[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,76,88,99],{"_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",6575201,"mediaKeyId","3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b","parentId",3127168,"title","Votes at a glance: board passes consent agenda, maintenance bid award and SECO LoanSTAR authorization","audioSeconds",95,"startMs",3098000,"endMs",3193000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b&start=3098&end=3193","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b/thumbnail_3098000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6575201/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-board-passes-consent-agenda-maintenance-bid-award-and-SECO-LoanSTAR-authorization","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575201-2b00098c4dcd16e7f7be48c735f8ffa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770492246&Signature=k2kAP-bPimrLJAY1It53xDQU2UQAkDVSv1D1sc-l6M-w06VfSWF2JBsevuWeO4S82YV0sGNVDMqfbFFaD5jICVuVPdPuKV53s3A0V4kPYt75S4UsAU2iAAkK6uGZIfMht0wP7OhUI~ee4ZZhJQWyqtLZklbqxhLhXwOYBSjvp53p12VSXra0z~e3bRCdpuj7TbtNEKjxnEJ5DLSegpPfHpudI9svIsW-vUJ5ufLSSsF8ySxXhp3jr2n5mi7NoJ-E9N8anaroFBFPoll95zpS-ggkAS31r~Bv1cilGfcbOKg-nee0m7efNknBOda1GRUHtwOl~O27H3709r1hzEyCGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Waco ISD","date","2025-04-25T18:21:11.62Z","article","WACO, Texas — The Waco Independent School Board recorded several formal actions during the meeting: the consent agenda was approved as presented (with item 7E held for separate consideration), the board awarded a bid for maintenance supplies and services, and the board authorized staff to proceed with a SECO LoanSTAR energy‑efficiency loan application.

Consent agenda: The board accepted the consent agenda as presented except for item 7E. The acceptance was passed by voice vote.

Bid award (item 7E): The board considered and approved the bid award for maintenance supplies, equipment and services. Trustee Jeremy Davis made the motion to award the bid; Trustee Jim Patton seconded. The motion carried; the meeting record notes that Trustee Keith Guillory recused from the vote.

SECO LoanSTAR authorization: Later in the meeting the board voted unanimously to authorize staff to continue the SECO LoanSTAR application and related engineering work (see separate coverage). Trustee Keith Guillory moved the motion and Trustee Jeremy Davis seconded; the motion passed with all trustees voting aye.

These items were recorded in the official meeting minutes and will be reflected in the board’s consent and contract records.

Provenance: motions and roll call recorded during consent agenda, item 7E and item 9 on the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Waco ISD School Board Meeting from April 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its regular meeting the Waco ISD board approved the consent agenda (except 7E initially), then awarded a bid for maintenance supplies and unanimously authorized staff to proceed with a SECO LoanSTAR application. One trustee recused from the maintenance bid award.","taxTitle","WACO ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14342,"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},6575205,"Waco ISD superintendent urges caution over new ESA voucher bill and recent accountability changes",306,2073000,2379000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b&start=2073&end=2379","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b/thumbnail_2073000.jpg","/articles/6575205/Texas/Waco-ISD-superintendent-urges-caution-over-new-ESA-voucher-bill-and-recent-accountability-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575205-c515559c9c5c4e04a673688762dacd79/orig.mp4?Expires=1770492246&Signature=TrCsrkE6EcNHJoRrfoQd1EuAFfnY7ipDEffYu9RVjJbfVZQ7xXL~0eZtZLBl12~k0mYOz8pcYnSio~v3L~SvjoUxLNwy-OoD7fi2255NMN7pzj~Jmx4mVwmzljAGPZ9cJs9weIknvIqA5pJq75OrH4PGGsh258WgIgIKnSE3yrdE2lGoipP-~qjZXHqAFrKUD0a7aPTj5mHR~QFPuFdLcnm5g6c8zKnlWhR6i2KPWmnJgzA~IDQU6xo2Wvkuw49ZAt4IP8oNgWr1yDpb38VA08GjiOKQRizGLEZ2FuDyBjFFO1o0eyWkLt748eIi8oAM~DKb9OTQ9ohsjng4EVgReg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WACO, Texas — In her monthly report to the board, Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Quanesha Spicer said the Senate advanced a bill creating education savings accounts (ESAs) to the governor and expressed concern about recent Texas Education Agency (TEA) alterations to testing and accountability methods.

Spicer told trustees the Senate voted 19–12 to advance the House version of SB 2, the ESA bill, and said the district is monitoring how the measure could affect public schools. “I have been asked to look into the future and forecast how this bill will impact public schools like ours. And honestly, I do not know,” she said.

