Marcus Alvarez

The meeting included several segments recognizing student and staff achievements. Dr. Holmes from Crockett Elementary presented students involved in the Willy Wonka Jr. musical, followed by the pledges of allegiance. Public forum featured discussions on access to high-quality children's and young adult literature, specifically concerning the 30th anniversary of the Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award, and comments regarding special education support strategies. The Superintendent's report highlighted student and staff recognitions, including photography, wrestling state champions, and January attendance winners for elementary and secondary campuses, along with leadership appointments. The board received a proclamation designating February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month. A detailed update on the 2023 bond construction projects was provided, covering progress on Mendes, Miller Middle School projects, the natatorium, and the high school phased construction, including timelines for band hall, black box, theater renovation, classroom additions, and SPED renovation.

This special called meeting served as an agenda preparation session for the regular January 20th meeting. Key discussion items for the upcoming regular meeting included the superintendent's report with student recognitions, a resolution for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a quarterly academic update covering ELA, math, attendance, and discipline data, and an operations update including a transportation report. Action items scheduled for the regular meeting involve the consideration of an order calling for an election to elect three trustees, approval of contracts for special education services, budget amendments, and approval for the purchase of 10 buses using 2023 supplemental bond funds to comply with new state lap belt requirements. Discussions also covered issuing a resolution for a good cause exception regarding armed security officer requirements under House Bill 3, and approving a hazard mitigation action plan resolution for future FEMA grant eligibility. Further discussion involved the midyear evaluation contract of the superintendent and deliberation on safety and security, including intruder audit reports. Board members also discussed setting parameters for a new ad hoc board advisory council focused on parental advocacy, facility naming, and compliance with state engagement requirements, and sought clarity on the redistricting process status.

The board meeting addressed several action items. Discussions included the consideration of the San Marcus District's mission statement and commitment, and the creation of a statutory resolution regarding daily prayer time as required by Senate Bill 11, with trustees directing staff to formulate a policy that respects existing opportunities for religious expression without creating disruptive mandated prayer time. The board also reviewed recommended policy language related to implementing a daily period of prayer and reading of religious texts. Several items concerning elections were discussed, including contracts with Hayes, Caldwell, and Guadalupe Counties for election services and participation in a joint election scheduled for May 2nd, 2026. Operations involved approving the purchase of up to 10 buses using supplemental bond funds, with a suggested revision to allow for greater flexibility in quantity and cost. The meeting included an extensive budget workshop detailing fund sources (local, state, federal) and expenditure allocations, noting personnel costs exceed 85% of the budget. A proposal for a one-time $1,000 payment for non-TRA employees was discussed as a potential use of current funds. Questions arose regarding the use of general funds for emergency maintenance, such as HVAC replacements, and the need to track these expenditures for future budgeting periods.

The meeting began with procedural confirmations, including mic checks, adherence to open meetings act guidelines, and the official call to order establishing a quorum. Student presentations included pledges led by students from Buoie Elementary School. The public forum section featured citizens addressing the board regarding challenged library materials, specifically citing content from books like "Dime" and "Identical" as profane, sexually explicit, and harmful to minors, referencing Texas Penal Code 4324 and SB13 mandates. One speaker also formally appealed the EFB local and legal school library collection development policy. The superintendent's report recognized campuses for high Average Daily Attendance (ADA), specifically Hernandez Elementary and Good Night High School. Additionally, Bonum PreK was recognized as a finalist for the 2026 HBE Excellence in Education award, and a high school senior, Rice Tips, was recognized for receiving the highly competitive QuestBridge scholarship matched with Caltech University, covering significant educational costs.

The meeting, which served as agenda preparation for the December 15th regular meeting, covered several important topics. Key discussion points included student recognitions and attendance updates, a PSAT/SAT update, and presentations on Community and Schools initiatives and Community Engagement via Scholastic. The board also planned to discuss attendance boundary reviews potentially requiring a redraw. Action items included considering recommendations for library book procurement and challenges, as well as rescinding a prior contractual delegation to the superintendent regarding attendance credits and establishing new, verbatim authorization. The board authorized deliberation in executive session regarding safety and security due to a failed audit. Furthermore, discussions were held regarding authorizing the administration to communicate with the city concerning property evaluation (including a new, higher appraisal) and environmental assessments related to an RFP, with a plan to formally discuss this in executive session. The board also discussed adding an item for formal discussion regarding participation in the San Marcus Area Chamber of Commerce's inner-city trip for 2026. Finally, the board discussed a potential partnership with the Hays County Food Bank following a federal benefit pause, intending to schedule a presentation from the food bank for the December meeting. A discussion also took place regarding the Raise Your Hand Texas Community Leaders Fellowship program, with interest expressed by some trustees.