[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6296452,"mediaKeyId","2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0","parentId",2515562,"title","HCISD teachers of the year present retention proposals emphasizing voice, wellness and TIA expansion","audioSeconds",113,"startMs",1567000,"endMs",1680000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0&start=1567&end=1680","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0/thumbnail_1567000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6296452/Texas/HCISD-teachers-of-the-year-present-retention-proposals-emphasizing-voice-wellness-and-TIA-expansion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296452-4c876cf168fc7ad2cabd6d09372c1792/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440139&Signature=OeQS7VzDrUAUkR1cDBn-FotRkPqZ0MH04J4vS21qMA3-MQr9dTkcfM2GPhz5Hw~Rgbur~4~HrBRGvDD2kufOlmAiuP~ilaJEIyQrBfRDewYABws19SZrixkcww0N-ThDqdLx89GVpO59xXwpef~HCp8pvz28JoyVPwMBk--Ek2s1e1F0q-UR7q6es9e4L3dmzsvusVjjTRzEYHXUehEjMzYaQUEvqUFI6MQJH8~vt7tw2HVRukv6w4H6Dp0w7Hd6XHwjsKtIfCfNqOT77NhX47BoSF8pDnx1U17ua5M6y0K6UnlFBcjt2V0eeHngM9cZzfuXvQaH-FLoUqdC8qW24w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Harlingen CISD","date","2025-03-05T12:40:32Z","article","Assistant principal residents and a team of Teachers of the Year presented “Empowering Leadership: A Collaborative Approach to Teacher Retention” to the board’s Transforming Teaching and Learning committee, outlining three primary themes: teacher voice, alignment of district and campus systems, and teacher wellness.

Project leads said the committee identified three retention pillars and that Teachers of the Year selected priority areas for further development: expanding Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) eligibility to reach additional subject areas and roles; creating systems for stronger alignment between district and campus practices; and building non‑monetary wellness supports. The wellness proposals include a dedicated wellness day (or activities during back‑to‑school and midyear training), coverage to allow staff to attend their children’s school events, priority access to after‑school programs for employees’ children, campus‑based friendly competitions and expanded counseling and mental‑health programming led by the district counseling department.

Presenters described a three‑part timeline: a beginning‑of‑year survey to collect campus needs, a midyear rollout of initiatives tailored by campus, and an end‑of‑year review to assess effectiveness and continuity for subsequent years. The committee said the district is already working to expand TIA eligibility for the 2025‑26 school year and will present a draft framework next month.

Board members responded positively, thanking the Teachers of the Year and APR (assistant principal resident) leaders for stakeholder engagement. Several board members said the proposals were practical, emphasized the district’s “family first” ethos and asked staff to develop implementation steps and timelines. The presenters offered to mentor future APR residents to sustain the process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Committee Meetings, 3-4-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Assistant principal residents and Teachers of the Year presented a district plan focused on teacher voice, school‑district alignment and wellness initiatives; a team is working to expand Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) eligibility and plans a survey, midyear rollout and year‑end assessment.","taxTitle","HARLINGEN CISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14107,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6296458,"District construction updates: amphitheater, marquee bid rejected for being over budget, marquee and TEA safety projects underway",291,986000,1277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0&start=986&end=1277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0/thumbnail_986000.jpg","/articles/6296458/Texas/District-construction-updates-amphitheater-marquee-bid-rejected-for-being-over-budget-marquee-and-TEA-safety-projects-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296458-df63d98583a2b5c9e4eb8dd08744de51/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440139&Signature=Twa6MQf5RW~efKijwjWbKik-jVO7cGO8xK1iBw~SToy73ZUmpOF7IuevucXrkLTvO6h9BLTC8p9UXv14EC2oluvsOQspP4kh~dmmMl0TaiosWQSKCZXClNxHOYGZ0Iuzg3jLsxZ5zIO4p0mI~ItFDZyTuPn-z78x6-ivhRUhxKtapoQ6ZwWBmcJnUgvYwtvnwd7ockt9HCpqACfiUBU-0KJ-73dGugcLnoxUhKC0QqKMmk~udCT3QPPfWBCmsc9knIzoMBjevsBk4Ermvxje~VwYqdnVYRjbYEYNMQLlcxfDt-lO6UOoBXjs3fQv7-pbb0yISX8uhWNXv4bRIzcxsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Facilities staff presented a construction update that covered the Lee Means amphitheater, marquee sign work, playground reconstruction and several mechanical and site improvements across HCISD campuses.

Staff said the Lee Means amphitheater project is underway with site improvements, a new spectator restroom and an improved back‑of‑stage entry; photos were presented at the facilities committee meeting. A separate project to replace chiller lines at an annex building is phased and about 65 percent complete on one side; staff said sections are finished and crews will continue after spring break.

