April 24, 2026 at 12:30 PM - Regular

Description:  A copy of the March 13, 2026, regular meeting minutes is included in this agenda as an attachment.

Description:  The Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR Part 1301.2) states that the Governing Body must approve or disapprove of the following policies and procedures:

Child Development Associate (CDA) Renewal - 45 CFR Part(s): 1302.91

(The CDA policy, Policy Council Agenda, and Minutes from April 22 are included to show the approval of the policy through Policy Council.)


 

Description:  The 2026-2027 Head Start/Early Head Start COLA Supplement has not been received.  This agenda item will be revisited on June 26, 2026 at the next board meeting. 

Description:  Mrs. Leslie Callahan will discuss requests from Head Start/Early Head Start districts regarding transportation waivers.  

Description:  Region 16 Head Start/Early Head Start is requesting the Office of Head Start to approve Castro County as a medically underserved county in Texas with a population of less than 1,000 people living in the county, with no available preschool program for the children in the local school district.  When approved by the Office of Head Start, the 50% of enrollment will be exempt from the enrollment expectations with the Office of Head Start.

Description:  The HHSC ECI encourages offering competitive financial incentives to staff to support retention and workforce stability.  These funds are intended to strengthen and sustain the Early Childhood Intervention workforce by recognizing and rewarding staff contributions.

A retention allocation with performance-based criteria effectively builds capacity while recognizing high-quality service and accountability.
 

Description:  Service Area program highlights will be reviewed by the Executive Leadership Team.    

Description:  Copies of the Financial Reports through March 2026 are included.  Questions or observations regarding these reports are invited prior to or during the Board meeting. 

 

Description:  The Investment Report for the current fiscal year through March 2026 is attached.  Questions or observations regarding this report are invited prior to or during the Board meeting.  

Description:  Mr. Derek Criswell will present the Budget Amendments for approval.
 

Description:  The Special Revenue funds will be reviewed as information.

Description:  In accordance with Board policy, proposals were received for the items presented below.  Detailed proposals and recommendations are presented.  All proposals are the low proposal or only proposal for the items, unless otherwise noted.

Description:  The following interlocal agreements and other partnership agreements will be reviewed as information.

Description:  Region 16 ESC conducted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for audit services for 2019-2020 and awarded the services to Bolinger, Segars, Gilbert & Moss, L.L.P.  We have used them since then, and they continue to provide an outstanding service.  The Auditor Engagement Letter is included as an attachment.

Description:  The 2025-2026 Superintendent Focus Groups concentrated on specific program needs directed at current contracts and learning gap needs.  Recommended pricing, revision of services, and contracts for new services were finalized and presented to the RAC Executive Committee on April 15, 2026.  

Description:  Region 16 ESC conducts a salary study every 3 to 5 years on salaries for all pay grades and job classifications. The most recent study was conducted during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. In years when a salary study is not conducted, the Administration works with TASB to determine appropriate salary box adjustments for the subsequent year.

The pay grade minimums, midpoints, and maximums reflecting this increase are included as attachments.  Current ESC policy also allows the ESC Executive Director to make other adjustments as necessary to remain competitive in hiring and retaining staff.

Description:  The ESC currently provides eligible ESC employees with a medical insurance contribution of $450 per month, which covers all but $764.50 of the "employee only" plan offered by West Texas Blue Essentials HMO.  However, it does cover 96.4% of the TRS ActiveCare Primary plan, which is currently $466 per month.  Employees who choose this option can use the remaining amount toward the premiums for other benefits.   

Description:  The ESC offered a new optional employee-paid, short-term disability benefit for 2025-2026.  
 

Description:  Provision is made in the official notification for the calling of a closed session under the provisions of Chapter 268, Subchapter D, Section 551.074 of the Government code for discussion of Items 19 and/or 20.  Any action will be taken in open session. 

Description:  Clarendon ISD - Mr. Byron May, Lone Finalist (Principal at Travis Elementary, Pampa ISD)
Grandview-Hopkins ISD - Mr. Eric Wilson (Superintendent at Big Pasture School District in Randlett, OK)
Lazbuddie ISD - Mr. Artemio Ontiveros, (Principal at Brownfield ISD)
McLean ISD - Lone Finalist to be named on April 28
Panhandle ISD - Mr. Ryan Bobo (Superintendent at Cotton Center ISD)
Silverton ISD - Mr. John York (Superintendent at San Jon, NM)
Spearman ISD - Mr. James Layman is leaving; Current Search
Texline ISD - Mr. Serapio Arguijo (Superintendent at Andrews ISD)
Wheeler ISD - Mr. Shane Whiteley - Retirement -July 2026