[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",6484745,"mediaKeyId","5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725","parentId",5587020,"title","Laredo ISD board approves most TASB local policy updates, carves out several for local changes on signage, donations and facility naming","audioSeconds",1719,"startMs",3272450,"endMs",4992335,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725&start=3272&end=4992","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725/thumbnail_3272450.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6484745/Texas/Laredo-ISD-board-approves-most-TASB-local-policy-updates-carves-out-several-for-local-changes-on-signage-donations-and-facility-naming","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484745-8ee99964ca4540b51bb6aa0cb4815b02/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419494&Signature=XYGGh0A9ybgsif~0RShh6PlE9VHyuJLg3C3pxuaq-NZb9Y95LBcLVQhr58iC8VE8pzI9jV3XlmA3dcIY~wtofF6b5e6lhF5CCKDYPw4Xoxwr6YV5fWg22iV0K2Rlrwd7UqfRTAb0Cd7pBd4CeSHllnZFWBh~noECp2G4Sk6HrBTAUT6LB2wm1Wk3r2GmnS1gppO6XHwrz8aQQaRzM1Ie-5sHMQ1o736HlWHwcA5qAtPsvIrIYc6YHQowLuUWfDFc5HbMT82CHP4FfG5ZGMP-Ba5HJLgRfMuA3EGyJYUY7hcrZ5OjYfIDDnH~IlU5t5Ym1H5L1lQE7H-ZoxfI6ZWgBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Laredo ISD","date","2025-08-14T20:58:04Z","article","LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees agreed Thursday to approve the majority of proposed local policy amendments recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), but carved out several policies for separate consideration and adopted local language on a number of items, including signage, employee solicitations and naming of facilities.

At the board workshop earlier, trustees asked staff and legal counsel to pull several items from the wholesale motion. The board then approved the omnibus TASB slate while agreeing to discuss a limited group of policies one‑by‑one.

Signage: trustees amended policy bbb a local to change allowable sign size. The board approved language that sets the total permitted sign area at 32 square feet rather than the smaller size originally proposed. Counsel explained the amendment as a response to prior community feedback about directional and campus signage.

Employee solicitations/web donations: trustees debated a revision to CDC local concerning web‑based solicitations and employee wish lists. After discussion, the board adopted language that prohibits solicitation of monetary donations via web‑based platforms while allowing employees to solicit non‑monetary “wish list” items for classroom or district use. Trustee Leticia Ayala (policy counsel read the revision) recommended the change to prevent misuse of online fundraising while preserving a way for teachers to request materials. “An employee may solicit wish list donations of items for use by the employee in fulfilling his or her professional responsibilities or for the district’s use,” the adopted text reads; the policy also states that employees “shall not solicit web‑based donations of money.” The motion passed with two dissenting votes noted.

Change orders and procurement: in local policy CV the board accepted a recommendation to raise the threshold for board review of additive or deductive change orders from $5,000 to $10,000. The revised language requires board approval for change orders that increase or decrease a contract by $10,000 or more; smaller adjustments remain at superintendent discretion.

Naming of facilities: trustees also revised policy CW to prevent naming a facility after a living person, by removing language that allowed naming for living honorees. Board members cited past instances in other districts where later revelations required renaming. The motion to amend was contentious but passed on the board floor.

New positions and hiring authority: trustees restored language in DC local that requires newly created positions to be described in the budget and approved by the board when added after budget adoption; at the same time the board adopted clarified text delegating to the superintendent the authority to employ contractual professional and administrative personnel as part of established practice. That change passed 5‑2.

Process and next steps

Board members instructed staff to publish the revised local policies and update the district policy manual. Trustees also asked that minor clarifications be returned to the board in written policy form for final placement in the district binder.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Laredo ISD Regular Board Meeting August 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees approved most TASB‑recommended local policy changes but took several items out of the omnibus motion for separate votes on signage size, online solicitations, change‑order thresholds and naming of facilities.","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},6484747,"Laredo ISD trustees approve new valedictorian, salutatorian eligibility that allows three‑year graduates under 16‑course rubric",1030,2252295,3282324,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725&start=2252&end=3282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725/thumbnail_2252295.jpg","/articles/6484747/Texas/Laredo-ISD-trustees-approve-new-valedictorian-salutatorian-eligibility-that-allows-threeyear-graduates-under-16course-rubric","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484747-f9e69743f60f36a92904d6071d2c519f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419494&Signature=LX7AC~MoITGuNjtiBMfSAel7dzJppYSTvBRLI7odX6MOWcuH7fLvGKWV7xWDkJ1XwcQbj9d6MQ-JhJcAsjwqyDgCFIJL47t53gH5grH9DkPcVSda0GjFlXY9AoHe2OGDIZTynFbwQnUPCEwj-giDQ3MEQerMFE0PZyO-77pBKsvwChG2JNL6pbrO8YnA5SMuCBvWmbPxzbK6LJgoSroxR8g9TeTJ8NTAlgdiKMicCenEWHEcWr1PYnBJ1BJf6HfWr05ay8SMVXME-JYQW~c5wJ-OGzB6NFF2AYm59U1w6IsMUn8fBZ4HdLGgsIcsznwdERvuYKDw30D~W2sMIaJPtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees voted 4‑3 Thursday to adopt a change to EIC local policy that allows students who complete high school in three years to be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian honors under a 4‑by‑4 rubric limited to the 16 core academic courses.

