[{"_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",6102549,"mediaKeyId","2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497","parentId",2804100,"title","Board approves bilingual facilitator position and names Selena Stiles chief human resources officer","audioSeconds",2886,"startMs",7107000,"endMs",9993000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497&start=7107&end=9993","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497/thumbnail_7107000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6102549/Texas/Board-approves-bilingual-facilitator-position-and-names-Selena-Stiles-chief-human-resources-officer","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102549-f546e4c023f550f5db412d53755cda7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092804&Signature=CP5LcBGLu4a0qcOsxDjpXpc0CJiR-OPePoJSrPEICzK-QII-13LaCZb6w0TAeIDiUeyAPhxBb3hQ4DSE6I6rIkBG3duKs3EOdHQ2yzFw8usoSXFXwE~pVMO7kDCDyUgqXz5NyAWoMP1CwBxC2gMgXGjZslFN1Okz-IW54eXSYZWC3-IVeBlTi3WSWQgQMUh9w~uEEED5mCuSsSVcMhZi2Ywtqo4A5s3sE-7N86i98v5UYeE0Mrq-MBMZX4rFWyBXcTvA3iuA0IFzIA1EdsZuDezidMwUPnB0UJb8jKZ7k5yGYqctoNIasbZlvd~Ove8qZ4eTuKFeBWb6H6Hv~kdXTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Socorro ISD","date","2025-03-28T05:12:20.287Z","article","The Socorro Independent School District board on Wednesday approved two personnel items: creation of a bilingual facilitator position to support teachers working under bilingual waivers and the appointment of Selena Stiles as chief human resources officer.

Stiles, who has been serving as interim chief human resources officer, told the board that state requirements for bilingual waivers require the district to allocate 10% of certain bilingual funds for professional development. The new bilingual facilitator will organize and deliver that professional development to help staff obtain or maintain bilingual certification and to offer instructional best practices for emerging bilingual students and dually coded students.

“I do have 4 facilitators for the district,” Stiles said, noting that one facilitator retired in December and that the district needed to restore capacity to meet training thresholds. She said the cost will come from the state allotment used to support bilingual programs.

Sanyano, director of bilingual education and ESL dual language (as introduced at the meeting), described the planned professional development as both test‑preparation for bilingual certification exams and instructionally focused training that teachers can take back to classrooms serving bilingual and dual‑coded students.

The motion to create the position was made by Ms. Gardea and seconded by Ms. Macias; the board approved the position. The board also approved Stiles’ appointment as chief human resources officer after an executive‑session recommendation.

Why it matters

The facilitator position is intended to ensure the district meets state requirements tied to bilingual waivers and to expand professional development supporting bilingual instruction. The CHRO appointment formalizes internal leadership during a period of staffing changes and budget deliberations.

What’s next

Human resources will post the position and said internal candidates will be considered. Staff will report back on how the new facilitator helps the district meet the 10% professional development threshold required for bilingual grant/waiver funds.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Socorro ISD Board of Trustees Regular Board Meeting – March 26th, 2025 @ 6:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees approved a new bilingual facilitator paid from state bilingual allotments to meet a 10% professional‑development usage requirement for waivered positions and confirmed Selena Stiles as the district’s chief human resources officer.","taxTitle","SOCORRO ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",13543,"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},6102554,"Board approves reclassification of $733,855 Socorro High track purchase order to bond funds amid trustee objections",265,6658000,6923000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497&start=6658&end=6923","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497/thumbnail_6658000.jpg","/articles/6102554/Texas/Board-approves-reclassification-of-733855-Socorro-High-track-purchase-order-to-bond-funds-amid-trustee-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102554-8bcbd1c650da2779e9d6dbf7c967357c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092804&Signature=cOh8hhWLqXGoEpsQSz~GM887dsDZ4hWMPWLDPbH6V-c8yy~VuU8WC~-cX4cMw0fgT~O9jssoDWHZusoY2stk1jjN75SFN7C-CCAxZBHy7GGQX-Cgdu6-WFJ3ORn3BZRdZdY6G5axex-3shHep-Hy1RweJERrrPolAdSgNFpXWj5sb31z04UF41FUerA6phDor0~17otsssMwdrJoBtoyjJ2nOIa9CyWLy06bx34vNAxo88s9WZyu9oGFhO5l1i3~h6PtPnBEz~liiQXdInD3evI~Ti361G6pDmkGMgiqYgT2c1O~TYmAiXCk4TyEzUyV6jRBO5P67R2dUiNremYfBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Socorro Independent School District board on Wednesday approved moving a purchase order for a track refurbishment at Socorro High School from the general fund to bond funds, a decision that drew an objection from at least one trustee who said the money should be used to preserve staff.

