[{"_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",7311951,"mediaKeyId","5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5","parentId",5402717,"title","Laredo ISD trustees approve interim superintendent contract; board reviews budget reports, frozen federal funds and contracts","audioSeconds",1279,"startMs",8233000,"endMs",9512000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5&start=8233&end=9512","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5/thumbnail_8233000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/7311951/Texas/Laredo-ISD-trustees-approve-interim-superintendent-contract-board-reviews-budget-reports-frozen-federal-funds-and-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/7311951-4cba4590febab0309d39167a2819338b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773705147&Signature=jjVm0tuzha9tph7O1IxFB-NzvExXrtMfzEazeiSXZ8rlQ0ogPw5NFCQWoF18J2iJyICaBT3Xz8lNl0nXbr3~BscpPGRTlxo34MvN5Hg-tUZVunei1FCAxZalehD5s05ns1bzxjlRPhQPVPauii0dMkzeB8UiTY4~PXcVayho8MjkjLd0tQpP-7BueAZriw9uFDxb5QInH2SRIYkaxUqJXyl5dDGi7itvFTvhQGx5BEDN9LPoJjvBKUpy6vQeAHu4hOAZZ1vdJEUFvtlwPP1ScsKGvuZSqYcf3RO1RsAAyPYCCgORRSJplkjISGJ67clUuZjOUrHdrWknzDhIhRgylw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Laredo ISD","date","2025-07-16T14:14:38Z","article","LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees approved a contract for interim superintendent services and spent the rest of a July 15 special-call and Business & Support Services meeting reviewing financial reports, procurement recommendations and several education-related memoranda of understanding.

The board voted to approve an interim superintendent contract for a term up to 12 months with a monthly pay rate of $9,300, described in the motion as an amount “in addition to” the district president's salary. A second was recorded; those voting in favor signified \"aye\" and the motion passed, with no roll-call tally recorded in the public transcript.

Why it matters: Trustees flagged potential shortfalls and one-time costs in the coming year and discussed strategies for covering personnel currently funded by federal grants. School leaders said some federal funds are frozen and the district is planning to use carryover balances and Title I funds temporarily while it waits for clarification.

Major financial items

- May disbursements: Finance presenter Diana Ayala told trustees the district's cash disbursements for May totaled $23,500,000; about $16,000,000 of that was payroll and $7,300,000 was for goods and services. Ayala gave an unaudited review of financial statements as of May 31, 2025, and said year-to-date revenues were estimated at $211,500,000.

- Tax collections and levy: Ayala said July-to-May collections were $34,400,000 (about 93.46% of a $36.8 million budgeted amount). The adjusted opening levy was presented as $35,900,000.

- Payroll and budget drivers: The finance presentation attributed a $19,600,000 increase in payroll costs to moving teacher positions from ESSER grants into the general fund and to a one-time payment issued in December. Ayala also noted a $17,600,000 transfer-out tied to the Sigaroa (Siguaroa/Sigaroa in transcript) High School project.

Frozen federal funds and carryovers

Trustees pressed staff about a recent notice that several federal grants had been frozen. When board members asked how large the potential loss would be, Ayala said, \"About $3,600,000.\" (Transcript: \"About $3,600,000.\") She and other staff described short-term plans to use Title I carryover and other available balances to sustain positions and services through Sept. 30, 2025, when many grant periods end.

Special-education rollovers and equipment requests surfaced repeatedly. Staff said the district shows roughly $2,200,000 in special education carryover funds that are typically spent in spring on assessments and specialized equipment; the grants office said carryover must be spent by Sept. 30 for most federal programs.

Trustees and staff discussed practical priorities if funds remain: sensory rooms at high schools, accessible playground equipment, assistive communication devices and transportation options for students with mobility needs. A board member suggested exploring federal transit grants to help purchase ADA-accessible vans; staff said they will coordinate with transportation.

