[{"_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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6212214,"mediaKeyId","3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358","parentId",3685844,"title","Board declines proposed counselor staffing cuts after trustees warn of student impact","audioSeconds",7409,"startMs",10520000,"endMs",17929000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358&start=10520&end=17929","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358/thumbnail_10520000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6212214/Texas/Board-declines-proposed-counselor-staffing-cuts-after-trustees-warn-of-student-impact","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212214-3ccda98a6c8f99bb9eace06f8b88f530/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431277&Signature=jlJ-3jmr6xAkHDIkp~sx2kI4KBiABR8tqwack3cjMkOW8IyWi3e1HCf9kNzvxWIckzy~~GgL7XyhwWtNP4D72UembB7CL79~Q30uXA47pLpbgMg8KNAt5zv8IDy3-ok1bvhYa0knmPcWMmxu2ZEX9IhurWBawQa~rKqETgOtxfK2RPSHjRBbs9YPqaWms0mcwTfnq08Hj1Pl~8aTg--IvGV2jK3WyPO~nd1BwivlWJfWlz2NzSLFyIh8dSgTIi4bmODClvOlLrJz9mzNsAiu0XAl3LaBqMY1PJXABy20pAO3NTeUE-LZi4347YPavZknQnxmVYZKzKyRjdoiawlJFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Judson ISD","date","2025-06-06T03:55:19Z","article","Trustees considered administration’s recommendation to align secondary counseling staff to a 1:350 counselor‑to‑student ratio and related proposals to alter administrative allocations at secondary campuses. After an extended discussion that included research citations from staff and multiple public comments expressing concern for student mental‑health coverage and campus safety, the board rejected the counselor reduction motion by a 6–1 vote.

Administration presented the recommended TASB staffing models and noted that categorical funds (Title and Comp Ed) can be used to purchase counseling services where needed. Trustees who opposed the reduction said categorical funds are not an equivalent substitute to a school counselor’s duties and that assistant principals carry out federally required activities (testing coordination, ARD/LPAC facilitation, threat assessment documentation) that cannot be outsourced.

Some board members argued for a model approach: use ratios as a planning tool but allow the superintendent and principals to adjust allocations where special campus needs demand additional counselors or administrative coverage. No change to assistant principal staffing was approved; trustees indicated they will ask administration to return with further right‑sizing analyses.

Ending
The board directed administration to return with precise staffing scenarios and the effect on the budget; several trustees asked for a detailed list of grant/categorical funding currently used to support counselors and social‑emotional services.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special Meeting 6/5/2025 5:00 pm","oneSentenceSummary","Administration proposed aligning counselor staffing to a 1:350 ratio and reducing some secondary counselor positions; the board voted 6–1 to reject the counselor staffing cuts after principals and community members raised concerns about social‑emotional supports and campus safety.","taxTitle","JUDSON ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14234,"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},6212218,"Board authorizes evaluation, limited purchases to furnish Judson Middle School third floor",1280,3600000,4880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358&start=3600&end=4880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6212218/Texas/Board-authorizes-evaluation-limited-purchases-to-furnish-Judson-Middle-School-third-floor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212218-9b27477e9c5f4ae68f85f89efac837af/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431277&Signature=NjMuy-2mFhJO0k3ILIMT6cH6f2OtL8EuO8KVeBn0pZBnPcHyySXFREFSxER383J26y4r1d4bUXHQhjSMhu8bnfWGIpnGYOG19nKkRpqsSA~yJ6uiE~24WAEJ45tOUSSMqUoLh2cWVBCJZrjnxUuCKke6qZQs0Wn0z5-PN82davUN-vHsMmgpe0Pi01~MNBFI7oa3yJocPsSpiavZuLg-0YDc8BMuj1ugApw3N0cHyqem8g~MGIokrIySHCtSGKUVE15tJIVC0av8hrdAl8BSaYcfVJQzeejYD6UHNhzKjrgE2s-xgYfbIdclDpq~-y8Njs-gq2FLpJG7rsAOUPeCSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees voted 5–2 to give the superintendent authority to evaluate furniture moved from Kitty Hawk Middle School and to purchase supplemental furniture so Judson Middle School’s third floor science labs and classrooms can be used at the start of school.

Administration explained J‑STEM has requested to take specialized project‑learning furniture from Judson Middle’s third floor to Kitty Hawk; that will leave a void on the third floor. Administration recommended using bond funds to replace only what is needed for the third floor — especially the science labs, which require different fixtures and water access — rather than transferring different furniture or leaving rooms unusable. Several trustees pressed for a precise inventory before approving purchases and urged administration to limit replacements to what is needed so bond funds can respond to infrastructure needs (chillers, roofs) elsewhere.

