Graciela Garza

The board meeting agenda includes the consideration of an out-of-town travel request for the Fine Arts Department, specifically the Ida Diaz Jr. High Band. Financial discussions focus on authorizing the solicitation of proposals for ancillary products, group health insurance, employee voluntary products, medical insurance agent of record services, and third-party administration for benefit plans. Operational and human resources items involve approving a delay for HB 2 teacher certification requirements and a transportation equipment services agreement. Additionally, the board will review an amendment to board policy BED (Local) and convene in closed session to discuss personnel matters, including the superintendent's recommendation regarding the football head coach.

The Special Called Board Meeting agenda included several key discussion points and potential actions. Items covered involved recognition through the Annual Hidalgo ISD Points of Pride, consideration of a request for dance groups to travel to Houston for instructional purposes, discussion and potential action on Hidalgo ISD Resolution #2026-03 concerning Senate Bill 11, and updates on financial matters including grants. Furthermore, the board planned to discuss and potentially select the procurement structure and method for multiple Bond-Funded Construction Projects. A significant portion of the agenda involved a Closed Session to consult with the school attorney for legal advice and to discuss Personnel Matters, including the Superintendent's Evaluation and Contract.

This 2025 Federal Report Card for Hidalgo Elementary details the Texas Education Agency's long-term and interim goals for academic performance in Reading/ELA and Mathematics, English Learner proficiency, and Graduation Rates. It outlines the state's accountability system, including key performance indicators for school differentiation, methodologies for identifying underperforming schools, and exit criteria. The report provides comprehensive data on student achievement, academic growth, English language proficiency, school quality, teacher qualifications, and financial expenditures, reflecting the school's progress towards state educational objectives.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda covered several key areas. Under Superintendent's Report, announcements included the Board Appreciation Dinner, Private Pilot Podcast, South Texas School Board Association Celebration, an update on the Scholarship Foundation, and the District Vulnerability Assessment Report. Consent items included approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting and various reports and agreements, such as the Tax Collector's Report for November and December 2025, the Hidalgo County & Hidalgo ISD PHEP Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, approval for STUDENT 365 TELE - HEALTH SERVICES, and the approval of checks/invoices over the purchasing threshold for November and December 2025. Finance discussions involved the Financial Report, a Budget Amendment to the General Fund for Superintendent Initiative, and a Quarterly Investment Report. Human Resources and Operations items included reports on Child Nutrition and roofing projects, and discussions regarding approving an interlocal agreement for a Loaner Bus and soliciting RFP services for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for new CTE and Sports Center buildings. The board also planned to discuss an amended agreement for ERO Architects for bond facility projects before convening in Closed Session to discuss legal consultation and personnel matters, including Superintendent recommendations and amending the compensation plan.

The board meeting included recognition of AP Scholars, announcements regarding board members' continuing education credits, and presentations on HECHS attendance and HISD professional development. The board approved items in the consent section, including minutes from previous meetings, the tax collector's report, and requests for student travel. Approvals were also granted for the 2025-2026 Hidalgo ISD District Improvement Plan, bond projects, and membership in the South Texas School Association. Financial reports and budget updates were presented, and the board approved checks/invoices over the purchasing threshold, a budget amendment, and an amendment to the salary compensation plan. Additionally, the board discussed and took action on food service consulting services, health insurance plans, and bond construction project support. The board also approved a contract for reroofing projects at HECHS and Ida Diaz Jr. High. The meeting went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters, and upon returning to open session, the board approved the superintendent's recommendations regarding employment, resignations, reassignments, retirements, non-renewals, terminations, staffing status, and discipline.