Maria Castillo Jimenez

The meeting agenda covered several significant items. Discussions included an update on the Bond Construction Project. Actions taken involved approving a change order credit of $58,851.52 for the baseball/softball concession project and subsequently adding this credit to the contingency fund for the 600 wing project. The Board received instruction and student achievement updates, including a report on UIL Academic Meet Results, and reviewed findings from a recent TEA Intruder Detection Audit. Further actions included approving a Gonzales County Resolution related to the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and approving an Adjunct Faculty Agreement/Resolution request concerning 4-H Members. Under the consent agenda, financial, tax collector, and cafeteria reports were reviewed, noting that 93.08% of the 2025 levy had been collected through February 2026, and meal service statistics were provided. The Board also accepted the Certification of Unopposed Candidates, which led to the cancellation of the election and the declaration of two candidates as elected. Finally, the Board approved the 2026-27 school calendar and the budget adoption calendar, discussed the Board Election for ESC Region 13 Directors in executive session, and reviewed employment resignations.

The meeting included a Public Hearing regarding the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), which requires annual publication and discussion by the district. Key agenda items included a construction update on the Bond Project provided by Sledge Engineering, review of the finance report, and discussion of the cafeteria report detailing meal participation and reimbursement claims. The Board also reviewed the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) and enrollment figures compared to the previous year. Action was taken to approve the job description for the Network Administrator position. A resolution referred by Senate Bill 11 was discussed but ultimately not approved by the Board. Furthermore, the Board designated fund balances as per GASB Statement No. 54 requirements, and approved administrator contract recommendations during the closed session.

The Board meeting covered several agenda items, including the approval of the annual audit report as presented. The Board received an update on the Bond Construction Project. Administrative reports reviewed included the finance report, tax collector's report (noting 13.35% of the 2025 adjusted levy collected through December 2025), cafeteria report detailing meal counts and reimbursements, and a review of ADA and enrollment figures showing a decrease to 990 students from 1016 in the prior year. The Board passed a motion to call for the order of the 2026 school board election for trustees. A discussion highlighted requirements of Senate Bill 11 regarding daily prayer time and religious texts. During a closed session focused on personnel matters, the Board reviewed the resignation of one employee and the employment status of two others.

The meeting included recognitions of students and staff, an update on the Bond Construction project, and a public hearing on School FIRST, where the district received a 'Superior' rating. The board discussed the teacher incentive allotment and timeline, and approved updates on the Threat Assessment and Safe and Supportive School Program (SSSP) and Team. The consent agenda included finance, tax collector's report, cafeteria report, and ADA report. The board also discussed and approved a budget amendment for 2025-26, and reviewed and revised local policies. Employment reviews were conducted, and the meeting was adjourned.

The Board received updates on the bond construction project and ordered canvassing returns and declaring results of the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election. Special programs were reviewed, including Gifted and Talented, 504, Dyslexia, Migrant, Homeless, ESL, and Special Education. The safety report for October was presented. The Board also discussed and approved the Agreement for the Purchase of Attendance Credit and delegated contractual authority to the Superintendent. The annual investment policy was reviewed, and votes were cast for Appraisal District Directors. The 2025 final tax roll report was approved. The board reviewed several policy updates, and also reviewed employment reviews including resignations and new employment.