Procurement and cooperative agreements

District procurement staff reviewed recommended renewals and cooperative contracts for curriculum, library and student-data services, food and food-service vendors, janitorial supplies, uniforms and other categories. Highlights included:

- Renaissance Learning and Companion Corporation for Accelerated Reader/Star Reading subscriptions (estimate $192,009.42).
- NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt recommended for instructional assessment and software (combined estimates discussed).
- Region 1 Education Service Center cooperative fees and services listed with an estimated $500,000; library cooperative and other Region 1 cooperatives were described as a per-student cost.
- Food and nutrition contracts recommended via Region 1/South Texas co-op, including Labatt Food Service and Dean Foods, with multi-million-dollar estimated awards for the child nutrition program.

Finance staff and trustees discussed whether every cooperative and license was necessary; several trustees asked staff to compile usage reports, renewal end dates and options for renegotiation or elimination to seek budget savings.

Bond refinancing

Finance presented the district's recent refunding of 2015 unlimited tax refunding bonds, closed June 26, which produced $421,055 in net present-value savings. Staff said that translates to about $88,000 annually for four years and that savings will appear in debt-service calculations ahead of tax-rate considerations.

Special education and interagency agreements

Trustees reviewed annual or revised memoranda of understanding covering child find (Region 1 outreach to locate children from birth to 21 with possible disabilities), the regional day school program for the deaf (LISD provides services to some neighboring districts), and an MOU with Project Ni\u0000f1os (early childhood intervention for ages 0'3). Staff said changes this year include some neighboring districts beginning to provide their own services; staff projected a reduction of about 29 itinerant students expected to return to their home district for services.

Policy issues: class ranking, non-enrolled student participation and cell phones

Trustees debated several policy items and state law changes:

- Class ranking and valedictorian rules: Board members discussed proposed language to allow a student who graduates in three years to be eligible for valedictorian if their credits and coursework are equivalent to a four-year graduate. Trustees asked staff to gather principal input and community feedback before adopting any change; several members recommended delaying a policy revision until the next year to allow stakeholder engagement.

- UIL participation by non-enrolled students (Senate Bill 401): TASB staff and legal counsel briefed trustees on new state law that lets districts adopt a local policy by Aug. 1, 2025, to decline participation by non-enrolled students (charter or homeschool) in UIL activities. Administration asked for direction and said it would present a recommendation at the regular meeting.

- House Bill 1481 (student personal communication devices): The superintendent and legal counsel described the new law limiting use of cell phones and smartwatches during instructional time and aligning district handbooks with the statute. Counsel referenced revisions to Texas Education Code sections that govern personal communication devices; staff are preparing handbook language and an outreach memo for parents.

Sierra Romero / Sigaroa campus construction update

Construction staff gave a progress update on the new Sierra Romero campus (referred to in the transcript as Sierra Romero / Sigaroa project). They said major mechanical and utility connections are being completed, many classrooms and fixed equipment have been installed and furniture deliveries are underway. The project team and district leaders discussed traffic flow, pedestrian crossings and bus/parent drop-off plans with city staff. Staff recommended phasing any full campus move-in to give teachers time to unpack and familiarize themselves with the building; trustees suggested considering a soft opening during a break rather than a mid-semester forced move.

Votes at a glance

- Interim superintendent contract: motion to approve an interim superintendent services contract for a term up to 12 months with a monthly pay rate of $9,300 in addition to the district president's salary; motion seconded and passed (public transcript records an \"aye\" voice vote; no roll-call tally recorded).

What's next

Trustees asked staff to return to the regular July board meeting with detailed follow-ups: a) itemized usage reports and renewal end dates for cooperative contracts and software licenses, b) a plan for addressing frozen federal grants and proposed contingency staffing plans, c) recommendation on the student participation policy for UIL (SB 401) and d) proposed handbook language implementing HB 1481 on personal devices. Staff said they will also continue coordination with city traffic officials on the new campus.

