Laredo Independent School District public meetings in 2024

Regular Board Meeting

The Laredo Independent School District Board will discuss budget amendments, procurement contracts, and the 2025-2026 scholastic calendar. The meeting includes reviews of campus performance objectives and a proposed completion date extension for Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa Middle School.

• Budget amendment of $6,580,224 for one-time performance payments due to unfilled positions
• Plumbing parts renewal (RFP 23-035) with estimated expenditures of $135,000
• Graduation items (RFP 24-023) with estimated expenditures of $90,000
• Proposed extension of substantial completion date for Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa Middle School to July 2025
• Property License Agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to install and maintain cameras on District property

Public Hearing

The Laredo Independent School District will hold a public hearing to discuss the district's financial performance. The meeting focuses on the 'A' for Superior Achievement rating received under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST).

• Presentation of the 2024 FIRST Report

Business and Support Services Committee Meeting

The Laredo ISD Business and Support Services Committee will discuss and vote on October 2024 financial reports, three budget amendments totaling $7.06M, and procurement renewals. The meeting also covers unaudited financial statements, donations, tax collection reports, and campus performance objectives.

• Budget amendment BA #2425-24: $6,580,224 for one-time performance payments due to unfilled positions
• Budget amendment BA #2425-25: $455,000 to reallocate funds for police department extra duty and summer school
• Budget amendment BA #2425-26: $22,838 for transfers between functional expenditure categories
• Renewal of RFP 23-035 for plumbing parts: $135,000
• RFP 24-023 for graduation items: $90,000

Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting

The Laredo ISD Curriculum and Instruction Committee will hear presentations on state assessment results, House Bill 3 goals, and graduate tracking, then discuss planned purchases totaling $205,000 for social studies materials, graduation items, and math program licenses.

• RFP #24-024: Social Studies Materials, Professional Development, Software and Related Services - $65,000
• RFP #24-023: Graduation Items - $90,000
• CTPA - RFP#1840DF - D - Renewal (2nd YR.): Secondary Math Program Licenses and Consulting Services (Readiness Set Go LLC) - $50,000

Safety and Security Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Laredo Independent School District Safety and Security Committee meeting scheduled for December 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM was cancelled. No decisions or discussions occurred.

Student Services Committee Meeting

The committee will receive presentations and hold discussions regarding student support services. Topics include campus flu vaccine data, fine arts assessments and concerts, and athletic reclassification numbers.

• Flu vaccine administration numbers per campus
• TDEA Fall Assessment recap and TMEA audition results
• Elementary Honor Choir Winter Concerts
• One Act Play preparations for middle and high schools
• UIL Reclassification and Realignment Conference Cutoff Numbers for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026

Special Call Meeting

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss a small budget amendment and the reorganization of school board officer positions.

• Budget amendment BA#2425-23 for $950 in the General Operating Fund (199) for transfers from Board of Trustees discretionary funds
• Re-organization of school board officer positions

District Operations and School Safety Committee Meeting

The District Operations and School Safety Committee will discuss follow-ups from the November meeting, review a $135,000 plumbing parts procurement, receive updates on construction projects at Cigarroa Middle School, Cigarroa High School, and Martin High School, and hear about capital improvement project completions. The meeting will also cover auction results, a forestry grant project, and safety checks for facility access.

• RFP #23-035 for plumbing parts & related items, estimated $135,000
• Construction updates for Cigarroa Middle School, Cigarroa High School (Literacy Center 2.0 and 2.5), and Martin High School JROTC
• Discussion on completion of Capital Improvement Projects
• August auction results and new surplus inventory proposal for December 14, 2024
• RGISC/LISD Forestry Grant Project update

Special Called Meeting

The Laredo ISD board will hold a special meeting to administer the Oath of Office to the newly elected trustee for District 4 following the November 5, 2024 election. The superintendent will provide updates, and the board will adjourn.

• Administer Oath of Office to District 4 trustee-elect

Special Call Meeting

The Laredo Independent School District will hold a special call meeting to swear in the elected board member for District 2 from the November 5, 2024 elections.

• Administration of the Oath of Office to the elected District 2 School Trustee

Special Called Meeting

The Laredo ISD board will administer the Oath of Office to the newly elected trustee from the November 5, 2024 School Trustee Elections for District 1. The superintendent will provide updates, and the meeting will adjourn.