Staff reported progress on a playground reconstruction at a TRE campus and replacement of gym lockers; marquee signage work is partially complete and digital signage software installation is under way. For a marquee phase tied to South School of Health Professions and Stewart Place, staff said the planned budget was $185,000 but the single bid received on Feb. 27 from one vendor totaled $416,000. Staff said only one bidder responded and recommended rejecting that bid and reissuing the procurement at a later time to seek more competition.

Officials also described a TEA safety grant that funds a bi‑directional amplification system to remove dead spots for law enforcement radios. Staff said that safety project cost is approximately $2.3 million and that installations were about 50 percent complete; testing with campus engineers and the fire department was scheduled during spring break to validate full coverage.

Staff reviewed contingency balances and change orders for recent projects and answered board questions about local vendor availability in the valley and how inflation and supply issues had affected contractor pricing.

No formal board action was taken in the committee; staff said they would recommend rejecting the single marquee bid and rebidding at a later board meeting.","Facilities staff reported progress on Lee Means amphitheater, marquee and other site improvements; a single bid significantly exceeded the marquee budget and staff recommended rejecting the bid and rebidding later. Staff also reported progress on TEA safety grant installations, playground reconstruction and chiller‑line replacements.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6296460,"HCISD safety team updates board on TEA audit, regional threat‑assessment and upcoming training",82,434000,516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0&start=434&end=516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0/thumbnail_434000.jpg","/articles/6296460/Texas/HCISD-safety-team-updates-board-on-TEA-audit-regional-threatassessment-and-upcoming-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296460-0c87f6ae8a126dffee16a10f12117249/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440139&Signature=mqSMB199qV0PUqUz9z4BEJ3mBZFULSrEPGGV-7TJ9Ku6BNLR3Kfe~u7BGuXTN-4bibGPffk5ski2hbUiEffBZK0yZhIX-ca-R59x1regBAa0B1~Wg~mFBjQWGRxGOZTNpHGvYP3U6SZUuSefxWCORROiSHSp2zuJ07B91QA0XO2MZwWaitGfxdzpJaZiGv1eRGybZmCN-R5ms1VymGgl-QqXfGRLH2pb9T-sV~ge~hEff9pCjkbRX0sBw0JJZQhJwanNE8WFJ2jCL~Q7oTqye6IvaBshcNnui6BrbJDxYV-JtMgbvPbdCZLWBnQhkP4lPJjoGSVMdZnSuOOcA9SMUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District safety staff briefed the facilities and safety committee on recent audits and regional threat‑assessment work and announced upcoming law‑enforcement training.

Danny Castillo provided a report that included a brief overview of the Texas Education Agency intruder‑detection audit process and said specific audit findings will be presented in closed executive session at the district’s next regular board meeting. Castillo also described a regional Texas Department of Public Safety Behavioral Threat Assessment Management Team (BTAM) that will cover Willacy and Cameron counties. He said the BTAM is intended to extend district‑level threat‑assessment work by coordinating mental‑health, school‑safety and public‑safety stakeholders across the region.

Castillo told the committee the DPS will hold training March 25–27 at the Harlingen Police Department; staff said the sessions will cover evaluation and reporting standards. Board members thanked safety staff for coordination with community agencies and said they value the district’s cross‑agency work.

The committee did not take formal action in open session on audit findings; the presenter said detailed audit results would be discussed in closed session at the next regular board meeting.","District safety staff reported a recent TEA intruder detection audit to be discussed in closed session, described a regional Behavioral Threat Assessment Management Team, and announced a DPS training March 25–27 at the Harlingen Police Department.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6296463,"HCISD installs Wi‑Fi on buses after E‑rate award covering 90% of cost",201,630000,831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0&start=630&end=831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0/thumbnail_630000.jpg","/articles/6296463/Texas/HCISD-installs-WiFi-on-buses-after-Erate-award-covering-90-of-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296463-e04450b792820375b34617f454718646/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440139&Signature=i4GeitCeW0S~7trvj4C1PyTGjKmjstigsnuGmkq4VtMgGwRIepUxSVCEjaLmIVbK-QTY1F~I4ZhcH~IsWNoQ9CIuJPklU~lVpjqaS-1Jimt4TiVFtZEGaq51xsHPJRLl4Pv7n0tyLN1SYddhB0pPmL2Df-3ImqWPtdg~tLoIqIJnjKGcLSkpAtTzstfmEKGfnwuXQdk1XYHKNt8ilVuCfCVnRCgkro9JA2ujzCYHFsqxsEQCCDmAPsdlhP3TAEoovA-0WEqZPZWnW~FOdiUbYVYIKnJSnl76DjTx4n7kQSvxTd6OiXg1AaMr4iUEZJbH7Z5ErcgABR8ZvZ4Pl6uarg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Harlingen Consolidated ISD officials told the board’s facilities and safety committee that the district has completed installation of Kajeet smart‑bus Wi‑Fi on 110 buses after an E‑rate award that covered 90 percent of the implementation cost.

