Maria H. Arambula-Ruiz

The document primarily contains a presentation or speech by Tomas Rodriguez, who identified himself as the Director of Utilities of Water Department for the city of Loro and a member of the United Independent School District (UISD) family. The speaker discussed themes of success, planning one's future career path after high school, the importance of various professions including trades (mechanic, carpenter, plumber) versus academics, and the crucial role of English comprehension. The speaker also detailed his personal journey, including struggles with English comprehension in college despite aptitude in math and science, and eventual success in civil engineering related to water and sewer systems. The latter part of the content focused on water resource management in the region, including surface water from the Rio Conchos and Rio Grande, groundwater sources, challenges with water availability compared to San Antonio, and specific details regarding water rights near Amistad.

The meeting covered several informational items, including a review of the Superintendent's monthly financial report as of October 31, 2020, detailing cash investment balances and year-to-date revenues and expenditures. A significant portion of the discussion focused on preparation for state assessment (STAAR) testing, particularly regarding guidance on administering exams to remote students and planning benchmark testing schedules for high school, middle school, and elementary levels while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols. The board also reviewed purchasing reports, including the recommended vendor for a virtual anatomy table. A major initiative discussed was the implementation of telemedicine services in partnership with Gateway Community Health Centre to allow for on-campus diagnosis of strep and flu, featuring 28 medical providers and a dedicated line for video calls. Furthermore, the board addressed monthly disbursements for October, approval for property tax refunds, and the resolution authorizing a grant application to the South Texas Development Council for a regional solid waste grant program to fund recycling dumpster containers.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comments, specifically regarding the Superintendent's annual evaluation, where support for Superintendent David H. Gonzalez was expressed. Recognitions involved thanking military personnel for using district facilities and announcing that the district's technology department received the prestigious Tyler Excellence Award for improving processes related to collecting student economic disadvantage data. The board approved several consent agenda items (6A through 6N), accepted donations totaling over five thousand six hundred dollars for the aquatic center and general grade level accounts, and approved board travel for the TASBY Summer Leadership Institute conference. Furthermore, the board approved requests related to the use of trustee discretionary funds, including sending a transportation department employee for instructor certification training. Finally, the board took action to approve the Superintendent's 2021-2022 annual evaluation following a closed session discussion.

The Business Committee Meeting addressed several items. Key discussions included the presentation of the 2022-2023 District Parent and Family Engagement Policy. A Memorandum of Understanding with Literacy Volunteers of America for adult education courses, including ESL and citizenship classes, was presented. The committee reviewed an update on the safety department, noting expansions in staffing for safety roles. The discussion regarding district-wide intruder detection auto report findings was tabled for executive session later in the week. Finance presented the September disbursements and sought approval to roll over outstanding commitments totaling $4,997,441 from the previous fiscal year to the current budget. Bids were considered for awarding partnerships with private community-based child care providers, with a recommendation to award to Children's Fountain of Knowledge Learning Center and Johnson's Daycare and Learning Center. An annual report on Cooperative Program Contract related fees for the 2021-22 fiscal years was reviewed, noting minimal fees charged by cooperatives, except for a rebate expected from the Buy Board program. Revisions to the 2020-23 calendar were approved to account for bad weather, including converting August 15th to a professional development day and designating specific umbrella days for future weather-related closures. Finally, requests for board member projects utilizing discretionary funds were addressed.

The meeting convened as a special called session. The primary actions taken during the closed session involved personnel matters. Specifically, the board acknowledged Eva Guerra as a valued employee and directed that the supervisor at LBJ High School treat her with respect. Additionally, the board voted to deny a grievance filed by Edna Almeida, a teacher at Salinas Elementary School, and also voted to deny a grievance filed by Al Gavaskar, a secretary at Fasiqun Elementary. The session concluded with adjournment.