Spicer also criticized TEA for implementing large changes to the STAAR test and to the method for assigning A–F accountability ratings after the school year began. She said districts received final methods, measures and procedures only after the academic year was underway. “It was as if our students and staff played a game. After everyone went home, TEA decided to change the rules,” she said.

Spicer singled out changes to the college, career and military readiness (CCMR) measures, saying the class of 2023 was evaluated under new, more rigorous standards that weren’t provided to the district until months after those students graduated. She urged the public to consider the broader context before drawing conclusions from A–F ratings. “The STAAR test is a single measure taken on a single day. It cannot and it should not be the sole lens through which we evaluate the success and value of the Pecos Independent School District,” she said (speaker used district name in remarks).

Trustees and speakers emphasized the need for advocacy. Trustee Jose Vidania urged community members to contact legislators and demand full funding for public schools; Trustee Jeremy Davis encouraged people to vote. The superintendent said district staff will continue monitoring legislative activity and that district leaders hope funding decisions by June 2 will better address inflationary pressures faced by districts.

The superintendent’s remarks were delivered as an informational report; the board took no formal action on the legislative or accountability items during the meeting.

Provenance: superintendent’s report and board discussion on legislative developments and state accountability.","Superintendent Dr. Quanesha Spicer told the board the Senate advanced a bill creating education savings accounts (ESAs) to the governor and criticized recent Texas Education Agency changes to testing and accountability, saying districts lacked notice of new measures and that the STAAR is a single‑day measure that doesn't capture all school work.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":46,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6575210,"Kendrick Elementary near completion; temporary occupancy planned for late May",435,3628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b&start=3193&end=3628","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b/thumbnail_3193000.jpg","/articles/6575210/Texas/Kendrick-Elementary-near-completion-temporary-occupancy-planned-for-late-May","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575210-58ab629d8377a698c66c3f47e78dfbcf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770492246&Signature=Orts8gRiWR~MDUH5wlAlaj9y6IdaWT7qiOVJlCD2V3dklHNrPCIViryhWRmxM7OJzr2U5fuBjcnfRf1htrdDu~bPLaZLMB3gfD9XaQmmJlCInnfGHDRbIgG1~5VZP8-pKi1Vw4U9bZ2Gj2iP8wuBYtKT9cs95Aq4eD8TRTNM8q3UR2C6uj3kVTCKZp5ugKHGU4B5wbsDqT75l4PLEVzPtddaWN5l0TyM-uLUaYsO2h9ALWp3SIdJv8CKYIwLAbDFMHGrS2RFIjzhKANROykU9SQ2LDuAYdA100ArnTyqvHZqAVe68zBuCWXvwWlwmz~neJe--az8hDYaZSaXLHRmXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WACO, Texas — Waco ISD officials gave the board an update on Kendrick Elementary School’s new building, saying construction is roughly 95 percent complete, the project is ahead of schedule and under budget, and a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) is targeted for May 22.

Facilities staff and construction partners walked trustees through photos and the planned occupancy schedule. The presentation highlighted the school’s new main entrance, library with a central puppet stage, indoor and outdoor learning spaces, a new gym in addition to the existing gym, and classroom “neighborhoods” with secure pod doors and collaboration spaces.

Facilities staff said the first delivery of furniture had already arrived and that they expect to complete furniture installation in early May. Teachers will be permitted to begin moving instructional materials and preparing classrooms on Saturday, May 17, with the first staged move beginning May 2 for items that can be moved prior to the end of the school year. A second move is planned for May 23 after school ends. District technology installations are either underway or scheduled to start shortly.

Project managers told the board the district is installing final door key cores and finishing punch‑list items; they reiterated the target for the temporary certificate of occupancy on May 22 and said the full occupancy permit will follow after final completion.

Trustees and staff praised the design features that preserve cultural elements from the old Kendrick campus — including a rocking chair area adjacent to the library — and recognized the contractor and community partners for delivering the project under budget. Board members asked about sequencing with other district construction projects and the schedule for moving furniture to Waco High School, which is beginning furniture staging the week after the Kendrick moves.

The presentation was informational; no board action was required. Staff said they will return with any necessary approvals if scope changes arise before final occupancy.

