Louisa Aguirre-Baeza

This document outlines the proposed technology investment under the Ysleta Independent School District's 2015 bond referendum. Key initiatives include expanding the internet network from 1 gigabit to 10 gigabits, installing modern wireless routers and new cabling, and supporting the 'Engagement Interact With Me' laptop program. The plan aims to provide a 21st-century learning experience, improve internet access, foster innovation in the classroom, and equip students with essential tools for success in the global workforce.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of the President's Award to a student, Leonardo Gomez. Following the call to order and establishment of a quorum, a moment of silence was observed in honor of Alicia R. Chakon, a former public servant and school board member. The initial segment also included the presentation of colors by the JROTC color guard from Eastwood High School and the recitation of the pledges of allegiance. Recognitions were given to Delva High School students for their community service project, Operation Water Spring, and to six high school marching bands for earning high ratings at UIL regional contests, including Hanks High School advancing to the state championships. During the Citizens Input portion, community members spoke in support of Molly Signs for appointment to the vacant trustee position in District 7, and others requested consideration for a stipend for hourly educational support professionals due to financial strain from recent insurance changes. The formal presentations included the 2025 Annual Financial and Compliance Report, where the district received an unmodified opinion on its audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, with no internal control or compliance findings noted.

The meeting included presentations honoring the Board of Trustees for their dedication, with students from various learning communities offering remarks for Trustee OOA, Trustee Dwire, Trustee Bustillos, Trustee Woodruff, Trustee Hagerty, and Trustee Hernandez. Citizen input focused primarily on the proposed instructional calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, specifically regarding the impact of using strategic days off (like the day after Halloween or the Super Bowl) and Additional Days School Year (ADSY) compliance, funding implications, and compensation for staff. Another speaker addressed educator culture, expressing concerns about micromanagement and a perceived lack of respect impacting morale.

The meeting commenced with a ceremony honoring a student for receiving the President's Award for outstanding service excellence, specifically highlighting Harley Via Lobos for creating the campus thrift store, My Sister's Closet. The board then proceeded with the swearing-in and confirmation of Mr. Henry Vera as the newly appointed trustee for District 7, who will serve until the next election in May 2027. Following the formal proceedings, trustees offered welcoming remarks to the new member, noting his experience and anticipated contributions. The board president addressed operating procedures, detailing rules for agenda item placement and time limits for discussion. The remainder of the session focused heavily on recognizing numerous outstanding student achievements across the district, including members of the Allstate Dance Team, participants in the Albert H. Small Normandy Institute, musicians earning spots in Allstate Choir, band, or orchestra ensembles, and a student advancing to the UIL Student Congress state competition.

The meeting commenced with student recognitions, including the presentation of the President's Award to Ebony Kovarubas for her extensive volunteer service and recognitions for dance teams from Delva, Eastwood, Parkland, and Isleta High Schools for superior ratings at a dance assessment, as well as recognizing Kenya Castanetta for being selected as a leadership scholar and ambassador. The board also heard the internal audit quarterly report, which detailed progress on campus and non-campus audits, follow-up reviews on past audits, and updates on the fraud, abuse, and waste hotline. Key agenda items included approval of minutes from previous meetings, review of monthly financial statements and investment reports, designation of non-business days for the 2026 public information calendar, and a discussion regarding the casting of 182 weighted votes for two director positions on the El Paso Central Appraisal District board, following recent changes in the Texas Property Tax Code.