February 27, 2024 at 5:30 PM - Board Meeting
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1. CALL TO ORDER (2 minutes)
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2. PRAYER (3 minutes)
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3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/TEXAS PLEDGE (2 minutes)
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4. ROLL CALL (3 minutes)
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5. PUBLIC COMMENT (7-10 minutes) Any individual wishing to address the Board of Directors of Tejano Center for Community Concerns must sign in with Jessica Villarreal, Board Services, by emailing a request to speak, at least 72-hours prior to scheduled meeting. The request must include the name of speaker, telephone, number and email address of the speaker, and the topic of the intended comments, to Jessica.villarreal@tejanocenter.org. Those doing so will be allowed to address the board for a maximum of three minutes. Individuals will address the board in the order that they have signed in. Alternatively, the individual may email comments to the above email address.
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6. PUBLIC HEARING
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6.a. PUBLIC HEARING OF THE RYSS 2022-2023 TEXAS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REPORT (TAPR)
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Justin G. Fuentes, M.Ed., Chief Schools Officer; Carla Stevens, RYSS Data and Accountability
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7. PRESIDENT'S PRESENTATIONS & UPDATES
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7.a. UPDATE ON THE RYSS EXPANSION FINANCING OPTIONS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial & Operations Officer; Dr. Rolando "Rudy" Trevino, Deputy Chief Growth Officer; Drew Masterson & Jonathan Church, Masterson Advisors
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8. ACTION ITEMS
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8.a. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 28, 2023; DECEMBER 19, 2023; AND JANUARY 24, 2024 MEETINGS OF TEJANO CENTER FOR COMMUNITY CONCERNS/RAUL YZAGUIRRE SCHOOLS FOR SUCCESS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools
Description:
TCCC/RYSS Board of Directors met on November 28, 2023, December 19, 2023, and January 24, 2024. The minutes are presented.
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8.b. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 2024 UNAUDITED FINANCIALS FOR RAUL YZAGUIRRE SCHOOLS FOR SUCCESS AND TEJANO CENTER FOR COMMUNITY CONCERNS- NON-SCHOOL
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Description:
The Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success 2023-2024 General Fund and Child Nutrition Fund activity as of January 31, 2024. The TCCC- Non School Activity as of January 31, 2024, is presented.
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8.c. RATIFICATION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #11 IN THE AMOUNT OF $756,400 TO PROVIDE STUDENT MEALS FOR THE REGULAR PROGRAM AS PER TDA GUIDELINES
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Description:
The Food Services Department is implementing meals for students after school. A new contract was approved by TDA to continue this program for 3 months. A new RFP will be prepared to extend the program into FY 24-25. Meals will be reimbursable and included in the food program. PepsiCo Contract will be used for this program.
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8.d. APPROVAL OF BUDGET AMENDMENT #12 IN THE AMOUNT OF $459,500 TO ALLOCATE MONIES FOR PROGRAM NEEDS FOR REGULAR FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (THIS IS A TRANSFER BETWEEN ACCOUNTS WITH NO EFFECT ON NET ASSETS)
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Description:
Reallocate the budget based on program needs.
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8.e. RATIFICATION OF MONTHLY DISBURSEMENT REPORT/VENDOR CUMULATIVE PAYMENTS FOR JANUARY 2024 TO INCLUDE PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND EXPENDITURE APPROVALS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Description:
A report of the vendor payments for RYSS and Non-School is attached for all vendor payments above $50,000. A monthly report will be provided to the board each month.
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8.f. APPROVAL OF AWARD FOR RFP #24-03JA FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK SERVICES FOR BROWNSVILLE RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION TO NOBLE TEXAS BUILDERS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer; Dr. Rolando "Rudy" Trevino, Deputy Chief Growth Officer
Description:
RFP #2403JA was issued to procure the campus renovation and new construction for Brownsville. The RFP was advertised, and responses were received. A committee was formed to evaluate and recommend the contractor. Attached is the tabulation, evaluation, and recommendation.
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8.g. APPROVAL OF AWARD FOR RFP #24-04JA FOR E-RATE INTERNET ACCESS CATEGORY ONE (for BRYSS) TO FOREMOST TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Description:
The E-rate program provides funding for infrastructure and equipment. The RFP issued was for E-rate- Internet Access for Category One for BRYSS High School for a multi-year contract for E-rate Year 2024-2025. Form 470 was issued and published for 28 days as required by federal law and posted in accordance with state purchasing requirements.
