[{"_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",6502003,"mediaKeyId","5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4","parentId",5617730,"title","Stafford MSD renews bank, audit and insurance contracts, approves recapture option and delegates tax calculations to CFO","audioSeconds",1706,"startMs",1306000,"endMs",3012000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4&start=1306&end=3012","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4/thumbnail_1306000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6502003/Texas/Stafford-MSD-renews-bank-audit-and-insurance-contracts-approves-recapture-option-and-delegates-tax-calculations-to-CFO","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502003-fd35a21703c27b18828817ed9f78fac7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579515&Signature=kKjLT3vsiZpW9oNddEJTtXuWSgyG~8R6rB1Rs4PNF33aFY8iM-g45YmMRFVufC-0asgURnwI2NGKq~Q3A-nm-F4Wre3g6JaZgxMQB6wAxvPDu~2np-iX4VfT7EMeWoi7dH7N6eHfR9Q0ErJXxqf7ZJF93sKB3dvuCmFZ~nEdXHaPffaiK2gO0JILy4Meb0QtjOIJjk0MSn1lvGpeKfDO3itPX8E2sDFFko7p5EwZ-ikqBxWDUPkqKBSDxODaRr0XbjkArlf1uZZUAwOZhiSXjI1qURGzJ2nly~TrArkgfBZcAOde196i0lgk8gBKrrOJCChWi7ANxbrcijr~nUt2FA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stafford MSD","date","2025-08-20T00:00:00Z","article","At its Aug. 20 meeting the Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees approved multiple finance-related items: a two-year renewal with Frost Bank for depository services, renewal of the district’s external audit engagement, several insurance renewals, approval of recapture payments through the attendance-credit purchase option, and delegation of authority to the CFO to calculate the district’s no-new-revenue and voter-approved tax rates.

Depository services: The board approved renewal of the Frost Bank depository contract from Sept. 1, 2025 through Aug. 31, 2027. District staff said Frost provides depository and payroll services with minimal fees and that moving to another bank would be disruptive because accounts are integrated into payroll and accounts-payable systems. The district noted Regions Bank has provided other services (tax anticipation notes) and that both banks will participate in future borrowing processes. Board discussion referenced Texas Education Agency (TEA) rules requiring depository contracts on a two-year cycle. Motion carried, 7-0.

Audit services: The board approved a one-year renewal with Whitley Penn (audit firm) for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2025 and requested that administration issue an RFQ/RFP for auditors before the current extension expires so the board can consider rotating auditors in a future cycle. Motion carried, 7-0.

Insurance renewals: The board approved renewal of property and casualty insurance with McGriff for 09/01/2025–08/31/2026, noting a slight premium decrease to $974,375 and a reduced named-storm deductible (from 7.5% to 3%). The board also approved renewal with TASB Risk Management for vehicle, cyber and school-liability coverage at about $68,330. Both motions carried, 7-0.

Attendance credits (recapture): The board authorized the purchase of attendance credits under “Option 3” to remit excess revenue (recapture) to the state. Administration explained the action is procedural to comply with state recapture rules and will not itself increase local obligations beyond the recapture requirement. Motion carried, 7-0.

Property tax rates: Trustees delegated authority to the CFO to calculate the no-new-revenue tax rate and the voter-approved tax rate and to submit the calculated rates to TEA as required by law. Discussion clarified the deadline aligns to fiscal-year timelines; motion carried, 7-0.

Motions and votes: Each item carried on a 7-0 vote. For the audit renewal, trustees additionally requested the CFO present an RFQ plan next year to allow the board to solicit proposals for audit services before the next contract cycle.

Administration said the items are time-sensitive to align with fiscal-year start dates and statutory filing deadlines and that staff will return with required paperwork and RFQ timelines where directed by the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stafford MSD - SMSD Board of Trustees","oneSentenceSummary","On Aug. 20 the Stafford Municipal School District Board renewed banking, audit and insurance contracts, approved recapture payment via attendance credits and delegated tax-rate calculations to the CFO, with each motion passing 7-0.","taxTitle","STAFFORD MSD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",60992,"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},6502008,"Stafford MSD renews multiple contracts for speech, nursing and nonpublic placements as staffing shortages persist",609,3315000,3924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4&start=3315&end=3924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4/thumbnail_3315000.jpg","/articles/6502008/Texas/Stafford-MSD-renews-multiple-contracts-for-speech-nursing-and-nonpublic-placements-as-staffing-shortages-persist","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502008-bd5fc7ee75a375f935e9b1608e1e9a79/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579515&Signature=NjOTNt~oFEPUNjWMV7BXsp6t6hlHhMzhv8SAIntxcCo1gBUKkyeqE8UbQwUaWXNdxWdgeoyyDcXva2gWjmGGWhUBXvSg~bMi19gTHVSGjnTj7fTTmj3xNXqKbFxWeF50TahD6KHtY66lSlf4UN4TCADJ8Pt4I2u79McINn4pr840bLn-rlgNa8T6x6mJqB0~pmOVFVPYkykp9PY6HRTNFNQcJulp05zVrle2dBmSYpihbvHVrZufY-ryzQ-VNL3Q3Q4ZgRZ11UddkdmM~ho0DGSDUT2PTxVT4XV1Z2pp8rwRquPiDEmCUbnS5rGOlmXhNRzSClb3BnvDm1APsrCTNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Facing a tight market for special-education providers, the Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 20 approved several contract renewals and new agreements to maintain speech, nursing and intensive behavioral services for students.