Trustee discussion focused on number of pieces requested (packet referenced 416 chairs), capacity assumptions for Judson Middle School and perceived equity if some students receive new furniture while others receive \"hand‑me‑down\" pieces. Trustees approved a motion authorizing the superintendent to evaluate the furniture coming from Kitty Hawk and purchase supplemental furniture only as needed; vote was 5–2.

Ending
Administration will inventory movable furniture at Kitty Hawk, identify what is reusable for Judson Middle’s third floor science labs, and bring a purchase list for new furniture (funded from Bond 2017 local bond funds) before the July start of school.","Trustees authorized the superintendent to inventory furniture being moved from Kitty Hawk and to purchase supplemental new furniture for Judson Middle School's third floor science labs, after debate over perceived equity and bond‑fund priorities.",{"_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},6212223,"Teachers and school staff urge trustees to reject pay cuts, warn of morale and staffing impact",2905,493000,3398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358&start=493&end=3398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358/thumbnail_493000.jpg","/articles/6212223/Texas/Teachers-and-school-staff-urge-trustees-to-reject-pay-cuts-warn-of-morale-and-staffing-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212223-23c9ee49f1305aafeed68c2a2411fd75/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431277&Signature=LQJ8bxVtHy5Fd57cM2HqYPhYShPQ4N8f-rfnmfp0TTFU7UdrqL6zCbXGAV9tE5HqTBLs-RF9VWx3zcMubs3LgvEy1xiuIC7hduCeXwCs9xfMmx8BFU1~Ech1ODMzuG~fytBzxfOd5TduoDXn64G-NBC3Y7-8tD5nu7loz4KvUB2V72E9p5Bg2eotIQ4Nhdjhn2d5XJNdRVaJcmmKzoCPu7ifMJHX-IR8SkOuvje0e79RjuxHrNh73hqoWkuDQKgFU6bbmcpSGcGjHNWvvtFq6aneU2-aKb5R7NKP2USh0gignWEt8gGP6~xQJWHe4PNNHpXO1LnRVmnNHUETv0rLPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of employees and principals took the public comment period to press the board to maintain teacher pay and staffing levels as administration presents budget reduction options.

Speakers included classroom teachers, campus principals and department leaders who described how proposed reductions (shortening contract days, cutting stipends, or reducing assistant principals) would affect household budgets, hiring and campus operations. Several speakers asked the board to preserve stipends or create targeted retention incentives for bilingual and special education staff, and to delay any pay‑reducing action until a full compensation workshop can be held in July. Multiple campus principals warned that removing assistant principals would weaken campus safety and response capacity; counselors and mental‑health support were described as mission‑critical for vulnerable students.

Speakers identified themselves on the record: Marilyn McKinney (public commenter); John Ramirez (Rolling Meadows Elementary teacher and AFT representative) raised legal and contractual questions about reducing contract days under TEC; Amber Gonzales (principal) and multiple other principals described the personal and professional impact of a proposed 6‑day reduction and requested more time and involvement in budgeting decisions. Parents and advocates urged the board to protect LSSP (licensed specialists in school psychology) services and to increase contractor capacity where district staff cannot be filled.

Ending
Board members said they will not implement pay reductions until the district and TEA interpretations of recently signed state legislation are clarified and until the July compensation workshop, and several trustees emphasized the goal of minimizing direct cuts to instructional staff.","More than a dozen teachers, principals and district employees used the public‑comment period to urge the Judson ISD Board of Trustees not to cut days or salaries, to preserve stipends for certification and to protect counselors and assistant principals.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_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},6212228,"Judson ISD board authorizes efficiency audit, approves compensation plan and other budget actions",0,9435000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358&start=9435&end=9435","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3685844-9385ab93f029dec0c051c0fee01d9358/thumbnail_9435000.jpg","/articles/6212228/Texas/Judson-ISD-board-authorizes-efficiency-audit-approves-compensation-plan-and-other-budget-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6212228-6a8ec4d00c3b1d563f1fa31c43a1002a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431277&Signature=mTa83a45BcANmLAABTqF3gC1uxK~QHhhrlIY9c9NQ~23zx8Z8~36Uutb8UksmubIpFU5obNFI7PKHW4V1zMQHniz9chcpVaaVwQlfzXXvHdC8t50asLLapzOp6TINeMRj1rVlNmNQyOSAeLNxMkj3oOzYF-sNoZgVAQGFIgd0D5jVFm5bbnJmzLzkICoY8IB~CrpaGqabolYs5OWq0RHn-Tvp6hX4NSyaiVA9G1H33wl7jk5Q5xIB8~l5ROUgvlbRoQ6ke1TUalNz-NUJpAMVIlCDwvewzzMWz290GmhBG13nywYHUCh6qwV6YwuOhlsYzTCeZ-7cqboa1HgZdu2-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Judson Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to authorize an operational efficiency audit and approved a temporary 2025–26 compensation plan while rejecting several personnel reductions proposed by administration.

