Edinburgh AFT President challenges ECISD board on funding and superintendent's actions

During the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (ECISD) Special Called Board Meeting on June 9, 2025, community members voiced significant concerns regarding district operations, funding, and transparency. The meeting, which was marked by public comments, highlighted critical issues affecting students, staff, and the broader community.

One of the primary speakers, Marsha Gonzales, president of the Edinburg AFT, raised alarms about the board's recent decision to limit public comments during meetings. She questioned whether the numerous awards presented at meetings were a tactic to discourage public participation, as attendees often waited over an hour to speak. Gonzales also expressed concerns about the district's spending on technology and questioned why funds were not being sourced from state or federal technology budgets instead of local maintenance funds.

Another speaker, Vern Lettering, scrutinized the district's financial decisions, particularly regarding the approval of an $8.5 million bid for renovations at the CTE Center for Barriatas Middle School. He pointed out discrepancies in budget allocations and questioned the need for additional funding when previous budgets had already been established for the project. Lettering also inquired about the district's plans for Canterbury Elementary, which has faced challenges following a sewage disaster, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety measures.

Alondra Flores, another community member, raised concerns about student enrollment and the impact of school vouchers on the district's ability to attract families. She questioned the rationale behind spending over $331,000 on reading incentive kits amidst declining enrollment and called for more transparency regarding the district's safety measures, especially in light of recent health issues at Canterbury Elementary.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for accountability and communication from the ECISD board. Community members expressed a desire for more inclusive dialogue, suggesting the establishment of workshops to facilitate direct conversations between parents and board members. The overarching theme of the evening was a call for the board to prioritize student safety and educational quality while ensuring that taxpayer funds are used effectively and transparently.

As the board moves forward, the discussions from this meeting reflect a community eager for change and a commitment to ensuring that the needs of students and families are met with urgency and care.