Ida Ambriz

The meeting focused on Data Governance and Outcomes, specifically addressing upcoming Campus Audits. Key discussion points included the importance of Key Governing Resources such as the SAAH and FASRG. The FUNDING & PEIMS section detailed how attendance drives state funding across various programs, including Pre-K, Special Education, Homebound, Pregnancy Related Services (PRS), Bilingual/ESL, and CTE. Specific review items covered official attendance time (OAT), necessary documentation for attendance review (e.g., sign in/out sheets, substitute rosters), Prekindergarten eligibility documentation (including birth certificate processes), and criteria and review points for Pregnancy Related Services (PRS) cases.

The meeting commenced with recognitions, including the PTSA Students of the Month for September and October, and students earning National Recognition Awards from the College Board. The Board also recognized the HCISD Business Office for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Certification of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. A Principal's Report was presented by the Principal of Lamar Elementary Dual Language Academy. Discussions and approvals covered the consent calendar (excluding previous meeting minutes), the Transforming Teaching & Learning Committee Report detailing financial literacy commitment and improvement plan advancements, and approval for out-of-state student travel for speech tournaments. The Board approved the 2025-2026 District and Campus Improvement Plans, interlocal agreements with Cameron County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, and Memorandums of Understanding with Texas State Technical College and Cameron County Housing Authority. The Finances & Planning Committee Report led to approvals for budget amendments, the list of investment dealers, brokers and banks, nominations for Cameron County Appraisal District Representatives, an investment resolution, facility use fees, and the award of proposals and contracts. The Facilities & Safety Committee Report was also presented. An Executive Session was held to discuss personnel matters, including the employment of teachers and other professional staff, followed by open session action approving the employment of several staff members before adjournment.

The key discussion topic addressed the approval of the TEA LASO Cycle 4 Grant application to support the district's learning acceleration initiatives for the 2025-2026 school year. The motion for approval was made and seconded, subsequently carrying with the affirmative votes of the present members.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by numerous awards and recognitions, including PTSA Students of the Month, recognition for the Harlingen High School South Band's state marching competition qualification, commendations for several schools based on Children at Risk rankings, recognition for Art Teachers for the TAEA District of Distinction Award, and celebrations for Apple Distinguished Campuses. A Principal's Report was presented for Ben Milam Elementary Dual Academy. The Board approved the consent calendar, which included the minutes from the November 11, 2025, meeting. Discussions and approvals included the Transforming Teaching & Learning Committee Report, an MOU with Su Clinica Familiar for the 2025-2026 School Year, an MOU with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for the 2025-2026 School Year, approval for out-of-state travel for the Harlingen High School South Student Council Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., approval of Budget Amendments, approval of Monthly Financials, approval of Monthly Tax Collections, and approval of the 2024-2025 Independent Financial Audit. The Board also approved a resolution regarding votes cast for the Election of Two Cameron Appraisal District Board of Directors, participation in an Interlocal Agreement with Central Texas Purchasing Alliance Cooperative (CTPA), awarded a contract for Legal Services, awarded a construction services contract for Lamar Elementary Renovations, and approved the Award of Proposals and Contracts. The Facilities & Safety Committee Report was presented, leading to the approval of the final construction payment for HVAC Improvements at Bowie Elementary and Gutierrez Middle School Projects. Approvals were also made regarding Teacher Evaluation Appraisers for 2025-2026 and the Early Exit Incentive for Professional Employees. A TASB-recommended revision to Policy update 126 was approved on first reading. An Executive Session was held to discuss personnel matters and the employment of teachers and other professional staff. Upon returning to open session, the employment of two staff members, Joshua Thompson and Alyssa Bocanegra, was approved.

The meeting included several recognitions, such as honoring Board Members for their commitment and recognizing PTSA Students of the Month and Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award Recipients. The Principal's Report was presented by the Principal of Austin Elementary IB World School. Key actions included the approval of the consent calendar, which involved approving minutes from prior meetings in December 2025. The board received reports from the Transforming Teaching and Learning Committee and the Finances & Planning Committee, leading to approvals for Library Material Acquisitions, an MOU with United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) Head Start, Budget Amendments, Monthly Financials, Monthly Tax Collections, and the Award of Proposals and Contracts. An order authorizing the issuance of Unlimited Tax Bonds, Series 2026, was also approved. Following a Facilities & Safety Committee Report, the board entered an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, employment of staff, recent intruder detection, and real property deliberation. Upon reconvening, the board approved the employment of several teachers and professional staff members.