[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,76,88,98,110],{"_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",6613564,"mediaKeyId","2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8","parentId",2869967,"title","Public commenters raise concerns about transgender student policies, alleged racism at pre-K, trafficking group presence and student supports","audioSeconds",409,"startMs",2084000,"endMs",2493000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8&start=2084&end=2493","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8/thumbnail_2084000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6613564/Texas/Public-commenters-raise-concerns-about-transgender-student-policies-alleged-racism-at-pre-K-trafficking-group-presence-and-student-supports","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613564-aee37c68f3c16c29ef4cbc536f55acdf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138142&Signature=I9HNz78Nb6l5yOqQ1iCbpZ3e~CQhlPyNV1aG3YwzCSW394M3-BSFSXneqIa7MbqWij0s73b9wDcr8jSjEbV~NLGdvGvmegJIWDMZN9KSLjVfLxf4tXhBR9BDeO7qcp4Z-swwR-fsTk~9tXGGL3EyJZ0HjGAPN2pSusJis6BUt76nR4mw0-0dbneCv3-9sSdvDg2LY1aDLIIi-KaLqLvy10C34aYMnjWaLakOhak-dvhaimjOh9twuh1QOLB0I7wzUr7Ud9SKXqU0xKn87-s6zNwy3BSkayZSF9BXRp~rLZrzodT4WJ1s~4hkXCJ7sWja4YUTI~ec1GWzEg~2Q7yqew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richardson ISD ","date","2025-04-03T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple members of the public addressed the board during the public-comment portion of the April 3 meeting, raising four primary themes: gender/separation concerns on field trips and dorming, campus-level allegations of racism and unresolved formal complaints, the needs of vulnerable students (including undocumented and LGBT students), and requests for expanded social skills programming.

Transgender and sex-separation concerns: Michael Conway and Samuel Hall urged the board to require boys and girls be separated during field trips and in overnight lodging, describing the practice as a safety, privacy and legal concern. Conway said he objected to district allowances for “gender-confused boys” to stay with girls on a case-by-case basis; Hall said coed dorming will create legal and safety risks and asked the board to review the policy and publish the rationale. Both speakers framed their comments as requests for district review rather than describing a specific district policy change taken at the meeting.

Allegations at Adobe Pre-K and formal complaint: Stephanie Plancarte spoke about her daughter’s experience and alleged harassment incidents at an Adobe Pre-K campus. She said a formal complaint had been filed about staff conduct two weeks earlier and that she had not received sufficient follow-up from district processes; she urged the board to hold administrators accountable and to ensure formal investigative processes proceed.

Support and inclusion for vulnerable students: Dr. Charles Hermas praised the board’s recognitions and urged trustees to continue showing care for students who face fear, anxiety or marginalization, including LGBT and DACA students. He recounted an anecdote about a DACA student to underscore how district support can change life outcomes.

Social skills and clubs: Lawrence Kanner, a Richardson High School alumnus, urged the board to rethink student clubs and to prioritize social-soft-skill development (networking, teamwork, conflict resolution) given perceived declines in face-to-face interaction among students.

Ending

Superintendent and board members acknowledged the comments. The board did not take action on the public comments during the meeting; one resident asked the board to investigate a pending formal complaint, and the district indicated formal processes would be followed for investigations and TEA/HR protocols where applicable.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richardson ISD - Regular Board Meetings - Apr 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Speakers at the April 3 Richardson ISD board meeting raised concerns about sex-separated arrangements for students on field trips and overnight stays, alleged racist conduct at a pre-kindergarten site with a pending complaint, protections for vulnerable students, and the need to bolster student social skills.","taxTitle","RICHARDSON ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14326,"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},6613569,"Board hears 2025–26 budget preview as district flags health insurance, SHARS and staffing pressures",642,4938000,5580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8&start=4938&end=5580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8/thumbnail_4938000.jpg","/articles/6613569/Texas/Board-hears-202526-budget-preview-as-district-flags-health-insurance-SHARS-and-staffing-pressures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613569-61ec69537b0279909eee9a2769dc1308/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138142&Signature=o~qXIGZQYg2baLaP7WzgW7kr-hK2d7U5rv~f~P2vfCEut~-siGsS8oLfV6HFMMJ7b74Ayjr36TAlTLoHIy-e8rLcHHjw2CGR7jZ~t-dF7IMvKmMS9b3lv3omgvocYlffgPfPm1pBNmNXjT~SVFzJIxlifUTSfxv1FYwWYak8weC5M58DbMfrKKpyT6ukzIC3OBJ1CA-nl1GKZQgLk9EYjj9j9JEo0o7x~xn7NMiqxGAjT4FoIaOq3b3kmdR~yrAT-SSB2dx7djYpFuuvk5quP9kKZpwaW5w9lmmKIAjdeo3AKzPC03kNTtlmdnfxTnVuqYziMA-gzjdX2vCiSGCemA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richardson ISD leaders presented a preliminary look at 2025–26 budget issues at the April 3 board meeting, calling attention to health insurance premium uncertainty, SHARS reimbursement declines, workers' compensation and staffing benchmarks the district uses in planning.

