Public Health Preparedness and Response Grant. A report on the purchase of the Qualtrics Cloud-Native Software Platform was provided for information. Instructional Services items included a report on Digital Learning and Library Services and the approval of Memorandum of Understanding No. 2026-198 with Region One Education Service Center for College Preparatory Mathematics & English Language Arts, as well as the approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar. Business and Operations items included reports on delinquent tax collections and monthly financial/investment reports, approval of the December Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2025, adoption of an Order calling a bond election, and approval of Memorandum of Understanding 2026-223 regarding Standard Response Protocol with the I Love You Guys' Foundation. Under Board of Trustees items, the nomination of a candidate for the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 Term was tabled. The Board then recessed to closed session to discuss Human Resources recommendations, employee resignations/retirees, school safety/security, pending litigation, and possible real estate acquisition. Upon reconvening, the Board approved Human Resources Recommendations for School Year 2025-2026.

The meeting included a public comment session where community members addressed topics such as nutrition programs, school food quality, playground clubs, and curriculum changes related to sexual harassment and teen dating violence presentations. Key actions included the adoption of the Proclamation for School Board Appreciation Month (January 2026). The Board approved several consent agenda items: an amendment to the Hidalgo County Head Start Program MOU, a second amendment to the MOU with the McAllen Education Foundation, approval of the RFP for Charter Bus Services, and final payments for security surveillance and intercom system contracts at McAllen High School and Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, respectively. Instructional items involved the approval of the Local Improvement Plan for Jose de Escandon Elementary and the approval of the McAllen Independent School District Policy CSA (Regulation) and the TASB Localized Policy Manual Update 126. The Board also held a public hearing for the 2024-2025 District Annual Report and the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR). Following a closed session to discuss human resources matters, employee resignations/retirements, school safety, litigation, and real estate acquisition, the Board approved HR recommendations for the 2025-2026 school year. The Board also approved corrections to the Special Board Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2025.

The meeting commenced with the call to order. Following the call to order, there were no public comments. The Board then recessed into a Closed Session to discuss a Level III Grievance Hearing for Sonia Guerra. The Board reconvened into Open Session to address the Level III Grievance Hearing for Sonia Guerra before adjourning the meeting.