(Reported from the Laredo ISD special call and Business & Support Services committee meeting on July 15, 2025. Meeting transcript and presenter materials provided by Laredo ISD.)","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Laredo ISD Special Called Meeting & Business and Support Meeting 07-15-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a July 15 special call and Business & Support Services committee meeting, the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees approved an interim superintendent services contract and heard detailed financial reports, including the district's May disbursements, carryovers, and the potential effect of frozen federal grant funds. Trustees also received procurement/co","taxTitle","LAREDO ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14175,"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},6706032,"Sierra Romero campus nearly ready; trustees debate safest timing to move students and staff",2031,6397000,8428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5&start=6397&end=8428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5/thumbnail_6397000.jpg","/articles/6706032/Texas/Sierra-Romero-campus-nearly-ready-trustees-debate-safest-timing-to-move-students-and-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706032-c68005104cf6aaea5196998e0040866e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773705147&Signature=hPnHPpji3x9oEga2u3TP1tE4R~Vgk1TRaUU6pWm~YqmkmrV8ObvX6f84hNNWi-UIYlydvbDT65PstBnMUf6Cp-49qrdRsy0LF6S1et5J3-BimEx1dNlakVZuj6hs6hEi0ey1IUOTjxH46XWE9RQ-tEkETV4BVKHU19SfVjwzwsT7taXuMr~QFXydeazVdXZXGBI3oRslmAj~lMGF7jDTceoJOmef8b9Nw9L6UMiCqxJNkvgWVuva73QmXQnNfIork53HHtGxCT1lsPkLABmbq66G1QfNh9Jx5PDT3WdwbzCPZv4Gu~kS9uwfNUzkeODTdif414W9IWmMiSe8P2y5Ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Construction and operations staff told the Laredo ISD board on July 15 that work to prepare the Sierra Romero (Sigaroa) campus is nearing completion but that several final inspections and utility hookups remain.

Project manager Oscar Vel\u0000E1squez reported the chiller system has been energized, north-side electrical work is complete and the next electrical inspection was scheduled for the week following the meeting. He said city utilities had authorized release of several domestic water meters; plumbing subcontractors were finishing connections and CenterPoint was scheduling the gas meter installation. Vel\u0000E1squez said roughly 50\u0000260% of furniture shipments were on site and that kitchen equipment was installed and being finalized. Custodial and technology preparation were under way, with classroom equipment and projectors being installed.

Vel\u0000E1squez and transportation staff outlined a planned traffic and drop-off configuration on Lomas Del Sur, including a student hub and a multi-lane loop to stage buses and parent drop-off. The city's traffic department and council members were invited to meet with district staff to finalize the pedestrian crossing design and to consider flashing signals or other traffic controls at the main intersection.

Board members pressed for a firm opening date and voiced safety and operational concerns. Several trustees said they preferred a later, staged move that would give principals, teachers and support staff time to familiarize themselves with the facility and complete final safety checks. Trustees discussed options including a soft move during winter or Thanksgiving break to allow final punch-list items to be completed without students in the building; administrators said they would continue coordination with the city and return with a recommended schedule.

The district emphasized that many punch-list items had been completed and that final city inspections and permitting steps were the primary constraints on occupancy. Administrators said they would continue preparing staff training, finalize traffic-control plans with city engineers and provide the board with updates and a recommended move-in timeline.","District construction staff reported the new Sierra Romero campus's mechanical and utility systems are nearly complete, with about half the classroom furniture delivered, but trustees pressed administrators to delay full occupancy until inspections, teacher orientation and traffic controls are finalized.",{"_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},6706040,"Laredo ISD finance update: $23.5M May disbursements, carryovers and frozen federal funds raise staffing and program questions",639,2389000,3028000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5&start=2389&end=3028","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5/thumbnail_2389000.jpg","/articles/6706040/Texas/Laredo-ISD-finance-update-235M-May-disbursements-carryovers-and-frozen-federal-funds-raise-staffing-and-program-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706040-8d10dbf3db6e9db6c72faa1dce43d0fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773705147&Signature=WoGMkG0~Wru4iBkMQA-g3W6echuuuLAB6mx0WPJFpIjSYVxifJ3-SHOZ70rDGdYBLAyvmBITkqLWz-nlp6~~-1RhHWN7YJgH8sXkEM3K3Ew0l7GitC-Rr9wl2LD1BMYkMjIwm~qiVosJ7fhe9LgTzA4FdGbnk6SLEjD2AxKKSza3N-da-H7LCwU~UPoBwAtxkNIat708d5Rt21DVuhwLGL5xiaq3~d-wx-5~idfrAwMdu9SiUD4WPdPbfoDkdEw73S2tbDVWa538jd3TMeRS7bYq2Tf4VPfarUN-WYm4pMYdqLEVKkJuVVzfaQN4YMU8Yd6dGGoaWLDqd0BkcFdk8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance staff told the Laredo ISD Board's Business and Support Services Committee on July 15 that the district's cash disbursements for May totaled $23.5 million, including about $16 million for payroll and $7.3 million for goods and services.