The board approved a resolution to hire an outside firm to produce an efficiency audit and report to the board; the motion to authorize the audit passed 6–1. Superintendent Dr. Fields and Chief Financial Officer Miguel Guerra briefed trustees on timeline and scope, saying the firm will identify peer districts, compile financial and operational benchmarks and present findings to the board by fall so trustees can consider the findings before any tax election or final budget decisions. Trustees discussed whether to use TASB or a private consultant; after an extended procedural exchange the board delegated selection of the consultant to the board president after consultation with legal counsel.

Trustees also approved the district's proposed interim 2025–26 compensation plan as presented by administration and retained the current stipend schedule pending a comprehensive July workshop on compensation and sign-on/retention incentives. The board voted 7–0 to adopt the compensation plan as presented for payroll processing and to leave proposed stipend changes for later review.

Other formal actions approved during the meeting included: conversion of four vacant registered nurse positions to licensed vocational nurse (LVN) roles at elementary campuses (7–0), elimination of 25 vacant non‑teaching positions (7–0), and approval of a personnel report covering hires and appointments discussed in closed session (7–0). Trustees also approved one procurement action related to final payment for a mechanical/electrical/plumbing package (agenda item 4A) and authorized staff to evaluate furniture moving and replacement related to Judson Middle School third‑floor reconfiguration (vote 5–2).

Trustees debated but rejected administration recommendations to reduce counselor staffing to a 1:350 ratio at secondary campuses and to reduce assistant principal allocations; a motion to accept the counselor reductions failed (1–6). Board members cited student social‑emotional needs and campus safety as reasons to preserve counseling and administrative coverage.

The board repeatedly emphasized that state legislation signed the night before (House Bill 2) and pending changes (including a potential homestead exemption increase and new teacher/retention allotments) will change final budget calculations; administration said those state changes add an estimated $5.6–5.7 million of discretionary allotment in preliminary estimates and will require TEA guidance before all figures are finalized.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to authorize operational efficiency audit (consultant selection delegated to board president): PASSED 6–1
- Motion to approve 2025–26 compensation plan as presented: PASSED 7–0
- Conversion of 4 registered nurse positions to LVNs (elementary): PASSED 7–0
- Eliminate 25 vacant non‑teaching positions: PASSED 7–0
- Approve final payment for district mechanical/electrical/plumbing package (4A): PASSED 7–0
- Authorize superintendent to evaluate/make purchases to supplement furniture from Kitty Hawk for Judson Middle School third floor (4B): PASSED 5–2
- Motion to adopt proposed counselor reductions to 1:350 (secondary): FAILED 1–6
- Motion to delegate selection/engagement of a board financial consultant to the board president: PASSED 4–3
- Personnel report (hires/appointments discussed in closed session): PASSED 7–0

Administration said more detailed budget amendments and the final tax‑rate/tax‑vote timeline will be presented as state guidance becomes available and after completion of the efficiency audit. Trustees directed staff to return with more granular options, and signaled a full compensation/stipend workshop in July to incorporate new state guidance and the board’s policy direction.

Ending
The board scheduled additional workshops before final budget adoption; administration said it will provide two scenarios (with and without tax ballot outcomes) and share TEA guidance once it is published so trustees can finalize decisions this summer.","At a May special meeting, the Judson ISD Board of Trustees voted 6–1 to hire an outside firm for an operational efficiency audit, approved a temporary 2025–26 compensation plan, and approved several personnel and administrative budget measures while declining proposed cuts to counselors and district staffing reductions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board declines proposed counselor staffing cuts after trustees warn of student impact

Board authorizes evaluation, limited purchases to furnish Judson Middle School third floor

Teachers and school staff urge trustees to reject pay cuts, warn of morale and staffing impact

Judson ISD board authorizes efficiency audit, approves compensation plan and other budget actions