Veronica Peña Barrera

The board meeting featured recognitions for student accomplishments, including the Alto Bonito Elementary robotics team, the Grulla Elementary robotics team, the Rio Grande City High School student council, the high school powerlifting team, and the girls' basketball team. Additionally, a report on the summer dual credit instructional plan was presented, with discussions regarding the potential to revisit the district's policy on offering summer dual credit courses for students close to completing their associate degrees.

The board meeting included several recognitions for student achievement, including the General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary Iron Eagles Robotics Team, various student council members from different elementary schools, and a high school cross-country athlete. Key administrative discussions involved the board's decision to eliminate fees for TSI exams and dual enrollment courses to remove financial barriers for students. Additionally, the district presented its Results Driven Accountability (RDA) report, noting a determination level of two and outlining goals to improve literacy, inclusive practices, and reduce disciplinary removals.

The board meeting focused on several key personnel and financial actions. The board proposed the mid-term termination of a Chapter 21 continuing contract employee. Additionally, the board approved the termination of external audit services with one firm and engaged a new firm to provide external audit services, while authorizing the superintendent to execute the necessary engagement documents. The board also reviewed and took action on requisitions valued at $5,000 and over.

The board meeting primarily focused on an executive session conducted to discuss specific items listed on the agenda. Following the session, the board took action regarding the termination of a continuing contract for a district employee, ultimately voting to adopt the independent hearing examiner's findings of fact and conclusions of law to proceed with the termination for good cause.

The board meeting included recognitions of student athletes who competed at the state level and the presentation of funds returned to various school campuses. The board also addressed business items including the nomination of candidates for the Starr County Appraisal District board of directors, discussion of additional testing services for Guya Middle School, termination of a contract for warehouse services, approval of a tax ratification election, and authorization for professional learning sessions focused on curriculum implementation in reading and math.