Administration asked the board to reclassify purchase order 9402500255 issued to Viber World Sports LTD for $733,855 from the general fund to bond funds. David Solis, the district’s chief financial officer, said bond capacity had opened following completion or cancellation of other bond projects and that the track refurbishment aligns with bond‑authorized facility improvements.

Solis told the board that the bond fund had sufficient capacity — a little over $2 million — and that reclassifying the PO would preserve general fund resources for operating needs. “Reclassifying this expenditure will help preserve general fund resources, thereby strengthening the overall financial position of the fund in light of our current budgetary outlook,” Solis said.

Trustee Crandall objected, saying the district should not reallocate money for a single high‑school track while teachers and staff face layoffs. “How dare we reallocate $733,000 … for a track and field when we just spend millions of dollars for SAC 2,” Crandall said. “Are we going to do one track for one school or are we going to save 300 jobs?”

Board vice president Najera and other trustees asked clarifying questions about bond eligibility and whether the track project had been part of the original bond program. Solis said the track was not originally included in the bond but is allowable as an improvement and that the PO was issued this year.

The motion to reclassify the purchase order was made by Ms. Macias, seconded by Ms. Gardea, and recorded as carried.

Why it matters

Reclassifying capital spending to bond funds reduces immediate pressure on the district’s general fund, which staff say faces an $8.5 million shortfall for next fiscal year. Opponents argued the move is politically sensitive given the simultaneous announcements about staffing reductions and the potential financial strain on operating budgets.

What’s next

Administration will complete the accounting reclassification and report the change in the next financial update. Trustees asking for more context said they want clearer overall prioritization criteria for using bond capacity versus general‑fund dollars.

","Trustees voted to move a $733,855 purchase order for Socorro High School track refurbishment from the general fund to bond funds; one trustee objected, saying the district should prioritize preserving jobs and programs amid upcoming layoffs.",{"_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},6102559,"Public hearing: SISD transportation officials say John Hayes/Charles Foster intersection not classified hazardous after construction completed",418,1839000,2257000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497&start=1839&end=2257","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497/thumbnail_1839000.jpg","/articles/6102559/Texas/Public-hearing-SISD-transportation-officials-say-John-HayesCharles-Foster-intersection-not-classified-hazardous-after-construction-completed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102559-7c55d12eb314be7f43736fed10c8cb64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092804&Signature=XriCk20kvPKola52Vitu6h88bJVWIv2~pGi4KxC9ZoRtJeRhYTCF-igcmGBI1yvuAhqYMIbr4yLahx6AiVV350scRLOlCd-Af0nm7Hu~eaoSDKoYc2nZbAjnMBtWCH5dc9Q3sWRNOudzA7iabsFkEvSEHZz03pKt33q7A6dzDz8F-vqjW4AkA3jNZWCVxkAQ6iZxcPpgW8QvG3QDawCI4-uWFFaYMhzgKU~rt-58QqClnSQk9UrdTMERX6y9Rd3vORBSYoutDGaPKTS6kNYb8sMn7gQFY3wUgrbsv4ma6VUIVxAqsvE-vYVgF0Mgkm2csC9T9GX8mkUOHoIUXBDzPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District transportation officials told trustees Wednesday that route changes affecting Carrasco and Horizon Heights were proposed after evaluating prevailing hazards, completion of nearby construction and community feedback, and that the John Hayes and Charles Foster intersection west of Pebble Hills High School does not currently meet the state’s definition of a hazardous route.

Transportation supervisor (presentation) said staff held community meetings at the campuses, observed the John Hayes/Charles Foster intersection in person with security and maintenance staff, and found a marked crosswalk, stop signs and unobstructed sight lines. He told the board the major park/construction that had driven the route’s hazardous designation in the prior year is now substantially complete, reducing the construction‑related risk.

Tommy Hill, a public commenter who lives in the area, said distances to alternative pickup points are long for some families: “Would you allow your pre‑K or kinder to walk across John Hayes 1.9 miles to school — 40 minutes to get to school?” Hill warned the proposed removal of stops could affect as many as 105 daily riders and up to 200 students who are eligible but do not ride every day.

Ryan Woodcraft, who attended the campus meeting, thanked staff for the presentation but urged the district to coordinate with city representatives on intersection safety improvements. “The intersection of John Hayes and Charles Foster is not an SISD issue, it is a city issue,” Woodcraft said, and noted he had already contacted Representative Ivan Nino about potential safety upgrades.

Board vice president Najera and Trustee Macias questioned staff about ridership numbers and the criteria for hazardous routes. Staff answered that combined ridership on the three affected bus routes was about 120 students and that the total student population in the area is roughly 400, but not all of those students ride daily. The state definition cited by staff treats a four‑way stop with marked crosswalks as a controlled intersection and not automatically hazardous.

