Vicki Ashy

The meeting began with an affirmation that the meeting was properly posted and a quorum was present. Key discussions included public comments concerning student walkouts and associated punishments. The board recognized an outstanding UIL All-State Journalism student from the high school, Lee Nuin, and acknowledged the student's academic achievements, including acceptance to Yale University. A presentation was given regarding the district's participation in the 2026 Healthier Texas Community Challenge, noting the previous year's second-place standing in Texas and urging community participation. Additionally, a required public reporting session covered expenditures for the accelerated instruction program for the 24-25 school year, detailing allocations across various intervention and education components, totaling approximately $14.6 million in expenditures for the previous year.

The meeting commenced with opening exercises involving student performances and a prayer. Five citizens presented to the board regarding student safety concerns. Recognitions included proclamations and resolutions celebrating Board of Trustees Appreciation Month and an acknowledgment related to the United Way 2025-2026 efforts. Discussion items involved the Superintendent's Reports, covering the Student Safety Advisory Committee, the Education Foundation Annual Update, January Data Update, and the Monthly Financial Report. Approved actions included the Teacher District of Innovation (DOI) Phase Out Plan (House Bill 2), a proposed Low Attendance Waiver for Ross S. Sterling High School, and various procurement actions such as the award of a competitive sealed proposal for a roof replacement and extensions for nutrition services contracts. Personnel actions involved the approval of new administrative elections, teacher elections, and the acceptance of several resignations and retirements.

This Strategic Plan is structured around five core pillars: Academic Performance, focusing on improving overall student outcomes and readiness; Community Engagement, aimed at strengthening relationships and communication with the community; Operational Excellence, dedicated to maintaining facilities and ensuring a safe and secure environment; Organizational Development, focused on recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff; and Financial Stewardship, committed to maintaining fiscal responsibility and superior ratings. Each pillar includes specific targets, strategies, and measures to guide implementation and assess progress.

The meeting began with opening exercises performed by students from Horace Mann Junior School. During citizen participation, a concern was raised regarding an improperly assessed invoice balance and restrictions on distributing flyers. A required public hearing was held to discuss the District's rating under the Schools Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for fiscal year 2023-2024. Citizen input during the public hearing included concerns about administrative staffing levels and the need for an internal audit function reporting directly to the Board. Following a closed session, the Board took action to hire Dr. Joe Rodriguez as the Superintendent of Schools and approve his employment and relocation agreement. Recognitions included honoring Port Houston for a donation to the maritime program and announcing the winner of the 2025-2026 District Christmas Card Design contest. Key action items approved included numerous contract extensions (for athletic supplies, equipment, spirit wear, and beverage vending services), the award of new service contracts (audiological equipment, special education equipment), the establishment of 2026 Non-Business Days, approval of budget amendments (including carryforwards and funding adjustments), approval of property foreclosures for resale, and approval of personnel changes (elections, resignations, and the election of an Assistant Chief of Police). The Board also approved the termination of a teacher's contract due to alleged contract abandonment and denied a parent grievance appeal.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in memory of a student, followed by opening exercises featuring student performances. Citizens participated by addressing the Board regarding student safety. Key recognitions included proclamations for Board of Trustees Appreciation Month and awards for campuses excelling in United Way contributions and participation. Discussion items covered the Superintendent's reports on the Student Safety Advisory Committee, the Education Foundation Annual Update, and the January Data Update. The Board also reviewed the Monthly Financial Report for the quarter ending October 31, 2025. Action items involved approving several consent agenda items, including the Teacher District of Innovation (DOI) Phase Out Plan, a low attendance waiver for Ross S. Sterling High School, library materials, contract extensions for Nutrition Services and Fine Arts Supplies, the award of RFPs for roof replacement and grounds equipment, and tax refunds. The Board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Lee College for Dual Credit Programs and participation in the Region 10 ESC EdTech Exchange Purchasing Cooperative. Personnel actions included the approval of eight new teacher elections and eleven resignations/retirements, along with three administrative elections. Finally, the Board approved a Foreign Trade Zone Tax Equivalency and Contribution Agreement with Sumika Semiconductor Materials Texas, Inc. The meeting included a Closed Session to discuss various personnel, real property, and legal matters.