• Administer Oath of Office to elected trustee for District 1 (Ramirez)
• Superintendent updates

Board Workshop

The Laredo ISD Board Workshop will hear a presentation and discussion on governance training provided by MoakCasey, including continued work on the district’s belief statements, vision, and mission as part of strategic planning. The superintendent will also provide general communications and updates.

Special Called Meeting

The Laredo Independent School District will discuss certifying election returns and issuing certificates for trustee seats in Districts 1, 2, 4, and 7. The board will also consider hiring an Executive Director for CCMR, Advanced Academics, and Schools of Innovation.

• Canvassing of November 5, 2024 School Trustee Elections for Districts 1, 2, 4, and 7
• Issuance of Certificates of Election for newly elected board members
• Administration of the Oath of Office for the District 7 elected board member
• Recommendation to hire Executive Director for CCMR, Advanced Academics, and Schools of Innovation

Regular Board Meeting

The Laredo ISD Board will decide on routine financial approvals, seven budget amendments totaling $29,028, and $3.3M in contract renewals for services like sanitation and security. Members will also review tax refund requests, investment reports, and construction retainage releases for two schools.

• Approve seven budget amendments totaling $29,028, including $13,854 from discretionary funds
• Renew contracts worth $3.3M for sanitation, security systems, and instructional resources
• Vote on seven property tax refund requests totaling $6,643.60
• Release $824,607.59 in construction retainage for two school projects
• Approve annual financial audit report for fiscal year 2023-2024

Business and Support Services Committee Meeting

The Business and Support Services Committee will discuss various vendor renewals, new equipment purchases, and budget adjustments. The body will also review property tax refund requests and construction payments for district schools.

• Computer equipment and technical services contract estimated at $950,000
• Weapons Detection System purchase estimated at $515,377
• Firewall management and threat detection software estimated at $470,585
• Partial release of retainage for Jesus A. Kawas Elementary School totaling $766,975.43
• Budget amendments including $7,896 for secondary school mariachi orchestra uniforms

Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting

The Curriculum and Instruction Committee will review student assessment results and high school graduation requirements. The body will also discuss a bilingual department waiver and technology initiatives, including a STEAM event at Cigarroa High School.

• Proposed procurement of $122,435 for Allied States (Region 19) Cooperative Contract #24-7474
• Proposed $150,000 for Special Education Legal Fees
• Bilingual Department Exception/Waiver Application for 2024-2025
• Review of Elementary and Middle School CBA and English I/II EOC benchmark results
• Cigarroa High School STEAM Technology and Reading Night

Student Services Committee Meeting

The committee will receive presentations and hold discussions regarding the Health Services, Fine Arts, and Athletics departments. The meeting includes updates on student support services and administrative communications.

• Gateway Telemedicine MOU
• 2nd Annual Art Show
• 2024 Marching Band Season Recap
• PAC Holiday Events
• College Recruitment Presentation by Mr. Todd Kelly

District Operations and School Safety Committee Meeting

The District Operations and School Safety Committee will discuss follow-ups from October, review $1.1M in facility and safety procurements, and receive updates on multiple construction projects and contract completions. The meeting also includes a presentation on five new weapons detection systems.

• $101,756 reusable trays and drying racks (CNP-STC RFP 23-0133)
• $150,000 district-wide roofing maintenance (Choice Partners #23/041MR-07)
• $385,000 sanitation services (RFP 22-023)
• $515,377 for five weapons detection systems (TIPS #230105)
• $57,632 final retainage release for Martin High School Special Education Classroom Remodel

Special Called Meeting

The Board will discuss budget amendments and the assignment of fund balances to cover shortfalls and security equipment. The meeting also includes a review of educational software contracts and nominations for the Webb County Appraisal District Board of Directors.

• Budget amendment of $432,168 for walk-through metal weapons detection units at Martin, Nixon, and Cigarroa High Schools, and Shirley Field
• Estimated $300,000 expenditure for instructional software licenses and educational consulting via Dallas ISD - Central Texas Purchasing Alliance
• Assignment of Fund Balance totaling $8,831,684 and $432,168 for General Operating Fund (199)
• Resolution to nominate candidates to the Webb County Appraisal District's Board of Directors

Regular Board Meeting

The Laredo ISD Board will meet October 17 to decide on routine approvals, budget amendments totaling $535,746, new contracts worth $2.7 million, and a $1,700 one-time employee bonus. Items include reallocating Winter Storm URI funds, releasing $93,515.78 in retainage for Martin High School cafeteria work, and renaming the school’s cafeteria area after a former principal.