Why it matters

Parents and staff said ending bus service at some stops could increase walking distances for young children and create traffic congestion during drop‑off and pickup. District staff said they would follow up with affected families and with city partners about potential safety improvements.

What happens next

Staff said they would notify impacted community members of follow‑up information, and that any final route changes will be implemented after additional communication. The district also said school administrators will temporarily relax tardy policies as families adjust if the change is finalized.","District transportation staff presented results of route reviews for Carrasco, Horizon Heights and other campuses and explained why the John Hayes/Charles Foster intersection no longer meets the state definition of a hazardous route; some parents and residents urged the board to preserve bus stops due to safety and distance concerns.",{"_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},6102564,"Parents and advocates tell Socorro ISD trustees disciplinary policies harm some special‑education students",956,770000,1726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497&start=770&end=1726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497/thumbnail_770000.jpg","/articles/6102564/Texas/Parents-and-advocates-tell-Socorro-ISD-trustees-disciplinary-policies-harm-some-specialeducation-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102564-59aaac6a26252b20ddea1ee04aee4fcd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092804&Signature=m7-AkdeUnmWCzgDl2G8UXmrp4EwP-7V98pG0BECweKCrlVbN3RFVwBJkRTO4q6DJ16S8R2z4U9KQppFIjUWcsHkNr3h8ANsp7Yys495V16yxJGkoiQY79gg8q9~Vut0am1~VNJdaxk18Syl7UiQMJLlqEMS5algm2U6Jti0CzTSOxzbxLXz6-egd1aTeSrUqpg3I3EePdzDKnXgVBWiPuZpIqJPn~u0JkN-EoZMgXvNSFIox99I0zhqjH56TUKjWR-H8~FfSxGIQtTCBpQY7EWMYClmxjKMtEzC2M5iA7vIn29-Xp42-4rZ8I7idU-cEuyi5Y0O-BlEMPfNl4AcBDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parents and advocates urged the Socorro Independent School District board on Wednesday to revise discipline policies and involve families in planning alternatives for students with disabilities.

Alfredo Aguero, who identified himself as founder of a parent group focused on special education, said he still could not find the district’s interpreter‑request application on the SISD website and asked that parents be included in conversations about alternative programs for students with disciplinary problems. “We are not against having disciplinary rules, but what we are talking about is the policies have to be reviewed and if necessary, to make changes to them,” Aguero said.

Julia Vera spoke on behalf of her brother, a freshman at Eastlake High School who receives special‑education services. “When someone else hurts or bothers him, he’s taught to go to an adult for help. But what happens when that help doesn’t come?” Vera asked. She said her brother follows his IEP and behavioral intervention plan but is sometimes punished when staff do not follow those plans.

Diana Serrano read a statement from her son, David Serrano, a ninth‑grade special‑education student, who said he feels “sad, frustrated, and sometimes angry” when bullied and sometimes punished when he defends himself. The family requested clearer steps to ensure staff comply with IEPs and BIPs and asked the board to revise the student code of conduct and provide more training to staff who work with special‑education students.

Aguero also asked the district to form a special‑education community oversight committee or include parent representatives in future discussions about disciplinary programs and alternatives. He said parents and students need to be part of future conversations so changes do not inadvertently harm students who do not understand accusations or cannot defend themselves.

Why it matters

Speakers described recurring concerns that students with disabilities face disproportionate disciplinary outcomes when staff do not follow IEPs and behavior plans. The board did not take immediate action during the meeting, but several trustees and staff heard the requests and were asked to follow up.

What trustees heard from staff

Interim Superintendent James Vasquez had earlier introduced district staff who have engaged with parent groups; at open forum, district staff were asked to ensure the interpreter‑request application is accessible and to consider further parent involvement in program planning.

","Multiple speakers at open forum urged the board to review discipline practices, ensure IEPs and behavior intervention plans are followed, and include parents and students in conversations about alternatives for students with disciplinary issues.",{"_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},6102569,"Socorro ISD projects $8.5 million shortfall, advances planning for short-term loan and potential voter tax measure",306,1763000,2069000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497&start=1763&end=2069","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804100-1faf15e47e630beb74779679966ec497/thumbnail_1763000.jpg","/articles/6102569/Texas/Socorro-ISD-projects-85-million-shortfall-advances-planning-for-short-term-loan-and-potential-voter-tax-measure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102569-37abe644ecb50b71ca57304a21cb88de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771092804&Signature=jwE~tv7yV49fvilNR9Bfl6gjaLD05Gjl47MtHHtxIagnKvv3KxolsZcHCizDn9HqwF~7TlHRVCzxlN21ys21Jjh-tIQVtSM3YXYaXvzub4sf6h70g~grdhKlvxEfmhpkpr~mWNSGhv4uqz2t0yhsocSOE3vrXJpExojTcrCVUhIfHtUMuohQ-idDCfv-mjZfyXOmKrOqOugypfKCgxju23tsmx2IHZVdxSdvh2LvpJkLAvkHgzYY32Bnp1UCeoRvWbBCmJ0rHoZuEdxiIqun38zpcekPrkPwPVX7u68H5AIOuwQxNejPVpYYkZyx6SxOU7anl0Z3FqZnxBlzKpvI~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Socorro Independent School District board on Wednesday received a budget and legislative update showing a preliminary $8.5 million general-fund deficit for fiscal 2025–26 and approved administrative steps to prepare for short-term borrowing and a possible voter approval tax-rate election.