The evaluation committee ranked the vendors and requested a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) to negotiate and finalize the agreement. The recommendation will be sent prior to the board meeting. |
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8.h. APPROVAL OF AWARD FOR RFP #24-05JA FOR THE ERATE CATEGORY TWO (BRYSS, PASADENA AND DISTRICT CORE) TO THE PROPOSER OFFERING THE BEST VALUE TO TCCC INC./RYSS FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025 (ERATE 2024-2025) FOR INTERNAL CONNECTIONS TO INCLUDE SWITCHES, ROUTERS, ACCESS POINTS, AND NETWORK CABLING (FIBER AND COPPER) AND MAINTENANCE HOURS, ETC. AND DELEGATE THE AUTHORITY TO THE PRESIDENT/CEO/SUPERINTENDENT AND HER DESIGNEE TO NEGOTIATE, FINALIZE, AND EXECUTE THE CONTRACT(S) WITH THE AWARDED VENDOR
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Description:
The E-rate program provides funding for infrastructure and
equipment. The RFP issued was for E-rate District Wide Infrastructure improvements for Category Two for internal connections to include switches, routers, access points, and network cabling (Fiber and copper), and maintenance hours, etc. for E-rate year 2024-2025. Form 470 was issued and published for 28 days as required by federal law and posted in accordance with state purchasing requirements. The evaluation committee ranked the vendors and requested a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) to negotiate and finalize the agreement. The recommendation will be sent prior to the board meeting. |
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8.i. APPROVAL OF WHITLEY PENN AUDIT ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,000 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2024
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Description:
Tejano CCC is required to have an annual audit as required by TEA and other grant agencies. RFP was awarded to Whitley Penn, and this is the second-year proposal.
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8.j. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH ORRICK LLC FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MASTER TRUST INDENTURE AND INTERCREDIT AGREEMENT PRIOR TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EFF AND RAZA (NEW MARKET TAX CREDITS) LOAN
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer; Dr. Rolando "Rudy" Trevino, Deputy Chief Growth Officer; Justin G. Fuentes, M.Ed., Chief Schools Officer
Description:
The contract is for the development of the debt structure by ORRICK LLC in order to cross-reference the transactions in the respective loans.
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8.k. APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT/CEO TO ENTER INTO AN EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND ACQUISITION RELATED TO THE BRYSS EXPANSION FOR POSSIBLE LOAN FINANCING
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial and Operations Officer; Dr. Rolando "Rudy" Trevino, Deputy Chief Growth Officer
Description:
TCCC/RYSS Inc is proposing to conduct due diligence on the property at 2999 N Coria St, Brownsville Texas This property is owned by SEF Investment LLC.
The projected cost is $330,000. The earnest money contract is for $10,000. Realtor for the sell will receive 0% and TCCC realtor 4%. The purpose of this acquisition is to develop a new site for the BRYSS expansion. It is projected the acquisition cost will be paid through a loan from EFF. |
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8.l. APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE THE PRESIDENT/CEO TO ENTER INTO AN EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND ACQUISITION RELATED TO NUEVA VIDA DEVELOPMENT FOR POSSIBLE GRANT FUNDING
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Antonio Zambrano, Chief Financial & Operations Officer; Dr. Rolando "Rudy" Trevino, Deputy Chief Growth Officer
Description:
TCCC Inc is proposing to conduct due diligence on the property at 7805 Kimber St. This property is owned by Christian Temple Church dba Iglesia Poder De lo Alto. The projected cost is $1,600,000. The earnest money contract is for $16,000. Realtor for the sell will receive 4% and TCCC realtor 2%.
The purpose of this acquisition is to develop a new site for the Nueva Vida Apartment’s relocation. It is projected that the acquisition cost will be paid through a grant from the county through HOME Funds and Community Housing Development Organization CHDO. |
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8.m. APPROVAL OF COMIC RELIEF AGREEMENT TO ACCEPT $210,000 OF UNSTRICTED FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF LA TIENDITA EXPANSION AS PART OF ROUND 2 OF THE RED NOSE GRANT FUND
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Graci Garces, Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer
Description:
In 2022, Tejano Center applied for and received the Comic Relief Red Nose Grant Fund to expand its work through La Tiendita. In 2023, a new application was submitted as part of Comic Relief’s Round 2 of the Red Nose Grant Fund. Comic Relief announced that Tejano Center’s application was approved for Round 2 unrestricted funding in December 2023.
