[{"_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",6566146,"mediaKeyId","3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a","parentId",3206882,"title","Brownsville ISD reports B-grade 2023 TEA rating; preliminary 2024 score up one point amid statewide testing changes","audioSeconds",970,"startMs",4743000,"endMs",5713000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a&start=4743&end=5713","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a/thumbnail_4743000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6566146/Texas/Brownsville-ISD-reports-B-grade-2023-TEA-rating-preliminary-2024-score-up-one-point-amid-statewide-testing-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566146-b25ad8b7a41099b49689fbaae441021e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145809&Signature=ZCRhixjivcSNOJXj869z99me72CfzzkQswU6nDDEf4D50oJr0bvcYj3Mg~QFaryJATrZNnfRFa6BY~tXOkZHIpAJScuIflGbKmxE39i~C4yd64mhUgqYp-DyT7hs3~OjyJCe3MG7RqPpmQb7CKoOht2hgWncJZHYC-MplZjOA2V9lOMr-d5-Frx1sPHRDmrwz83Bzv3rAnr0f9FdMa3fNMzja3pLpOec4bIxu02ENlJb61KdJP50pCFEVevb1Rt7LLOPEKh9OX0eueaNrfor~g3hW5BKuqc9pxCeHid2vcf5EAiXokVzRlRYxaPufKS~YpvNq06nbOLWKL3f2BGnUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Brownsville ISD, TX","date","2025-05-07T04:06:58.157Z","article","Brownsville Independent School District officials told the school board on May 6 that the district’s finalized 2023 Texas Education Agency accountability rating was a B (87) and that preliminary 2024 data put the district one point higher.

The presentation, given at the board’s regular meeting, reviewed how rapid statewide changes to the STAAR assessment and accountability framework produced sharp shifts in district and regional ratings between the 2021–22 and 2022–23 school years.

Ms. Hernandez, a district curriculum presenter, said the 2023 ratings had been delayed by litigation and then described the large policy and test changes the TEA implemented in 2022–23: testing moved fully online; 30% of items became technology-enhanced (drag-drop, fill-in), short constructed responses and writing were reintroduced, an automated scoring component expanded, cut points were changed in some subjects and the state tightened the College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) standard substantially (from a 60 threshold in earlier guidance to an 88 threshold in 2023–24). She also said the state raised the graduation-rate scale and tightened eligibility for the alternate STAAR assessment used by some special education students.

The presentation showed Brownsville ISD earned an overall B in 2023, with school progress at 89 and a B in closing-the-gap measures (86). District staff said districts statewide saw steep rating shifts in 2022–23: the number of districts with an A statewide fell from 395 in 2021–22 to 128 in 2022–23, while D and F ratings reappeared on published reports after a pause related to Senate Bill 1365.

Superintendent Jesus Chavez, who prefaced the item, said he has “been supportive of the state test” throughout his career but criticized annual test changes, saying frequent modifications make consistent comparison and planning difficult. Trustees thanked teachers, principals and central-office teams for sustaining instruction and interventions through the testing changes.

District staff also shared that preliminary 2024 accountability figures — still under appeal or litigation at the state level — show Brownsville ISD one point higher than its final 2023 score. Ms. Hernandez said the district will keep working on device readiness, professional learning and intervention programs and will bring more detailed explanations of campus-level interventions back to the board later this month.

Why it matters: The A–F ratings influence public perception, state monitoring and eligibility for some state programs. Board members emphasized the district’s high proportions of economically disadvantaged students, bilingual learners and students receiving special education services as context for the performance data and urged continued investment in devices, personnel and supports.

What’s next: District staff said they will present more detailed, campus-level intervention and resource plans to the board in upcoming meetings and continue monitoring litigation and TEA updates.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Brownsville ISD: Regular Scheduled Board Meeting May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Brownsville Independent School District officials told the school board on May 6 that the district’s finalized 2023 Texas Education Agency accountability rating was a B (87) and that preliminary 2024 data put the district one point higher.","taxTitle","BROWNSVILLE ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",13521,"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},6566129,"Students, trustees press to restore KBSD channel and keep Porter High TV studio space; board tables action for more information",2990,9075000,12065000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a&start=9075&end=12065","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a/thumbnail_9075000.jpg","/articles/6566129/Texas/Students-trustees-press-to-restore-KBSD-channel-and-keep-Porter-High-TV-studio-space-board-tables-action-for-more-information","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566129-3297e924a7fd82d1747fcada76913128/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145809&Signature=aRUL1FU6xPLuE~MSqRR5ABr7idlzjck4sM~n5CCzHU~M8VXOaWHPF7GJmSHdXKbmkCPBvJTYO6E04iEENvaeIH2fdunZMu6q67a2xK-rSjjo7WaHDc2-fS60uhQYwDhIlGGh0IGwrGHHueibBibOuB-1~skzek0z9N~uNSfDRL6Voa-8cw8AUaDI6-FIdmqVLLTaQ2p~vL0vXHViM9OCD37xKwA5yRzdAeuvqsW33erJqBSyYfWKc3l-JTAy5aV8D2TsKf27h7owAT81-bzkE-Fo645Kiz9UyJFEMcCe-CYNJ-TLUxjLRgLioIMUszZYtEol0U~hbS4d7VYzitTGKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A student from Porter Early College High School urged the Brownsville ISD board on May 6 to allow students to keep the former KBSD television-station space and asked trustees to consider restoring KBSD Spectrum channel 13-01 so community members without stable internet access could view district programming.