• Approve $76,912 budget amendment for General Operating Fund transfers
• Approve $219,949 budget amendment for police dispatch equipment and Martin High School roof repairs
• Renew radio equipment contract ($700,000) and install fencing ($1.22M)
• Approve $1,700 one-time bonus for full-time employees
• Rename Martin High School Tigers Den to Ruth Young Tigers Den

Business and Support Services Committee Meeting

The Business and Support Services Committee will discuss and possibly act on budget amendments totaling $321,786, new purchases worth an estimated $2.7M, and several policy updates. Items include fund reassignments for Winter Storm URI recovery, Martin High School roof repairs, and police equipment, as well as vendor renewals for services like radio communication and psychological support.

• Budget amendment BA #2425-16: $219,949 for Winter Storm URI funds, Martin High School roof, and police dispatch equipment
• Budget amendment BA #2425-15: $76,912 transfer between General Operating Fund categories
• New purchases: $1.22M for fences at unspecified locations, $700K for radio communication equipment, $200K for psychological services
• Final payment of $93,515.78 to Quantcorp Construction for Martin High School cafeteria remodel
• Resolution to nominate candidates to Webb County Appraisal District Board of Directors

Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting

The Curriculum and Instruction Committee will hear updates on the 2024-25 Local Assessment Calendar, the district’s Bilingual/ESL Program Evaluation, and a new CDL driver-training partnership. Members will also review planned purchases totaling $340,000 for psychological services and state-approved instructional contracts.

• 2024-25 Local Assessment Calendar presentation
• 2023-24 Bilingual/ESL Program Evaluation review
• MOU with United CDL Training Company for CDL instruction ($0 estimated cost)
• Procurement of $200,000 in psychological services and $140,000 in state-approved instructional contracts
• Middle School 2024-25 Instructional Support Plan discussion

Student Services Committee Meeting

The committee will receive presentations and hold discussions regarding the Health Services, Fine Arts, and Athletics departments. The meeting also includes a discussion on a parent and family engagement service agreement.

• Service Agreement for Triple P Program between Driscoll Health Plan and Laredo ISD
• Health Services annual nurse trainings and CPR certification for campus staff
• Fine Arts participation numbers and partnership with Laredo Theater Guild International
• Athletics Texas Way Initiative and basketball preview
• Elementary Athletics showcases

District Operations and School Safety Committee Meeting

The District Operations and School Safety Committee meets to receive updates on school construction projects, safety initiatives, and facility spending. Presentations include progress on Cigarroa Middle/High School projects, Martin High Special Education remodel completion, and $245,000 in proposed procurement items. Safety discussions cover fencing, surveillance upgrades, and a new vaping deferral program.

• $75,000 RFP for employee uniforms (RFP#24-018)
• $100,000 RFP for remediation services (RFP#23-030)
• $13,309.42 deductive change order for unused allowances at Martin High Special Education Classrooms
• $57,014.53 final retainage release for Martin High Special Education Classroom Remodel
• SAFE Cycle 1 projects including fencing, gate padlocks, and campus security upgrades

Board Workshop

The Laredo Independent School District Board will hold a workshop to discuss governance training provided by MoakCasey. The session includes a review of the Balanced Scorecard, SWOT Analysis, and the continuation of strategic planning.

• Governance Board Training presentation by MoakCasey
• Review of SWOT Analysis and Balanced Scorecard
• Continuation of Strategic Planning

Board Workshop

The Board of Trustees will hold a workshop to receive a presentation on team building training from MoakCasey. This session is required by statute and includes the continuation of the district's strategic planning process.

• Team Building Training and Strategic Planning Process presentation by MoakCasey

Board Workshop

The Laredo ISD Board Workshop will discuss findings from a staffing study conducted by the Texas Association of School Boards and receive communications from district leadership. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Discussion and presentation on the Laredo ISD Staffing Study by Texas Association of School Boards

Special Called Meeting

The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to discuss and possibly act on a formative evaluation of the superintendent. The board may enter a closed session under Texas Government Code 551.074(a)(1). The superintendent will also provide updates, followed by adjournment.

