Michelle Ayala

The meeting centered on discussion and possible action regarding a resolution to authorize the Superintendent to negotiate an interlocal agreement for a joint venture with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). This venture is for the construction and lease of a building to serve as an Early College High School for Harlingen CISD and UTRGV college-level courses. The presentation detailed the history and success of the Early College High School, the adoption of the strategic plan, the expansion of STEM/M-Squared programs, and a nationally recognized teacher preparation model developed in partnership with UTRGV. The resolution for the new joint facility, which will be a UTRGV campus housing the Early College High School and new academies (Engineering, Computer Science, Aspiring Teachers), was unanimously approved.

The regular board meeting commenced with recognition ceremonies, including honoring 163 All-Star Readers from elementary schools for achieving a minimum of 1 million words read. Additionally, over 30 students from Harlingen High School, Harlingen High School South, and Early College High School who will be joining the U.S. Military (Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy) were recognized for their commitment to service. The board also approved an expenditure for the Harlingen High School South Orchestra to travel to Washington D.C. for an educational trip. Key discussions under transformation and school support included aligning student learning objectives in the GT, Pre-AP, and AP programs to ensure student persistence in AP courses, involving a redesign of the GT curriculum. Furthermore, an update on the dual enrollment program detailed the transition from Texas State Technical College to Texas Southmost College for academic core courses, with work nearly complete, and momentum gained in establishing a new partnership for the Early College High School program.

The meeting included awards and recognitions, notably the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District receiving a Loss Prevention Grant for the ninth consecutive year, totaling $6,000, which will be used for safety initiatives such as purchasing lab mats and dollies. The board also recognized the Region One TSON of the Year recipient, Tanya Garza. Presentations were made regarding the achievements and standards of the Harlingen City Council of PTAs, including their advocacy efforts, leadership training, and programs like Reflections. Key PTA initiatives discussed involved fostering better communication between principals and PTA presidents, supporting student success, expanding legislative involvement via a Meet the Candidates forum, and growing membership, including achieving Golden Apple and MARS awards at several campuses.

This Family-School Compact for Lee Means Elementary outlines an action plan to promote student success by detailing shared responsibilities among the school, parents, and students. Its primary goals include ensuring high-quality, individualized instruction for maximum student achievement, attracting and retaining effective educators, improving learning experiences through data-driven insights, developing individualized learning plans to ensure post-secondary and career readiness, and enhancing communication efficiency among all stakeholders.

This Family Engagement Policy for Wilson Elementary Dual Academy, operating under the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, is designed to enhance student academic achievement by fostering strong partnerships with families and the community. The policy's key components include collaborative policy development and revision, annual Title I-A parent meetings, the implementation of School-Parent-Student Compacts, tailoring programs to community needs, ensuring effective staff-parent communication, and continuous evaluation. It aims to build capacity within families to support their children's education, ensuring quality education and preparing students for future success.