Christopher Cardona, who identified himself as a student in Porter’s audio-video program, told trustees, “This room is more than just a space. It's a hub for creativity, learning, and real world experience.” Cardona said his team used the space during competitions and that access to a full studio expanded opportunities for filmmaking, editing and professional practice.

Trustees discussed the tradeoffs between maintaining a dedicated public-education/government (PEG) Spectrum channel and using YouTube. Board members noted Spectrum previously carried a looping service for district content for a small fee; staff said the prior arrangement cost roughly $2,800 annually for a looping channel but that Spectrum has moved toward HD-only carriage and staff needed written confirmation on current technical offerings and audience metrics. The board also heard that the KBSD physical studio equipment remains on district property and that any reactivation carries modest recurring costs and some staff time.

Trustee Minerva Pena and others noted that some residents lack reliable internet or streaming devices and that a free basic cable channel can reach audiences who do not use YouTube. Trustee Carlos Elizondo and Superintendent Chavez said student access to studio space is a priority; the superintendent cautioned that any district decision to restore a paid PEG channel must be weighed against current budget constraints.

The board voted to table the item and asked administration to return with written, itemized cost estimates, current proposals from Spectrum (in writing) and options for locating the KBSD channel or studio space so students and public-information staff can both make use of production facilities.

Why it matters: The decision affects student hands-on media education, the district’s ability to distribute content to community members without broadband and recurring budget commitments for channel carriage or studio operations.

What’s next: Administration will provide the Spectrum proposal in writing, present cost comparisons, and propose options for the studio space and staffing so trustees can act at a future meeting.","A Porter Early College student asked the board to let students continue using the former KBSD TV-station space. Trustees debated restoring a Spectrum PEG channel (KBSD 13-01) versus relying on YouTube; the board voted to table the request and asked administration to provide written cost and technical information.",{"_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},6566133,"BISD board approves financial reports, extends bank contract and awards portable-building contract; consultant RFP tabled for further review",1315,8168000,9483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a&start=8168&end=9483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a/thumbnail_8168000.jpg","/articles/6566133/Texas/BISD-board-approves-financial-reports-extends-bank-contract-and-awards-portable-building-contract-consultant-RFP-tabled-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566133-c08f8ac323bdc026f03a80516a89096d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145809&Signature=UF2AlmF4xP53ISPLe5f9Y4z97y3RJn805dTpSC2y~t8JoeYMU4sJEvyGBBUsCZzrbg8AHnmF~LSxcxIFPaJ--1ogwsfUY-1ajuprEnP61myOp-hv7A0pMrgfAqh2dcfyoZbWZ~G0n6ksEHWNkDA7v2JgqeGW0eLTsNxNp2gbPu4dTqoP2ryGMnP7bydM57X9SHtEelNkx2Fyvx1g1oTOimW1vAbii2fhndmGAfsy57oVAQL5oerDy1TrRpGIzOGopYMxbSi4kV7meRbfXkhc9jv7UnveF2PWWqBdVH~SqHaka8E3FpblhwKjJqBcsTol~aCacnMmzyo7OsUREAaPiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brownsville Independent School District board on May 6 reviewed financial reports through April and March and approved several procurement and banking items, including a bank-contract extension and an award for portable-building relocation services. Trustees also tabled a districtwide consultants-and-contractors request for additional vendor detail.

Finance: Mary Garza presented the general-fund figures through April: general-fund revenues of $347.5 million and expenditures of $414.6 million, a $67.0 million shortfall for the fiscal period cited. Special-revenue and federal funds and self-insurance fund positions were also presented; federal funds operate on a reimbursement basis and can appear negative until year-end close. The quarterly investment report showed roughly $260 million invested across instruments and year-to-date interest of about $8.7 million.