Diana Ayala, identified in the meeting as the district finance presenter, said unaudited year-to-date revenues were about $211.5 million, roughly $1.7 million lower than the same period last year primarily because of decreased interest earnings. The tax collection summary reported $34.4 million in July-to-May collections, or 93.46% of the budgeted levy, Ayala said.

Trustees spent substantial time reviewing federal carryover balances after administration said some federal program funds were temporarily frozen. Ayala and other finance staff said Title I had about $4.3 million in remaining funds, and special education showed approximately $2.2 million in rollforward or carryover. Administration said some federal funds affecting Title 2 and Title 3 programs were frozen and that the district was planning to use carryover funds if needed through September 30, when current grant spending authority typically ends.

Special education director remarks to the board and later exchanges with trustees focused on how rollforward funds are typically used in the spring for equipment, assessments and services that cannot be purchased during the previous fall because of timing. Trustees urged the district to prioritize assistive communication devices, sensory-room equipment, and accessible playgrounds for students with disabilities. Admin staff said high-school sensory-room orders are already standardized and scheduled; training for teachers is planned.

Trustees and staff also discussed transportation needs for students with mobility needs. A trustee suggested the district explore Federal Transit Administration grant opportunities and local cooperative procurement to buy ADA vans to supplement district buses with lifts; staff said typical accessible vehicles cost roughly $140,000 fully equipped.

Trustees pressed for a clearer contingency plan if frozen federal funds are not released, asking administration to return with estimates of how long carryovers would fund current positions and services and to present options before fall staffing decisions. Administrators said they would deliver a follow-up presentation with granular estimates for projected expenditures and encumbrances at the next meeting.

The committee heard the finance report as a presentation item; no board vote on the financial statements was recorded in the transcript excerpt provided.","Finance staff reported $23.5 million in May disbursements and outlined carryover balances for Title I and special education. Trustees pressed administrators about frozen federal funds, potential use of carryovers, and plans for sensory rooms, accessible playgrounds and ADA transport vehicles.",{"_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},6706045,"Laredo ISD board approves interim superintendent contract with $9,300 monthly stipend",49,2244000,2293000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5&start=2244&end=2293","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5/thumbnail_2244000.jpg","/articles/6706045/Texas/Laredo-ISD-board-approves-interim-superintendent-contract-with-9300-monthly-stipend","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706045-9e89534fadfed8cbda737ccb7957b6f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773705147&Signature=LmEqADs639SAsBbtD3NvAEadNuK3sYqQYIJriKAizaDZmPkET6ublCdQS-Rhk0BlrUW3-NJxdG~oACqCfEv6-Vd-~htwus~VjtPJ~eyu1K1elnoAvcT7n-RufGYZSvNonVzve0s9rKJmOnkva~~c4~SDwcG1blNtamAD6geeFDiYlhxiDpW7Naznc2wuxaUkZqhJYmrGLoTgrk-5LU1TzUy8O6jSD1~95pAMKVhyGyqcrjh9bxzyqvrpdU3ZU26tueoP0ghe941LAN~TNE4e0LsWqu806EvZybr5ULeCXFqlOCZXLK~gB2rX-SlOUIQBqrZHpUAIbp3OnzpshU2wTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a contract for the district's interim superintendent on July 15, authorizing a term of up to 12 months and a monthly stipend of $9,300 in addition to the district president's salary.

The board convened a special-called meeting at 5:16 p.m. in the Amber Urie Boardroom and recessed into executive session under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 551.074 to discuss the interim superintendent contract. The board returned to open session at 5:52 p.m.; trustees said no action was taken during the closed session, then considered the contract.

A motion to approve the interim superintendent contract as presented was made and seconded. Board members signified their approval vocally; the presiding officer announced the motion passed. The motion instructed district legal counsel to finalize the contract for signature with the terms adopted by the board.

The board did not record individual roll-call votes on the motion in the transcript excerpt provided. Earlier in the meeting roll call showed a quorum present.

