By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
The San Benito Consolidated Independent School District [SBCISD] School Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Student Orlando Lopez delivered the pledge of allegiance and Aubriee Castillo delivered the invocation.
Both children are students at Frank Roberts Elementary. The district recognized the San Benito High School [SBHS] 32-6A Varsity Football Selections and the Bi-District qualifiers. The district also applauded the San Benito High School [SBHS] Land Stewardship Ambassadors Aldair Abreu and Abel Quintero.
Public comments opened with Mary Maney thanking the board for putting the employee stipend on the agenda and for repairing the high school’s bells. She also applauded the Career and Technical Education curriculum for adding more programs to the community.
Data on the STAAR Interim test was shared. It is a practice exam program that helps students prepare for the STAAR exam and gives instructors feedback on student performance. The school district saw an overall increase in their English, biology and math scores in their meet and master categories.
The board approved the Master Services Agreement between SBCISD and Bridges Experience, which allows students to take accelerated courses. The board also approved the cash account, tax collection, comparison of revenue and expenditures to budget, and check disbursement reports.
The board approved the optional extension of services for general merchandise, meals and catering services, professional consulting, and recycling services. They also approved the gifts or bequests for the 2024-2025 school year, budget amendments, and purchases over $50,000.
The retention stipend was officially approved for $300 to full-time employees. Part-time employees with 20 hours or more will receive $150. The board also approved revisions to the board policy and compensation plan. The board approved an agreement with the SBCISD and Texas A&M University Kingsville. This will allow mentor teachers to be assigned to students in specific college classes.
The board approved bid proposals, minutes for the Nov. 13 board meeting, and a change order request from FieldTurf USA. On the action agenda, the board discussed and approved the superintendent to solicit quotes for the SBHS culinary classroom.
The board nominated Jesse Villarreal as the candidate for the Cameron Appraisal district and approved the bids received on multiple properties from a tax resale. The meeting went into executive session where the board approved employment matters as discussed. The meeting was adjourned.