The policy change, described to the board as “option 3,” will evaluate class rank and top honors using only the 16 core course areas (English/ELA, math, science, social studies and four other state‑designated core classes) rather than the district’s broader course list. Board members said the change will apply to future cohorts, not current graduates.

Trustee Cassandra Mendoza, who introduced the options, told trustees the proposal narrows rank calculations to core coursework so that three‑year graduates (students who complete required credits in three years) are assessed on an “equitable” set of courses. “Option number 3 was the 4 by 4…we would only be looking at the 16 core class areas,” Mendoza said.

Opponents warned the change could disadvantage four‑year students who accumulate additional weighted classes such as AP or dual‑enrollment courses. Trustee Monica R. Garcia argued the board should hold broader community engagement before changing a long‑standing policy. “I just feel that this should stay the same…why can we not wait in order for us to get this community engagement?” Garcia said during debate.

Board President Juan Ramirez Jr. and supporters said the situation prompting the discussion is rare and that students who earn the requirements in three years should not be barred from honors. Ramirez said he had surveyed school administrators and GPA committee members and concluded the district should allow three‑year graduates to compete for top honors when they meet the stated academic criteria.

After extended discussion about credit‑by‑exam, dual‑enrollment and weighting of courses, Ramirez moved to approve EIC local under option 3. The motion passed on a roll call vote of 4 in favor, 3 opposed.

The board’s minutes say the policy will not take effect for the cohort already graduating; administrators confirmed the change would apply to students entering high school following the adoption. Staff also said district registrars and counselors will provide a revised rubric and that the board asked for clearer verbiage on whether the change affects full class rank or only valedictorian/salutatorian determinations.

What happens next

District staff said they will draft final policy language reflecting the board’s choice and provide clarifying language on whether the policy change applies only to valedictorian/salutatorian awards or to broader class‑rank calculations. Trustees who opposed the measure said they intend to press for additional parent and student outreach before the policy is implemented for new cohorts.

Votes and record

The motion to adopt EIC local option 3 passed 4‑3. The board’s public record lists the vote tally; the minutes do not show individual vote names tied to the aye/nay column in the audio transcript.

","The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees voted 4‑3 to adopt an amended EIC local policy (option 3) that permits three‑year graduates to be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian honors based on a 16‑course core‑class calculation; board members debated fairness, weighting and community engagement before the close vote.",{"_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},6484739,"Laredo ISD board votes to rename Dennis Y. Cantu Early College High School for educator Esther Buckley",514,4991235,5505344,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725&start=4991&end=5505","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725/thumbnail_4991235.jpg","/articles/6484739/Texas/Laredo-ISD-board-votes-to-rename-Dennis-Y-Cantu-Early-College-High-School-for-educator-Esther-Buckley","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484739-9483986f7058bb536b188713092b34e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419494&Signature=ZTD1Y2rOFttL-9teZBQAYVCmsnDpOPIJAwvzjSFvbwi3fEbT6RUR6tVBtf3JDzeT3beaRlSdO8sKfJ8tBsnPmJ~IYkqHF-d~vOEfpC0y7EBh41soA7tYPT164iggQWhPpcWIc1YEAa5wQE9q8iZlHMs0Fp50a9KtPrvvG8YUmZNdO0~os5iYNQ5hyUeWFHc8lLly~XGGYopXNsfFsPyZHqGQ5q229eklKO6HP40Vp8zbDOPVT9M6fkWyTYMzC0bdzHALzqQc2j2Y4gXMP-Dk7RRodqHEaW7ymb8CiEvPynNEovTg4yDtZ~Jo083J8GGlKC7nECGTHQdqm30UmTLIrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees voted Thursday to rename Dr. Dennis Y. Cantu Early College High School to Esther Buckley Early College High School.

Board President Juan Ramirez Jr. introduced the motion, saying the renaming honors Buckley’s long service as a teacher and leader in the district. “Not only did Miss Esther Buckley…was a dedicated teacher,” Ramirez said during his motion presentation.