Comic Relief requires that grant recipients submit a signed agreement to receive their respective funds. The Comic Relief team has been notified that the agreement would be included in the February 2024 Board Agenda for consideration, which is after the start date noted in the agreement. They have confirmed that this will not affect the program implementation. |
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8.n. APPROVAL OF RELIANT ENERGY RETAIL SERVICES, LLC SOLAR DONATION AGREEMENT TO ACCEPT $136,164 FOR A SOLAR ENERGY INSTALLATION(S) AT SUNRISE LOFTS COMPLEX PROPERTY AT 3103 MCKINNEY, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77003
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Graci Garces, Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer; Ricardo "Rich" Rodriguez, Director, Facilities & Property Development
Description:
Tejano Center will:
Tejano Center will own the solar energy system and be solely responsible for its control, performance, and any on-going maintenance, licensing, or certifications. Tejano Center will maintain adequate insurance for the Solar Project for the life of the project. Reliant will have no obligation whatsoever for the ongoing upkeep or maintenance of the Solar Project. |
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8.o. APPROVAL OF UNIDOSUS GRANT AND DATA SHARING AGREEMENT TO ACCEPT $15,000 AS PART OF THE PIONERAS EN STEM PROGRAM
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Graci Garces, Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer
Description:
The Pioneras en STEM program is designed as a postsecondary access and STEM career exploration program. Students are enrolled based on selection criteria established by the Affiliate partner within the parameters of serving the population targeted by UnidosUS. Pioneras en STEM uses culturally responsive materials and learning strategies to develop the following core competencies: education, career, leadership, and foundational skills. The Pioneras en STEM curriculum builds skills and understanding in each of these areas through a series of 60-minute lessons with approximately four modules delivered within the semester.
Pioneras en STEM will be offered on campus, in person. Offering the curriculum face-to-face with students will allow for better discussion and engagement and allow GRADCafe staff to attend as they are available. In-person instruction reduces outside distractions common with online instruction. The weekly meetings will be for two hours, with one hour allotted to the curriculum and one to case management or other activities outlined in the curriculum. A classroom on campus has already been assigned for Pinoeras in STEM, and staff had made plans to recruit students immediately upon notification of the receipt of the award. Because the assigned lead instructor, Yulissa Mora, has used UnidosUS curriculums in the past, familiarity with processes, setup, and curriculum flow is already in place, and minimal preparation will be needed to execute the program curriculum. |
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8.p. APPROVAL OF VICTIMS OF CRIME OUTREACH & SUPPORT PROGRAM 2024-2025 GRANT SUBMISSION BOARD RESOLUTION
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Jorge Gonzalez, Director, Resolve Program
Description:
TCCC Victims of Crime Outreach and Support Program has submitted a continued grant application for PY25 Victim Assistance, General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program (VOCA). The application requires a board resolution.
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8.q. APPROVAL OF THE 2023-2027 HB3 EARLY CHILDHOOD AND COLLEGE, CAREER, AND MILITARY READINESS REVISED BOARD GOALS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Justin G. Fuentes, M.Ed., Chief Schools Officer; Carla Stevens, RYSS Data and Accountability
Description:
The Texas Education Code (TEC), Sections 11.185 and 11.186 require school boards to adopt detailed plans developed by their management teams that achieve board approved goals in three key areas:
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8.r. APPROVAL OF EXPANSION AMENDMENT FOR ADDING CAMPUS: RYSS EARLY CHILDHOOD STEM ACADEMY AT OST LOFTS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Justin G. Fuentes, M.Ed., Chief Schools Officer; Dr. Roland "Rudy" Trevino Deputy Chief Growth Officer
Description:
The Tejano Center for Community Concerns is partnering with DWR Development Group to build a 135-unit mixed-income apartment community. Part of this project includes a stand-alone early learning center. This early learning center will provide a no-cost high quality early education program to residents and others in the neighborhood serving students in prekindergarten for ages 3 and 4, and kindergarten. We request the approval of the attached resolution for the expansion amendment for this campus.
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8.s. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED 2024-2025 TEACHER CONTRACT FOR THE RAUL YZAGUIRRE SCHOOLS FOR SUCCESS
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Lauren Petrea, Deputy Chief of Talent & Culture
Description:
Teachers employed by the Raul Yzaguirre for Success (RYSS) are issued a one-year employment contract as mandated by the Texas Education Code, Sec. 21.002, Subsection (E). During the contract year, each teacher’s performance is evaluated and reviewed to determine continued employment in the next year and the issuance of a subsequent contract. The RYSS Board of Education annually reviews and approves the recommended contract to be issued to eligible teachers within both the RYSS Houston and Brownsville campuses for the upcoming academic year.