• Formative evaluation of the superintendent (possible closed session under Texas Government Code 551.074(a)(1))

Regular Board Meeting

The Board will discuss the 2024 proposed tax rate and potential cost-saving measures, including a hiring freeze for most personnel. The meeting also includes several budget amendments and contract renewals for district services.

• Proposed 2024 Tax Rate approval
• Potential hiring freeze of District personnel, excluding police, bus drivers, and special education aides
• Instructional materials and classroom supplies contract estimated at $551,579
• Budget amendment of $1,056,918 for the 2022 EDA Bond Series Fund
• Contract renewals for unemployment insurance ($92,868), welding/masonry ($120,000), and athletic equipment ($65,000)

Special Called Meeting

The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to decide on a $3,600 budget amendment, certify 2024 property values, approve tax certifications, and set the 2024-25 tax rate. The board will also certify unopposed trustee candidates and cancel elections for Districts 1, 2, and 7.

• Approve General Operating Fund budget amendment BA #2425-10 for $3,600
• Certify 2024 local property values as provided by Webb County Appraisal District
• Approve 2024-25 Proposed Tax Rate
• Certify unopposed candidates in Trustee Districts 1, 2, and 7 for Nov 5, 2024 election
• Cancel elections in Trustee Districts 1, 2, and 7 due to unopposed candidates

Business and Support Services Committee Meeting

The Business and Support Services Committee will review and vote on multiple budget amendments totaling $2.7 million, including transfers between funds and allocations for maintenance, cooling stations, and travel costs. The meeting will also consider final payouts to contractors for completed HVAC and construction projects across district campuses, along with routine financial reports and bid renewals.

• Approve $71,617 General Operating Fund budget amendment (BA #2425-08)
• $397,847 Capital Projects Fund increase and $1.06M in EDA Bond Series Fund increases (BA #2425-09)
• Renew RFP 22-019 Unemployment Compensation Insurance for $92,868
• Final release of $208,927 retainage to Sunbelt Air Conditioning for HVAC Phase I
• Assign $259,866 fund balance for maintenance, cooling stations, and travel costs

Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting

The Curriculum and Instruction Committee will hear presentations on College, Career, and Military Readiness innovative courses, the Texas Workforce Commission Pre-Employment Transition Services Program, and a $551,579 procurement for instructional materials. Updates on technology initiatives and district communications will also be provided.

• $551,579 procurement for instructional materials, classroom teaching supplies, and testing equipment
• Discussion of College, Career, and Military Readiness courses: Basic Fluid Power and School to College
• Presentation on Texas Workforce Commission Pre-Employment Transition Services Program
• E-RATE update for Universal Service Schools and Libraries Program
• 2024–2025 instructional technology initiatives and student ID programs

Student Services Committee Meeting

The Laredo ISD Student Services Committee will discuss and receive presentations on the Athletics Department, including UIL-District updates and Shirley Field events, the Fine Arts Department covering marching band, dance competitions, and chess programs, and receive communications from the superintendent. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Presentation on Athletics Department including UIL-District Executive Committee Update
• Discussion on Shirley Field Community Events
• Presentation on Fine Arts Department including Marching Band Competition and UIL Dance Competition
• Chess Program Update
• Superintendent communication and updates

Safety and Security Committee Meeting

The Safety and Security Committee will meet to discuss the annual review of the district's Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Basic Plan and Cybersecurity Annex. Superintendent Dr. Sylvia G. Rios will also provide communications and updates.

• Annual review of the Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Basic Plan (EOP)
• Review of the Cybersecurity Annex

District Operations and School Safety Committee Meeting

The committee will discuss various facility procurement items, construction updates, and safety grants. The meeting includes reviews of deductive change orders and final payments for HVAC and remodeling projects across multiple campuses.

• RFP# 23-028 for welding, fencing, sheet metal fabrication, and masonry projects estimated at $120,000
• Construction updates for Cigarroa Middle School and Martin High School JROTC
• Final release of retainage payments to Sunbelt Air Condition and Refrigeration Service, Inc. totaling $346,777.35 for HVAC projects
• Final release of retainage payments to Quantcorp Construction, LLC totaling $107,917.73 for reception area and cafeteria projects
• Discussion on Cycle I and Cycle II Safety Grants

Special Called Meeting Cancelled

The Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees cancelled a special meeting scheduled for August 29, 2024, where they planned to discuss and possibly act on a formative evaluation of the superintendent. No other business was conducted.

Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Trustees will discuss several budget amendments and a wide range of procurement contracts for instructional materials, food services, and facility repairs. The meeting also includes reviews of financial statements and agreements with Laredo College and the Border Region Behavioral Health Center.

• Instructional licenses, materials, and equipment contracts estimated at $3,400,000
• Budget amendment of $654,306 for Food Service Fund carryover
• Sheet metal roof replacement at Raymond and Tirza Martin High School estimated at $473,704
• Budget amendment of $702,993 for district projects and Martin High School roof replacement
• Proposed requirement for all District personnel to use clear bags at worksites or events

Special Call Meeting

The Laredo ISD board will discuss and possibly approve a $984,479 budget amendment to cover outstanding purchase orders for facilities and support services, and a proposed $1 increase in extra-curricular activity entrance ticket prices. No other substantive items are listed.

• Budget amendment BA #2425-02: $984,479 for Plant Facilities and Support Services outstanding purchase orders
• Proposed $1.00 increase for extra-curricular activity entrance tickets

Business and Support Services Committee Meeting

The Business and Support Services Committee will discuss and vote on monthly financial reports, four budget amendments totaling $2.3M, and $5.2M in new contracts for instructional services, materials, and facility projects. The meeting also covers investment reports, construction retainage releases, and multiple memoranda of understanding with local partners.

• Four budget amendments totaling $2,354,957 for General Operating, Food Service, and E-Rate funds
• Renewal of math consulting services for $200,000 and $3.4M in instructional licenses/materials
• Final retainage release of $158,693.55 and $9,624.04 for Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School projects
• Choice Partners roof replacement at Martin High School for $473,704
• $45,000 EdSpire agreement with Region One Education Center

Curriculum and Instruction Committee Meeting

The Curriculum and Instruction Committee hears presentations on state accountability ratings, adult education partnerships, college-readiness initiatives, and a $45,000 EdSpire agreement. The meeting also covers $3.9M in planned instructional-material purchases and services.

• 2023-2024 STAAR and TELPAS assessment results reviewed
• Adult Education MOA with Laredo College discussed
• HB5 College Prep English and Mathematics MOU presented
• EdSpire agreement with Region One ESC at $45,000
• $3.9M in instructional-material purchases and services proposed

Student Services Committee Meeting

The committee will review presentations and hold discussions regarding student support services. Topics include health reports, fine arts funding, athletic ticket pricing, and parent engagement programs.

• Funding for music/band programs at Martin High, Nixon High, Cigarroa High, and Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts
• Ticket prices for middle and high school sports
• 2023-2024 Flu Vaccine Report and Tdap/MCV4 Vaccine Clinics
• Parent Academy of Learning sessions for the fall semester
• Wrestling program update

Special Call Meeting

The board will discuss a grant proposal with the EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program. They will also consider a recommendation to hire a high school assistant principal for CCMR/CTE programs.

• Proposal for EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program funding
• Memorandum of Understanding between Laredo ISD and the Rio Grande International Study Center
• Recommendation to hire an Assistant Principal High School/CCMR/CTE Programs Dean

District Operations and School Safety Committee Meeting

The District Operations and School Safety Committee is reviewing several procurement requests and construction updates. The meeting includes discussions on facility repairs, food service supplies, and the relocation status of Jose A. Valdez High School.

• Martin High School Roof Replacement Building-B estimated at $473,704
• USDA food procurement (beef, chicken, turkey, pork, cheese) estimated at $440,000
• Bread and tortilla products procurement estimated at $385,000
• Proposed auction of outdated classroom furniture and district vehicles on August 17, 2024
• Final release of retainage to Leyendecker Construction for Cigarroa High School Phase I totaling $168,317.59

Regular Board Meeting

The Laredo ISD Board will act on routine financial approvals, $10.6 million in new contracts, a tax-rate resolution, and the November 2024 election order for four trustee districts. Dr. Sylvia G. Rios, Superintendent of Schools, leads the meeting.

• Renewal of Student Insurance RFP 22-012 for $183,475
• RFP 24-016 Worker’s Compensation Insurance for $869,722
• Region One Child Nutrition Program food contracts totaling $7.7M
• Resolution to appoint Designated Officer for tax-rate calculations
• Order of Election for Trustee Districts 1, 2, 4, and 7 on November 5, 2024