Health insurance and TRS ActiveCare: The district said TRS ActiveCare (the statewide pool) will set premiums in May or June and that both chambers' draft appropriations include $450 million intended to limit TRS ActiveCare premium increases to 10% per year. The district reported that in 2024–25 active-care premiums averaged an 11.2% increase; 61% of RISD’s eligible employees participate in TRS ActiveCare. Staff noted one tradeoff in budgeting: salary increases benefit all employees (and affect TRS retirement calculations) while premium contribution increases only help participating employees’ out-of-pocket costs.

SHARS (School Health and Related Services): District staff confirmed a visible decline in SHARS reimbursements after federal/state guidance changes. They noted pending legislation (mentioned in the legislative update) that would provide state backfill (the supplemental bill amount discussed earlier). Staff also said SHARS is reimbursement-based and that claimed revenue often reflects services provided in prior years.

Workers’ compensation and other costs: The district reported claims have declined slightly; the fund is self-insured with stop-loss coverage for large claims. District staff also noted facilities-age metrics (average facility age cited as 58.8 years) and the need to continue addressing maintenance and infrastructure issues.

Staffing benchmarks and student needs: Trustees saw benchmarking on students-per-staff ratios across multiple categories. Staff emphasized that while enrollment has declined since 2018, the district serves a larger share of students with more-complex needs: emergent bilingual, immigrant, homeless (McKinney-Vento) and special education percentages have increased. The district said Project RightSize reassigned staff; positions have been reduced by attrition rather than layoffs. Administrative-level efficiencies identified by the community budget steering committee (about $2.2 million in cuts) will be included in 2025–26 planning.

Ending

District leaders said the budget will focus on classroom and student supports while seeking efficiencies in central-office costs. They reiterated that uncertainties at the state level (legislation, TRS premium setting and SHARS rules) affect final budgeting and that staff will bring proposed budget decisions to the board when more state information becomes available.","District leaders briefed trustees on budget planning for 2025–26, highlighting uncertainty in TRS ActiveCare premiums, declines in SHARS reimbursements, workers' compensation trends, DCAD reappraisal activity and staffing benchmarks that reflect smaller campus sizes and rising special-education and English-learners populations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":80,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":83,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6613573,"District outlines federal grants and entitlements, highlights use of Title I, IDEA and child nutrition funds",532,5470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8&start=4938&end=5470","/articles/6613573/Texas/District-outlines-federal-grants-and-entitlements-highlights-use-of-Title-I-IDEA-and-child-nutrition-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613573-ccac4616cf53e5b67d0c464ea978c1e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138142&Signature=CJJ3ixJZbwvz2q~U5RYvw5Kwn~c4I3tSWwhlz8E01N0Ey3MR~JqFPsxiPLh4epyp4pMHk8rweuhl9id6ZXlPp3PpI3YKdI3gpzl8Ea036qTInGcmfCAj3Ekit7blw7PBeWg~AFJot8OEtwdV32TecqsrBHLPCYD5Cdmt-tflk77WjjDbfjjpk-MaTcBT2pUdER5o~XE72WBAT8tmkVdrynPS3JHsGpnVyHD2zs43ycOM9gaHnbWNUQ9NTsaaOUp0YZi~6x7jhr8O-9szpy5K9gDzIgcilBnMdKv-Gj5BJaBvHaiID5Fh8phbUJoxXvZJzye6Y5FzG61~9oYd7gQp-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented an overview of federal grants and entitlements at the April 3 meeting, explaining how the funds flow from the U.S. Department of Education through TEA to local districts and how Richardson ISD uses those funds.

