July 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  The district received correspondence (attached) regarding the Gonzales County’s desire to acquire the property formerly referred to as Craven’s Truck Stop & Convenience Store to support the County’s infrastructure needs including the Central Appraisal District’s site for an office building.

The Appraisal District is working to acquire a list of potential properties to allow their board to make an informed decision as to which property best serves their needs. Their goal is to determine whether the district is open to this property.
 

Description:  Mid-Coast Family Services is a non-profit organization housed in Victoria, Texas that works to provide youth services and family violence prevention programs in Gonzales and surrounding counties.  Services, which would be free of charge, would be designed with GISD staff in order to meet the specific needs of GISD students and would include a variety of topics such as, but not limited to, drug prevention, healthy relationships, and vaping education.
 

Description:   GISD Board Policy DNA (Legal) requires that the board annually adopt a calendar that designates dates for teacher observation used for the teacher appraisal process. Attached is the appraisal calendar and appraiser list for the 2025-26 school year.

 

Description:  The TRS Health Insurance rates/premiums are increasing for the
2025-26 fiscal year.

Because the IRS rules currently allow a maximum out-of-pocket cost to an employee of $113.20 per month, the TRS increases will cause the district to be out of compliance with the Affordable Care Act at its current contribution level of $350 per month (first-tier, employee-only coverage is $484/mth).

$20.80 per month is the minimum amount the district must increase to remain compliant. Administration has prepared three options for consideration, as follows:

Option A: Increase $25 per month
Option B: Increase $40 per month
Option C: Increase $134 per month
 

Description:  The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) has provided the district with the Year-1 pay maintenance update (related to last year’s pay study). Their report and associated presentation have been included along with the potential budgetary impact of the recommended changes. TASB will present their findings and recommendations in person.


FISCAL IMPACT: $188,722/yr (after new funding incorporated)

 

Description:  Administration recommends changes be made to the existing agreement with the YMCA effective for the 2025-26 school year. Those changes have been incorporated and are as follows:
 

• Detail included as to what areas of the buildings are accessible;
• Bus driver pay updated to match expenses; and
• Custodial fees included.

Description:  In February 2024 the Board selected Weaver & Jacobs as the Construction Manager at Risk for the 2023 Bond Program. This scope of work is referenced in the Bond Program as Maintenance GMP#2 and includes District-Wide:

• Card Access Systems at all exteriors doors
  • Of the total 250 exterior doors, 78 require full replacement and 90 require modification to accept Card Access Systems
• Entry Vestibule upgrades to meet District Safety & Security Standards
• Emergency Responder Radio Coverage boosters to comply with Fire Code
• Upgraded Intercom systems and digital clocks
  • Networked clocks in corridors and classrooms can display emergency messaging
• Security film on windows to meet/exceed State requirements
• Allowance for North Ave campus HVAC controls and ductwork to optimize new AC unit at Cafeteria
• Allowance for phasing and temporary access to minimize disruptions

These improvements are major safety enhancements for all GISD campuses and will match the safety features at the new ongoing CTE/Ag Building.

Weaver & Jacobs opened bids for the project on 05/29/25. The quality and experience of the trade contractors is high. Once awarded, Weaver & Jacobs will order materials and schedule work with campus administrators. To minimize student and staff disruption, the work will be carefully phased with temporary access modification as needed per campus. We anticipate a significant amount of on-site work to occur in Summer 2026 with hopes to complete at that time. Due to the priority on minimizing disruption, Weaver & Jacobs may need to extend the completion to December 2026.


FISCAL IMPACT: These projects are to be funded from the 2023 Bond Funds. The GMP total for this scope is $8,204,017 and includes $200,000 in Owner and Contractor contingencies for unforeseen items, $100,000 for North Ave HVAC optimization, and $525,000 for phasing and temporary structures. All Contingency and Allowance funds will be tracked, and all unused funds will remain with GISD.

 

Description:  The district-owned property located to the East of County Road 239A was originally leased in 2016 as a 49-acre property. Recently, the aforementioned lease was terminated due to the construction of the CTE Center.  The administration solicited sealed bids to lease the remaining portion that is/will not be utilized for the CTE Center (~32.7 acres).

Included with this agenda item:
? The one proposal that was received; and
? The lease agreement.

FISCAL IMPACT: $2,452.50 Annual Revenue

Description:  The existing agreement the district had with Waelder ISD for DAEP transportation cost-sharing expired at the end of the 2024-25 school year. The purpose of this new agreement is to extend the existing relationship, thus continuing to provide efficient and effective use of resources which is in the best economic interest of both parties.

The included agreement is for a one-year term, as the district plans to bring DAEP transportation services in-house beginning with the
2026-27 school year.
 

Description:  Travel to National Convention gives students the opportunity to see the National Organization and to experience travel to another state. Students also participate in community service projects while at the convention, allowing them to support organizations outside of their local community. Travel to the National Convention is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how the world of agriculture impacts industry across the nation. Students also have the opportunity to see/visit out-of-state colleges and nationwide companies through tours and workshops. 

The National FFA Convention & Expo is a National Association of Secondary School Principals-approved student program.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The National FFA Convention & Expo is all about growing the next generation of leaders. No matter where students are in FFA, they will find inspiration and direction to become a leader and influencer, ready to make an impact. During this event, they find out who they are, who they want to become and how they can change how the world grows.

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

Travel is paid for by the FFA Activity Funds and CTE Funds. Parents will be required to pay for airfare and then extra spending money. 
 

Description:  Approval of these MOUs will allow the district to continue
the programs as approved and initiated in August 2024.

Accepting a training agreement between the district and Victoria College for Electrical and Welding courses offers several significant advantages:

? Enhanced Skill Development: These advanced courses will provide
students with specialized skills in high-demand trades, enhancing their
employability and preparing them for successful careers.
? Industry-Relevant Training: Victoria College's curriculum is likely aligned with current industry standards, ensuring that students receive up-to-date and relevant training.
? Workforce Readiness: By offering these courses, the district can contribute to filling the skilled labor gap in the local economy, supporting community growth and development.
? Pathway to Certification: The training can serve as a pathway to
professional certifications, giving students a competitive edge in the job
market.
? Partnership Benefits: Collaborating with Victoria College can foster stronger ties between the educational institution and the district, potentially leading to more opportunities for student internships, apprenticeships, and job placements.
? Cost-Effective Education: This agreement provides students with affordable access to quality education and training in these trades, which might otherwise be financially prohibitive.
? By accepting this training agreement, the district can significantly enhance its educational offerings, support students' career aspirations, and contribute positively to the local workforce.

FISCAL IMPACT: _________
 

Description:  Administration has solicited proposals to support the district's fuel, lubricant, and oil needs during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.  One proposal was received and evaluated.

Board Policy CH (Local) requires that any purchase over $75,000 be approved by the board.