The district’s chief financial officer, David Solis, said that after preliminary staffing reductions the operating deficit was expected to be reduced from about $16.9 million to roughly $1.5 million, but a planned $7 million transfer to the health fund leaves a projected $8.5 million gap.

Solis said the district will seek a short-term tax revenue note to cover August payroll and other obligations in a month when state funding is not received. “Our goal is to distribute the term sheet to prospective bidders by April 7,” Solis said, and administration is targeting delivery of funds in May so proceeds are on hand before the anticipated August need. He told the board the anticipated note amount is approximately $35,000,000.

The board was also briefed on a separation incentive approved March 6 that offers $2,500 to the first 100 eligible employees who submit early resignation notices by 5 p.m. April 7. Solis said 54 notices had been received as of March 19, with estimated up-front cost of about $138,000 and projected personnel savings near $3.9 million to date.

Resident Philip Lane, who addressed the board during open forum, warned of the financial risks of the district’s self-insured health plan and urged consideration of a fully insured option. “Because you’re self-insured, I think that’s putting you at a very high risk of financial catastrophe,” Lane said, citing per‑enrollee exposure if claims exceed expectations.

Solis and other staff also summarized legislative proposals that could affect the district’s revenue and costs. House and Senate funding bills under consideration would increase some yields and compress tax rates; one House bill (HB 2) includes an increase to the basic allotment that, under the district’s estimates, could generate about $13 million if enacted. Solis cautioned that language and appropriations could change in conference committee and that the numbers presented were preliminary.

Enrollment and revenue assumptions factored into the preliminary budget include a projected decline of about 770 students for the coming year and an estimated 10% increase in local property values based on preliminary trends. Solis said the district is planning for both the enrollment decline and the inverse relationship between property values and state aid.

Administration also described preparatory steps for a potential voter approval tax rate (VATER) election on Nov. 4, 2025, including beginning the process to solicit an efficiency auditor now so a required audit could be completed in time should the board elect to move forward. Staff said a successful VATER could yield up to an estimated $28 million in additional annual revenue, but emphasized that board approval would be required before a ballot is ordered.

Votes at a glance

- Reclassification of Purchase Order 9402500255 (Viber World Sports LTD) from general fund to bond fund for Socorro High School track refurbishment, $733,855 — motion to approve by Ms. Macias, second Ms. Gardea; outcome: approved.
- Authorization to initiate solicitation for sale of two vacant district lots (14400 GR Campesano Drive and 14900 Tierra Mirage Avenue) — motions and seconds recorded; outcomes: approved to begin solicitation process for both parcels.
- Approval to create a bilingual facilitator position — motion by Ms. Gardea, second Ms. Macias; outcome: approved.
- Appointment of Selena Stiles as chief human resources officer — motion by Ms. Macias, second Ms. Gardea; outcome: approved.

Why it matters

The district presented these options as part of efforts to stabilize finances before budget adoption in June. Short-term borrowing and asset sales provide temporary relief, while a VATER would seek more permanent local revenue — a politically sensitive step that the board would have to approve before any ballot measure.

What’s next

Staff expect to circulate a term sheet for the revenue note by April 7, and they proposed a special board meeting during the week of April 29 to consider authorizing issuance. The deadline for ordering a VATER, if the board chooses that route, would fall in August under the timeline staff provided.

Solis and other administrators said further updates will be provided as legislative language and certified property values are finalized and as staff bring back results of the central appraisal district meeting scheduled for April 4.

","Trustees heard a financial update outlining an $8.5 million projected deficit for 2025–26, plans for a roughly $35 million short-term revenue note for August cash needs, a separation incentive that has produced initial savings, and preparatory steps for a possible voter approval tax rate (VATER) election in November.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves bilingual facilitator position and names Selena Stiles chief human resources officer

Board approves reclassification of $733,855 Socorro High track purchase order to bond funds amid trustee objections

Public hearing: SISD transportation officials say John Hayes/Charles Foster intersection not classified hazardous after construction completed

Parents and advocates tell Socorro ISD trustees disciplinary policies harm some special‑education students

Socorro ISD projects $8.5 million shortfall, advances planning for short-term loan and potential voter tax measure