Provenance: item 8 on the agenda; presentation and timeline discussion recorded in the Kendrick Elementary update.","District officials said Kendrick Elementary is about 95% complete, ahead of schedule and under budget; temporary certificate of occupancy is targeted for May 22 and teachers may begin moving in May 17 under a staged move plan.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6575214,"Waco ISD approves pursuit of $5.5M SECO LoanSTAR package to upgrade HVAC, lighting and windows",1348,3886000,5234000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b&start=3886&end=5234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3127168-5cf51b2efa83fad9984b8cda42cfca4b/thumbnail_3886000.jpg","/articles/6575214/Texas/Waco-ISD-approves-pursuit-of-55M-SECO-LoanSTAR-package-to-upgrade-HVAC-lighting-and-windows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575214-d33ce3f60fb27738996a3f7f2996d1b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770492246&Signature=h0VOenE9k60yoHOWlZmWQh2zQHLuM~xcOtBN2O0ZguyfF2gwbkq1gyAuGT2oPYWnkqeVXvqiCi6l3JLc0-R0W~cOXZvo0CSxgVRhJe~OxEi-jX-QZ00asIjtdMu5aT2SI94HNqZ2ianyI0RG-3isvrDYafjyDUwvt3aawtiELy~wfC99JyXCVQceBn2jnFBgSXYPSXuY~yVgsY5sFUQDTd29VoDKdFndVGYMhldQOpB7Ge4YvzlKf7qUzyljILJLNpzL15Z8~w9X1-y6LkwLfQkDKZ~LFfPoNoMskIR-jpQVPkhSgJ102xizspl~R~6ASQ3ALKZUjF-iivVVAipOeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WACO, Texas — The Waco Independent School Board voted unanimously to proceed with a SECO LoanSTAR loan application to fund districtwide mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) improvements intended to reduce energy and water costs.

The board’s vote on a motion to “approve to proceed with the SECO Lone Star program to improve the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems across multiple campuses” followed a presentation from district consultants and engineers outlining the program, timetable and projected savings.

Board President Stephanie Cordeweg called for the motion; Trustee Keith Guillory moved to advance the application and Trustee Jeremy Davis seconded. The motion passed with all trustees voting in favor.

District and consultant presenters said SECO granted preliminary acceptance of the district’s application and that the proposal in the preliminary energy audit is for a $5,500,000 loan at an interest rate of 2.5 percent. Consultants said the payback period in the preliminary report is about 9.82 years and that the state structures loans so districts should show net positive cash flow from energy savings during the repayment period. A consultant summarized the program’s intent plainly: “They do not want it to be a burden to you.”

The measures included in the preliminary scope are: replacement or optimization of HVAC systems (including chillers and rooftop units), interior and exterior LED lighting retrofits, window film installation for thermal control and security, power factor correction, and commissioning/optimization of building controls. Consultants identified a set of campuses targeted for work in the preliminary package, including Dean Hyland, Cedar Ridge, Parkdale, Cesar Chavez, the administration building and University High School among others.

Under SECO’s process, the district must complete a more detailed Uniform Audit Report (UAR) within 140 days of preliminary acceptance and undergo a SECO-funded third‑party technical and financial review. Consultants estimated a review window of about four months and an implementation timeline that could extend through multiple summers, with a conservative calendar projecting project closeout and loan finalization around October 2027.

Trustees asked how savings were calculated and whether the work would change day‑to‑day controls. The district’s presenters described “HVAC optimization” as programming and control changes plus monitoring that will allow systems to use “free cooling,” better sequence equipment and reduce unnecessary run time. The district’s finance officer said the district has not previously used a loan program of this type and has historically funded similar work from fund balance.

Board members emphasized the financial rationale: several trustees noted the loan’s low interest rate and the goal of replacing older equipment while securing ongoing utility savings. One trustee summarized the district’s objective: to produce more efficient facilities that will cost less to operate once the loan is repaid.

Next steps identified in the presentation: complete the UAR within 140 days, submit to SECO for third‑party review, finalize the detailed scope and pricing, proceed to board approval for construction contracting when the state and district reviews are complete, and begin implementation with an 18‑month construction allowance in the schedule.

The board’s vote authorizes staff to continue through the SECO process; any final loan documents and construction contracts will return to the board for later approval.

Provenance: Presentation and board motion recorded during agenda item 9; motion and vote recorded later in the meeting.","The Waco Independent School Board voted unanimously to proceed with a State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) LoanSTAR loan application to fund mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades across multiple campuses; preliminary figures show a roughly $5.5 million loan at 2.5% interest and estimated annual energy savings of about $500,000.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: board passes consent agenda, maintenance bid award and SECO LoanSTAR authorization

Waco ISD superintendent urges caution over new ESA voucher bill and recent accountability changes

Kendrick Elementary near completion; temporary occupancy planned for late May

Waco ISD approves pursuit of $5.5M SECO LoanSTAR package to upgrade HVAC, lighting and windows