Trustees offered multiple personal remembrances and examples of Buckley’s contributions. Trustee Alfredo G. Perez described Buckley as “one of the best physics teachers in the state,” noting she helped start the district’s physics events and regional science and engineering outreach, including what trustees called the “Physics Olympics” and the SMART Conference that brought students together for STEM competitions.

Trustee Rodolfo Morales, who seconded the motion, read a submitted biography and noted Buckley dedicated more than 40 years to teaching. Trustee Veronica Ordono, who worked with Buckley as a master teacher, said Buckley “always did it for the kids” and described her leadership and influence on other teachers.

The motion passed on a voice vote; the board did not record a detailed roll‑call tally in the audio transcript. Administrators did not provide a timetable in the hearing for when the signage and official name change would appear on district materials, but trustees indicated the change will be reflected in district publications and campus signage plans.

What happens next

District staff will handle the administrative steps needed to update school references in district materials and will provide timing and budget implications for signage and branding changes at a future meeting.

","Trustees voted to rename Dr. Dennis Y. Cantu Early College High School to Esther Buckley Early College High School in recognition of Buckley’s decades of service; several trustees spoke in favor and shared personal accounts of her contributions to science and STEM programming.",{"_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},6484742,"Laredo ISD trustees approve consent agenda, budget amendment, juvenile board MOU and instructional resources action",294,1861575,2156040,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725&start=1861&end=2156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5587020-29a4eba539c435e778442325637ea725/thumbnail_1861575.jpg","/articles/6484742/Texas/Laredo-ISD-trustees-approve-consent-agenda-budget-amendment-juvenile-board-MOU-and-instructional-resources-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484742-5aef65c9a15aeae7314e6425bf78b655/orig.mp4?Expires=1770419494&Signature=mMQC5o4y7hWWC7lsjpkBUZ8EJHpfBRWtijcCxxKCm0-XVC47jlNGm1mNXoOAvj08BA~Adyua9068t-ZGmx-zvLZxds3Qkgt3yVMwRqJHIh9ZqP-7nuAO3oIynV3~1WOX24n0DslA9WbSB9vNjyI7yds5~B1x7OvsFa1lHE1s7-dhtrtO5XmTEOBdmGONI7t0PS3ssTdPEPYOlr0zmzz-mYBs6mag2oN64bwO2WMvgtcwavj9ZuA22Iot0hxinKxiy9Xm9YRpPDtegOxMl0MVekvaN-3YWWGkJzbwZd~v4enlGU2uAmyrGVgmD4lem87xQdyqWE0zuEEgvDSE-XjMtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo ISD Board of Trustees cleared its consent agenda, approved a small budget amendment and took routine agreements and resource actions in Thursday’s meeting.

Consent agenda

Trustees approved multiple grouped consent items by voice vote, including personnel, financial and routine operational items listed on the board agenda. The board approved each grouped consent motion without roll‑call tallies beyond the general voice votes recorded in the minutes.

Budget amendment (Item 12)

The board approved budget amendment 25‑26‑005 to the general operating fund (199) in the amount of $4,000, funded by transfers between functional expenditure categories from the trustees’ discretionary funds. The motion to approve item 12 passed by voice vote; the board directed staff to finalize required paperwork and include the item on the upcoming special called meeting agenda if necessary.

Memorandum of Understanding with Webb County Juvenile Board (Item 13)

Trustees approved an MOU between Laredo ISD and the Webb County Juvenile Board. The board recorded one abstention on the motion; the abstaining member is not named in the audio transcript. The motion carried.

Instructional resources and Senate Bill 13 (Item 14)

On an item related to EFP local and instructional resources as they relate to Senate Bill 13, the board approved the district‑recommended policy language. Staff explained there are two policy options in the packet — one that includes an advisory council and one that does not — and the board approved the version without the advisory council based on the library media services director’s recommendation and guidance from Region 1.

What happens next

Administrators said official accountability and assessment data tied to instructional continuity will be released by the state the next day and the district will circulate the verified numbers by school and subject. Staff also will complete paperwork tied to the approved budget amendment and publish the executed MOU with the juvenile board.

","At its Aug. 14 meeting the Laredo ISD Board approved the consent agenda, a $4,000 budget amendment from trustees’ discretionary funds, a memorandum of understanding with the Webb County Juvenile Board, and EFP local instructional resources action related to Senate Bill 13.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Laredo ISD board approves most TASB local policy updates, carves out several for local changes on signage, donations and facility naming

Laredo ISD trustees approve new valedictorian, salutatorian eligibility that allows three‑year graduates under 16‑course rubric

Laredo ISD board votes to rename Dennis Y. Cantu Early College High School for educator Esther Buckley

Laredo ISD trustees approve consent agenda, budget amendment, juvenile board MOU and instructional resources action