The proposed contract for school year 2024-2025 includes minimum substantive change from school year 2023-2024 (see attachment). |
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8.t. CONSIDERATION OF SB 763, RELATING TO ALLOWING SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO EMPLOY CHAPLAINS TO PERFORM DUTIES OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS.
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Justin Fuentes, Chief Schools Officer
Description:
SB 763 allows school districts the opportunity to employ Chaplains to perform duties of school counselors. Of note, a chaplain employed under this subsection is not required to be certified by the State Board of Educator Certification. Duties may include securing school facilities, providing security for the district, participation in school safety and security training, and providing programs related to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
Each board of trustees of a school district and each governing body of an open-enrollment charter school shall take a record vote not later than six months after the effective date of this Act on whether to adopt a policy authorizing every campus of the district or school to hire a chaplain under Sections 33.002 and 48.115, Education Code, as added by this Act. |
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9. INFORMATION ITEMS
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9.a. AFFORDABLE HOUSING & COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT MONTHLY REPORT
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Gabby Luna, Director of Affordable Housing and Community Redevelopment
Description:
Housing department provides homebuyer education, one-on-one individual counseling to both, homeowners and homebuyers, and home repairs to eligible homeowners.
Homebuyer Education Workshops: Eight-Hour Homebuyer Education classes held twice per month in English & Spanish. Homebuyer Counseling: Individual Housing Counseling to assess mortgage readiness and/or obstacles/barriers in order to apply & qualify for a mortgage loan, identify program eligibility and close on a home. Homeowner Counseling: Individual Housing Counseling for existing homeowners. Services can assist with applying for property tax discounts, understanding escrow analysis, and weatherization program, to name a few. This is also the entry point for homeowners requesting home repairs to their primary home. |
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9.b. CHILD PLACING AGENCY MONTHLY REPORT
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Brenda Navarrette, Director, Child Placing Agency
Description:
In order to keep the board informed about Tejano Center’s Child Placing Agency (CPA) initiatives, events, and activities, the attached January report to the board is provided. The report covers activities that took place during the period subsequent to the January 2024 board meeting. The report covers the following topics:
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9.c. GRADCAFE BY PROJECT GRAD MONTHLY REPORT
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Melissa Martinez, Director, Project GRAD & NOVA Academy
Description:
The following events and activities are the focus of our work at Project GRAD:
RYSS GRADcafé Approximately 42 high school students participated in the Escalera after school program. In this month’s meeting, 9th and 10th graders had the opportunity to learn about career exploration resources and tools. While the 11th and 12th graders learned how to pay for college - the various types of scholarships and financial aid applications. College & Career Services Virtual and In-Person the GRADcafé by Project GRAD Service Report - January 2024 which includes service numbers, event numbers, service topics, and target populations served is attached. Page one of the report covers January 2024. GRADcafé Staff participated in the Mexican Consulate’s monthly Ventanilla Educativa. Approximately 35 individuals learned about the different types of academic pathways leading to four-year degrees and workforce certifications, as well as the difference between the federal and state financial aid applications. |
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9.d. HEALTH EQUITY & LA TIENDITA MONTHLY REPORT
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Jose Rivera, Director, Health Equity Program
Description:
La Tiendita is a holistic food access program that incorporates, resource navigation, and nutrition and health education classes. The aim of La Tiendita is to empower individuals to improve their health and move towards more secure lives. In order to keep the board informed about La Tiendita’s Program initiatives, events, and activities, the La Tiendita January 2024 Report is attached. The report reflects the following topics:
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9.e. RESOLVE PROGRAM MONTHLY REPORT
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Jorge Gonzalez, Director, Resolve Program
Description:
In order to keep the board informed about Tejano Center’s Resolve Program, the attached Resolve Program Monthly Status Report is provided. The report reflects the status update of the Resolve program and updated data since the January 2024 board meeting.
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9.f. UPCOMING EVENTS, MEETINGS, AND ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Speaker(s):
Dr. Adriana Tamez, President/CEO & Superintendent of Schools; Graci Garces, Chief Strategy & External Affairs Officer
Description:
TCCC/RYSS invites and encourages the Board of Directors to attend and/or provide feedback for the following events, meetings, and engagement opportunities -
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10. EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE §§ 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, AND 551.082, TO ADDRESS:
a. Private consultation with attorney concerning privileged issues from agenda matters and pending or threatened litigations. b. Deliberations concerning the purchase of real property c. Deliberations concerning the duties of the CEO and CFO regarding supervision of personnel d. Consider complaints against directors and senior staff e. Discussion of duties and evaluation of administrative personnel, including complaints regarding school staffing, academic and organizational changes for the 2022-2023 school year |