The board also scheduled communications related to the matter for the next regular business and support services meeting.

Details the board item cited in the meeting agenda described the matter as \"Discussion and possible action regarding the contract for services of the interim superintendent,\" including possible closed-session discussion under the cited Texas Government Code provisions.","At a July 15 special-called meeting, the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees approved a contract for an interim superintendent for up to 12 months and a $9,300 monthly pay rate in addition to the district president's salary; the board recessed into an executive session beforehand and reported no action taken while in closed session.",{"_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},6706035,"Trustees question $500,000-plus Region 1 cooperative and other contract recommendations amid district cost review",263,3091000,3354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5&start=3091&end=3354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5402717-3edc19a374e1d91ae31acb43f8de0fc5/thumbnail_3091000.jpg","/articles/6706035/Texas/Trustees-question-500000-plus-Region-1-cooperative-and-other-contract-recommendations-amid-district-cost-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6706035-ceea04eb313e80512a12ad07136f0777/orig.mp4?Expires=1773705147&Signature=QMETXasou2Td1bHI1tfYz7-i6JCpeS28vXBRKYUUYUk7aJUiNPpHQlDCkzfL9HZEu-VkGQAVdqT7ahJDXsRF7XFFhkoJ8QfBKz-59j60un7aRqqno7ZKzfNBBJ5XwvJ4kbVblsqfdJe64ZeCOlvGtwPLPkVktL40zKsl4mYf7bX7xFD2sj-45I3KgB2Yx4zC1ox7rwW8sCBguE-OcPrTFky28LOXHQPPOkL88cRnl6XyCr-mr818iMyDc1J~sr8MIG36jMQDoWrD0eHme~jUQj-enbg7hbyAL0NxhjdoZcJ7zzp1lFNP1g8HmxlYiNqsfHfvP3z98r34YedB7JdM2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laredo ISD procurement staff presented multiple cooperative and cooperative-eligible contract recommendations on July 15, including software, library and nutrition agreements, and several cooperative vendor lists. The evaluation committee recommended Region 1 Education Service Center contracts and other cooperative buys with estimated totals that drew trustee scrutiny.

Key recommended items and estimated amounts presented by procurement included: Renaissance Learning and Companion Corporation for Accelerated Reader/Star Reading and related licenses (about $192,009.42); Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / NWEA for instructional software and consulting (about $205,000); a Region 1 cooperative package described in the agenda at an estimated $500,000; Skyward and Instructure for student information and learning management licenses (about $244,712); and various child-nutrition and food-service cooperative awards (examples: Dean Foods/Hygiea Oak Farms dairy at about $2.6 million; Labatt Food Service $3.7 million; bread and tortilla vendors at about $370,000). Several custodial and uniform contracts were also listed with estimated values in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Trustees asked procurement and administration for usage reports, itemized breakdowns and contract end dates. Trustee Gilberto Martinez (board member) and others said they had heard teacher concerns that some resources were underused and questioned whether expensive consultant or licensure agreements produce demonstrable classroom benefits. Procurement staff and district leaders said Region 1 cooperatives are structured to give the district bargaining leverage and that some items are legally required data-management systems.

Superintendent and procurement staff said they were already reviewing contracts for cost savings. The district reported that internal reviews over the previous two days identified more than $750,000 in potential savings by not renewing certain items. Trustees directed administration to return with itemized usage and expiration dates and to present plans to reduce duplicative subscriptions and consultant services where feasible.

The presentation recorded recommended providers and estimated spending; the committee did not record a final vote on these agenda recommendations in the transcript excerpt provided.","Procurement staff presented recommended cooperative contracts including a Region 1 cooperative package that the evaluation committee estimated at about $500,000; trustees asked for itemized usage reports and signaled plans to cut or renegotiate services to find savings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Laredo ISD trustees approve interim superintendent contract; board reviews budget reports, frozen federal funds and contracts

Sierra Romero campus nearly ready; trustees debate safest timing to move students and staff

Laredo ISD finance update: $23.5M May disbursements, carryovers and frozen federal funds raise staffing and program questions

Laredo ISD board approves interim superintendent contract with $9,300 monthly stipend

Trustees question $500,000-plus Region 1 cooperative and other contract recommendations amid district cost review