Dr. Butel (district federal grants staff) described two broad buckets of federal funds: formula entitlements (for example Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, IDEA and Perkins) and discretionary or competitive grants. She said the district’s recurring entitlement awards totaled approximately $22,981,000 for the period discussed (this figure excludes ESSER one-time funds). Child nutrition funds and commodity reimbursements were shown separately; those federal reimbursements fund meal programs and related operations.

Dr. Butel explained how Title I funds are primarily campus-directed (about 90% goes to campuses) to support campus improvement activities such as tutoring, classroom materials and instructional coaches. Title II supports professional learning and new-teacher programs. Title III supports emerging bilingual students and family literacy; Title IV supports well-rounded education, healthy schools and effective use of technology. IDEA-B funds largely support staff who provide special education services; the district noted that IDEA funding does not fully cover special education costs and maintenance-of-effort rules require the district to sustain a given spending level for special education.

The presentation noted declines in SHARS reimbursements tied to federal and state rule changes, and staff referenced a pending legislative supplemental (reported earlier in the meeting) intended to backfill some SHARS losses. The district also discussed discretionary awards such as a principal residency grant and a “grow-your-own” program for educator pathways. Staff said they maintain district and campus improvement plans and solicit parent input on the use of federal funds.

Ending

Staff emphasized that federal funds come with program-specific restrictions (including supplement-not-supplant rules) and substantial documentation requirements. The district said it will continue to publish federal-grant awards online and to invite stakeholder input through the district planning committee, campus site-based decision-making teams and Let’s Talk.","District staff reviewed formula and discretionary federal funding, reported entitlements of about $22.98 million (excluding ESSER), described Title I campus allocations, IDEA use for special education staffing, child nutrition reimbursements and discretionary grants, and explained maintenance-of-effort and supplement-not-supplant constraints.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6613578,"District hears legislative update: discipline bill progress, tax transparency and voucher changes",523,3037000,3560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8&start=3037&end=3560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8/thumbnail_3037000.jpg","/articles/6613578/Texas/District-hears-legislative-update-discipline-bill-progress-tax-transparency-and-voucher-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613578-45fff2a5c756cb58fd55e3489faf21bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138142&Signature=PtwPC~4aUQw4RsZeSFt3tdT5kzGqyD09y8xUuZ9qM97GTPbE-vSAaB0GOLi1QZR4LoOwcRaEm6DfYh8cFmX9nbWWAMYK6irPV2nFArMOD8tjjJk0Vee~77hQxBcm32iWBHyRS7d5Q~DiKQjMN7zeLFoBzUNgiZXVgJU7-1AfdPE0b9TOyFkeiPZlq8eYhyuJ~P8Gv9IsuVge1Rqo756lmwkVfh4FKQJ1pXj1RSFTg3WlMH5ORI-qSQlsp1oemJ59rc0xE82WCR3dupgqqUSGvo5fWzfOF5~bDjHh20Nme1eVtrzEg8O3otg0l24Mm~F5waJ2vHBH38GniFnVfzTOYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the April 3 board meeting Richardson ISD staff provided a legislative update covering education bills moving through the Texas Legislature and items the district is tracking.

Miss Morse (district legislative liaison) told trustees the session is halfway complete and highlighted that House Bill 6, carrying several discipline-related provisions the district prioritized, passed out of committee. She also described activity on tax-transparency language: the House passed a measure to post property-tax breakdowns online so taxpayers can see how much goes to a district and how much is recaptured by the state. Morse reported the House also advanced a committee substitute for the voucher bill (a substitute for Senate Bill 2) and described differences between the chambers’ proposals, including eligibility limits and an expiration in the 2026–27 school year under the House approach.

Morse said the House passed an emergency supplemental that includes roughly $934,000,000 intended to backfill SHARS (School Health and Related Services) funding. She cautioned that bills continue to change in committee and that staff will update the board as substitutes and amendments are posted.