Banking and procurement votes: The board approved a extension of the district’s depository contract with Lone Star National Bank (corrected on the record as the third extension) for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2025, by a 5–1 vote (one abstention).

Consultants RFP: Trustees discussed a large, $760,000 fiscal-implication package for consultants and contractors aggregated into a single agenda item and requested more detailed vendor-by-vendor descriptions. The originating department recommended combining consultant/contractor proposals for account-coding reasons, but trustees asked for separate line-item clarity; the board voted to table that item so administration can return with a detailed breakdown.

Portable buildings RFP: The board approved award of RFP 25-0129 for portable-building relocation and related services to several vendors; fiscal details were provided as a multi-vendor contract with a one-year base term and up to two one-year renewals.

Other: The full consent agenda passed earlier in the meeting; the board approved a resolution excusing and paying employees for time missed due to inclement weather on March 28, 2025, and agreed to refund or restore leave for affected employees as soon as payroll adjustments could be processed.

Why it matters: The finance and procurement actions set near-term operations, capital planning and vendor relationships, and the board’s request for greater vendor detail on large consultant packages reflects trustee interest in transparency and budgeting control.

What’s next: Administration will return with the requested vendor breakdown for the consultants-and-contractors RFP and will provide phased cost estimates for facility projects flagged in other agenda items.","Trustees received district financial and investment reports, approved extending the depository contract with Lone Star National Bank (third extension) and awarded a portable-building relocation contract; a large annual consultants/contractors request-for-proposal was tabled so trustees could review vendor line-item details.",{"_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},6566138,"BISD renews Medicaid Administrative Claiming contract as SHARS changes squeeze reimbursements; Houston consultants offer legal and program support",938,9749000,10687000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a&start=9749&end=10687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a/thumbnail_9749000.jpg","/articles/6566138/Texas/BISD-renews-Medicaid-Administrative-Claiming-contract-as-SHARS-changes-squeeze-reimbursements-Houston-consultants-offer-legal-and-program-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566138-84462e4448f2f742ebe8ece37f358a53/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145809&Signature=BkVTy8R-KQdSV8p~61HtvW9nhsf1j1J-44gi8SJsWA9eB9IDW5qOWcOnnPed5wuYrg5HFSaVk1KaAF3yxShZwyJSchQp-6ckx8icvhaeBrDJraT371tPlJjzN4y21yuR~HlsbBbNlNEMIEr1Pzxm8aL3xKOCW7Tb1ASMLn6P-IB76Dm62a39sldfzNVCLUimxZkpNPCaJ0UTzB8E8a76L0tjIvRMPtSKBnicZOtTmHsQqdAgX1~zC~JEZR1Q-edoQdI6leNKeZokcqb6l3ETXyiKx4awEhOq6CTWPV5QyO1-7yR8xA2NYHH9WOT2n-xA7SHXLb2FCTjvHbb5PfMoRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brownsville Independent School District board approved a multi-year renewal on May 6 to continue the district’s participation in Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) and related services used to recover Medicaid-related administrative costs.

Mary Garza, the district’s finance representative, presented the item and said the district’s annual MAC-related reimbursements typically vary and have recently been in the neighborhood of $200,000–$280,000 a year depending on participant lists and compliance. Trustees asked how training and random moment time-study (RMTS) compliance are being handled; Garza said training for administrative leads is provided by the district’s vendor and that campus participants receive training and reminders to meet the program’s response windows.

Representatives from Houston ISD’s Medicaid finance team — including Crystal Forsky and Michael Acosta — joined the meeting to explain why many Texas districts have seen sharp declines in SHARS (School Health and Related Services) and related cost-report revenue. Forsky said recent Texas Administrative Code (TAC) guidance and state HHS enforcement have narrowed what constitutes billable personal-care and transportation services and tightened paid-claim requirements; she said many districts have seen program revenue drops and that a legal challenge over the 2022 cost report has moved toward federal court. “Districts have lost over 50% of the revenue,” she said in describing statewide effects, and she urged districts to review participant lists and documentation to maximize allowed claims.

Trustees and staff discussed whether outside SHARS contractors should assist with cost-report compilation going forward; Garza said staff would pursue collaboration with the vendor and external partners to ensure documentation and to try to maximize reimbursements. Board members thanked the outside consultants for offering to provide a district workshop on SHARS/MAC program health and compliance.