The committee heard the award totaled $218,605 with a 10 percent local match. Staff said the award covered installation and the first 12 months of service, and the system is live. Jaime Reyes, the district’s IT director, participated in the procurement and vendor selection, according to staff remarks.

Officials said the routers in each bus connect to cellular networks; students connect to a filtered Wi‑Fi network while riding. The district confirmed the bus filtering aligns with the internet safety and filtering used at schools.

Committee members asked about recurring costs. Staff said the initial grant paid for the first 12 months (July 1–June 30) and that the district has submitted a Category 1 E‑rate application to fund the data plan for the next school year. Staff estimated the annual data service cost at about $136,000 to cover 10 buses, with 90 percent of that cost typically reimbursed by E‑rate. If future E‑rate funding is not approved, staff said the district will revert to a smaller, locally funded rollout (the district maintains a local budget for Wi‑Fi on 10 buses).

Board members asked to be notified about any future recurring costs and contingency planning; staff said any continuation of service would be subject to future board review and funding availability.","Harlingen CISD completed installation of Kajeet smart‑bus Wi‑Fi on 110 buses under an E‑rate award; district officials said the award covered 90% of implementation costs and included one year of service, and staff are applying for further E‑rate funding for future data plans.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6296466,"Harlingen CISD board votes to hire Veronica Cortan as superintendent",809,5657000,6466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0&start=5657&end=6466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2515562-7e86808c480eab0a39a98096ae3048d0/thumbnail_5657000.jpg","/articles/6296466/Texas/Harlingen-CISD-board-votes-to-hire-Veronica-Cortan-as-superintendent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6296466-968cb897b81f7c4ca9c3da552e1e5a5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440139&Signature=BCdbYpdVOOwmzLMaTov3GLesBqXlWvlzzUOoZzVrVNMTNvml6-F8~yGk8L8-1kpaF0sbDFHY5RpNg5jAyBgiG1nxMwQpaowT6b3NelDadPCCw4QH6HDGcSBdxkprEldjWxYukzVWSp5XDOYkQalRBF9HDqgiVlt~I2PT-aEMMN9PU3GmAAKLGkDMp5IQNC9w59Es5z6sMnUPBi4PFhf84XCzEP8D0wbG9OT-oGXU3nultuyErZ0m5E2qm0naqPFaFthY-DISzmcA7lfKmyWq7y4aJAOienk1wK2VvmOLhh1k2QCkHVYc58rM19-HClmE1rD1JR9C6Lr5Dinmr6VWwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District board voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Dr. Veronica Cortan as the district's superintendent and approved the superintendent's contract following an executive session on employment and contract matters.

Board members said the decision followed closed-session consultations with legal counsel and personnel discussions. The motion to hire Dr. Cortan was made in open session and received a unanimous second before the board called for the vote; the board announced the motion carried. The board president then invited speakers to offer brief remarks celebrating the appointment.

Board members who spoke after the vote praised Cortan's long record in HCISD and cited her experience at multiple levels of the district — including classroom instruction, campus leadership and district administration — as key reasons for the selection. Speakers emphasized her emphasis on both “commitment to excellence” and “a heart for people,” and several noted the district’s need to sustain trust and community engagement.

Dr. Cortan spoke briefly following the vote and thanked board members, her family and district staff. She called education “personal” and referenced the influence of her parents and the district’s early-college programs as motivating factors in her work. The board and district will publish the contract and any relevant effective dates per district policy and state law.

The board also announced a brief reception and photo opportunity for staff, board members and community guests after the meeting.","The Harlingen Consolidated ISD board voted unanimously to hire Dr. Veronica Cortan as superintendent and approved the superintendent contract after an executive session on employment and contract matters.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

HCISD teachers of the year present retention proposals emphasizing voice, wellness and TIA expansion

District construction updates: amphitheater, marquee bid rejected for being over budget, marquee and TEA safety projects underway

HCISD safety team updates board on TEA audit, regional threat‑assessment and upcoming training

HCISD installs Wi‑Fi on buses after E‑rate award covering 90% of cost

Harlingen CISD board votes to hire Veronica Cortan as superintendent