Ending

Morse asked trustees to keep in mind the legislative process’ many steps before floor passage. The district said it will continue to monitor committee substitutes and related changes and keep the board informed.","District legislative liaison reported House and Senate activity including House Bill 6 (discipline) passing committee, progress on tax-transparency provisions and competing House/Senate approaches to school vouchers; a supplemental bill with $934 million for SHARS backfill was noted.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6613583,"Board approves consent agenda, waivers and nomination in 7-0 votes",41,3003000,3044000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8&start=3003&end=3044","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869967-31ceceecd4d99d6ba78289510585f8a8/thumbnail_3003000.jpg","/articles/6613583/Texas/Board-approves-consent-agenda-waivers-and-nomination-in-7-0-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6613583-9bbadfcb0b285baebed4a2bccc65535a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138142&Signature=DraIP3Gy33aFSa-gOz43CDcyUQzbkVFc4jGKAXlWDMs90lIumZ4z7nJWyHG6B1ZStPJX~yLxedSlzm0ypuyElwNzakHwoc9ENj3T3Ky6yKJKd8hfvC0NP87naDNe5cSVUrgrjMZk2io~MIWvOJ0Ra5rV07mIugVoQUOHJ8mfCPU-hCL~58~Vyj~Qqle4G-8PSPLrZSihCWeoMboLf7Hxb2wx3VNdatD5uSD7ZZPdnW3CcOA3BJmgvqS94Wg~YriNvBSFeF5HmNYUOsz-JBi-w-rAf6cc-j8tPvhkia9ISki7dfNTU9MmysusIw0CsU6zjalJbUHhjuPUtw87yhqSJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richardson ISD Board of Trustees approved several routine and budget-related items by unanimous votes during its April 3, 2025 meeting.

The board voted 7-0 to approve the consent agenda with one construction management item pulled for resubmission. Trustees also voted 7-0 to accept gifts totaling $47,130.71 for the month and to approve TEA waivers related to low attendance and missed school days. The board additionally approved a nomination to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and voted 7-0 to nominate Trustee Regina Harris for Region 10, seat B on the TASB board of directors.

The motions and outcomes recorded in the public minutes are listed below.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (with exception): Motion to approve the consent agenda with the construction-manager-at-risk item for Bridal Schools (Part A) pulled for resubmission. Mover: Vanessa Pacheco. Second: Megan Timmy. Outcome: Passed, 7-0. (Transcript evidence: Chair announced \"The motion passes 7 0.\")

- Acceptance of gifts (>$5,000): Motion to accept three gifts over $5,000 and additional gifts under $5,000 as listed (total $47,130.71). Mover: Eric Eager. Second: Regina Harris. Outcome: Passed, 7-0.

- Low attendance waiver: Motion to approve the low attendance waiver(s) submitted to TEA for specified campuses and dates. Mover: Megan Timmy. Second: Debbie Renteria. Outcome: Passed, 7-0.

- Missed school day waiver: Motion to approve submission of missed school day waiver(s) to TEA for campuses affected by plumbing issues, a city boil-water notice and other events. Mover: Eric Eager. Second: Rachel McGowan. Outcome: Passed, 7-0.

- Nomination to TASB Region 10 seat B: Motion to nominate Trustee Regina Harris for Region 10, seat B on the TASB board of directors. Mover: Vanessa Rodriguez. Second: Megan Timmy. Outcome: Passed, 7-0.

Board chair Chris Poteet called for the roll and recorded each unanimous outcome. No dissenting votes were recorded in the meeting minutes.

Ending

The board took no additional action on the pulled construction-manager-at-risk item and the administration said it will resubmit that item at a future meeting. The meeting then proceeded to informational items and closed session later in the evening.","At its April 3 meeting the Richardson ISD Board of Trustees approved the consent agenda (with one item pulled), accepted gifts, approved low-attendance and missed-day waivers, and nominated Trustee Regina Harris to a TASB regional board seat. All motions passed unanimously, 7-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters raise concerns about transgender student policies, alleged racism at pre-K, trafficking group presence and student supports

Board hears 2025–26 budget preview as district flags health insurance, SHARS and staffing pressures

District outlines federal grants and entitlements, highlights use of Title I, IDEA and child nutrition funds

District hears legislative update: discipline bill progress, tax transparency and voucher changes

Board approves consent agenda, waivers and nomination in 7-0 votes