Why it matters: MAC and SHARS reimbursements provide district General Fund relief for some services associated with special education and health services. Changes in state rules and enforcement have reduced some districts’ recoverable revenue and increased the administrative burden for accurate documentation and training.

What’s next: The board approved renewal of the MAC partnership and asked administration to coordinate training, review participant lists and return with recommended process improvements and any options for outside-assistance on cost reports.","Trustees approved a renewal to continue participation in Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC). District and outside advisors described major SHARS changes that reduced reimbursements statewide and urged stricter documentation and participant-list reviews.",{"_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},6566142,"Engineering report: Sam’s Memorial Stadium structurally stable but needs phased repairs within 2–3 years, consultant tells BISD board",609,6870000,7479000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a&start=6870&end=7479","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206882-4432566a940f8ae7b6e5cb6c8e3e878a/thumbnail_6870000.jpg","/articles/6566142/Texas/Engineering-report-Sams-Memorial-Stadium-structurally-stable-but-needs-phased-repairs-within-23-years-consultant-tells-BISD-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566142-913122ff7a7d290c9f1d902c3cfaab5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145809&Signature=cmcphd7MHNTfEbeJIoL-zaXy-qipNJk2dW~eFeJC4ukSjrYB4w3TB8n43iauUX6KDRs4acuzu0-wbiSKmv912KgAZI-dIpMtzBzTcBiXKbyRRnGPV9BVhwDo52DFu0Zl-xjC~5c7z8b-dyk9QKmZDVRFmEShRrjaCyI4JUSOizJTnuqw0~6yhbzqdNGXhwhM4NLUYFVbbt1eig1cbPyIfWx5wdMHWRBZlmM~73JfZA87qIobLM-WtRs4iV7eztj6uAfXLdTgH1xuTTDeZuq5sPfbJTNyUBxdLUt10X88Rj9iCO3-GWq4RJY5XDziFhB-A-a9r34DjjMbgLvh6dTLEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A structural engineering assessment presented to the Brownsville Independent School District board on May 6 found Sam’s Memorial Stadium structurally stable but recommended prioritized maintenance to prevent further deterioration and to extend the facility’s service life.

Roland Rubiano, a licensed structural engineer with Green Rubiano & Associates, told trustees the team inspected the stadium “element by element” and found surface cracking, areas of spalling and corroded reinforcement in isolated places. “Sam’s Stadium is safe. It’s stable,” Rubiano said, adding that the facility — built in the early 1950s — could continue to serve the district if the recommended maintenance is performed.

Rubiano identified immediate concerns including corroded guardrails at the top of the east and west stands and overhead spalling that could produce falling debris. He recommended temporary measures to remove hazards and a longer-term, phased repair and capital-planning program that could be executed over a two- to three-year window. The firm advised the district to prepare repair specifications for bidding and to enter the stadium in a recurring inspection program once repairs are completed.

Board members asked about the schedule and costs of repairs. Trustee Minerva Pena urged a shorter inspection cadence to catch changes earlier, and she requested exploration of installing handrails on stairways in premium seating runs to reduce fall risk — a safety modification Rubiano said facilities staff could help design without removing seats. Trustee Carlos Elizondo and others pushed the board to take a proactive approach rather than waiting for a reactive repair after a major failure.

Facilities staff and the consultant said many repairs are manageable if phased and coordinated with the stadium’s event schedule. Rubiano recommended re-inspection in three years if work is not initiated and recommended a 3-year recurring structural health check after repairs are completed.

Why it matters: Sam’s Memorial Stadium is a major community venue used for athletics and public events. The consultant’s message that the stadium is currently safe but needs investment gave the board a concrete timeline and scope for budgeting capital maintenance, while also flagging specific safety items that staff can address quickly.

What’s next: Facilities staff said they will develop a phased repair plan and cost estimates to present to the superintendent and board for prioritization in the next budget cycle.","A structural engineering firm concluded Sam’s Memorial Stadium is “safe” and “stable” but recommended immediate repairs for corroded guardrails and a phased capital maintenance plan over the next two to three years to extend the venue’s service life.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Brownsville ISD reports B-grade 2023 TEA rating; preliminary 2024 score up one point amid statewide testing changes

Students, trustees press to restore KBSD channel and keep Porter High TV studio space; board tables action for more information

BISD board approves financial reports, extends bank contract and awards portable-building contract; consultant RFP tabled for further review

BISD renews Medicaid Administrative Claiming contract as SHARS changes squeeze reimbursements; Houston consultants offer legal and program support

Engineering report: Sam’s Memorial Stadium structurally stable but needs phased repairs within 2–3 years, consultant tells BISD board