The board approved renewals and contracts for:

- Therapy Travelers LLC (DBA EPIC) for speech-language therapy services, not to exceed $231,750, funded by IDEA-B formula funds; term 09/01/2025–08/31/2026.

- Amicus Healthcare Staffing Services (DBA Ultra Staff / referenced vendor lists) for speech-language therapy services, not to exceed $189,675, funded by IDEA-B; term 09/01/2025–08/31/2026.

- Providence Treatment Center (nonpublic placement) for intensive behavioral placement services for three students, not to exceed $226,290, funded from the general fund; term 09/01/2025–08/31/2026.

- JWS Health Consultants (DBA Ultra Staff) for one-on-one nursing services needed for a student with specialized medical requirements, not to exceed $85,680, funded from the general fund; term 09/01/2025–08/31/2026.

Administration told the board the district previously relied on a single contractor for speech services and experienced a multi-month gap after that vendor withdrew. To reduce the risk of service interruptions, officials recommended contracting with two vendors for speech-language services so that if one vendor withdrew staff, the other could continue service delivery while the district seeks permanent hires.

Chief academic staff and special-education leaders said recruiting SLPs (speech-language pathologists) and SLP assistants remains difficult; they described the market as competitive and said district job postings have not produced qualified applicants even when salary was competitive. The district reported approximately 154 students receiving speech services and said the presented contract caps are based on projected hours for the upcoming year; administrators said they would return to the board if additional funds or amendments were required.

Trustees also asked about contract termination clauses after hearing that a contractor had previously stopped providing services; administrators said they will review contract terms and consult legal counsel but noted private staffing markets limit available candidates and that replacements took several months in the prior incident.

Motions and votes: The board approved each contract by individual motions; each motion carried 7-0.

- EPIC: Motion carried 7-0 (mover: Secretary Sosa Montelongo; seconder: Trustee Sanchez).
- Amicus: Motion carried 7-0 (mover: Trustee Sanchez; seconder: Trustee Wilkins).
- Providence Treatment Center (nonpublic placement): Motion carried 7-0 (mover: Vice President Jean Baptiste; seconder: Trustee Wilkins).
- JWS Health Consultants (nursing): Motion carried 7-0 (mover: Vice President Jean Baptiste; seconder: Trustee Thompson).

Administrators said the contracts are budgeted (IDEA-B for speech; general fund for nursing and nonpublic placement) and that the district will continue to pursue in-house hires while using contract providers to meet immediate legal and educational obligations to students.","The board renewed contracts with two speech-service vendors, a nonpublic-placement provider and a nursing-services vendor after administrators said using multiple contractors reduces risk of service gaps. The motions passed unanimously.",{"_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},6502013,"Stafford MSD adopts 2025–26 student code of conduct and new local policies on devices, admissions and library materials",1593,1003000,2596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4&start=1003&end=2596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4/thumbnail_1003000.jpg","/articles/6502013/Texas/Stafford-MSD-adopts-202526-student-code-of-conduct-and-new-local-policies-on-devices-admissions-and-library-materials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502013-58f445721acdc314a86a8481b547448f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579515&Signature=hiNSUXUfgNd7ewoED4~TNOCGG~xu9ER0gpuvrfhwWCVLh6t4dURSdSmpRKx40XxYTsGzywXtHvVHxAbAu8UDmKP4OcnenH1foKIRAY7b4sFUr3bkb4hhkRLtECs1FkXkzOrzsNZh8MPFYOxDs6BgobgQCFq1k95a3fcIjeX5cQm4tHUjhRh2quHqXj4mwlXsW5OfKpACuYljIQmuqQKP5~ZArSqecdZENjuxl1N02iTrM~Mi8wuc7YgznwQI9ZflIz6XOXtYpND3hR7LMTOGyZV5c7sxNtB5wg1F8cGii0YQUrJf8u9SPwk~WdEFl~3Uo9ISftqKL-ApM-O1GlYK5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the district’s 2025–26 student code of conduct and adopted several local policy updates tied to legislative changes, including a new library-materials policy.

The code of conduct passed with a motion that added a procedure for disposal of confiscated cell phones. Trustees voted 7-0 to approve the code after trustees and administration discussed statutory changes and implementation. Attorney remarks summarized that multiple local policies on admissions, student activities and personal communication devices were revised to reflect recent statutory changes and must take effect before Sept. 1.

Superintendent Robert Bostic and district legal counsel reviewed several changes administrators said will affect day-to-day discipline and student services. Highlights discussed at the meeting included:

- Personal communication devices: The district will continue to restrict use of personal devices on campus, identify classroom “backpack zones” for powered-off devices, and authorize staff to confiscate devices used in violation of policy. The policy includes exceptions for IEP or 504 needs, documented medical directives and other legally protected conditions. The board specifically directed the addition of a procedure addressing disposal of confiscated devices.

- In-school suspension and vaping: District staff said the updated rules from the recent legislative session allow longer in-school suspension in extenuating circumstances; district leaders said they will avoid lengthy in-school suspensions when possible to prevent special-education compliance problems. There remains a distinction in disciplinary periods between e-cigarettes (administrative discretion) and vaping (longer removal periods identified in the code).

- Admissions and activities: Revisions to admissions (FD local) and student activities (FM local) clarify eligibility rules tied to concurrent enrollment and extracurricular participation.

- Library materials: The newly adopted policy (ESB local in the packet) is a multi-page policy covering collection development, parental involvement, procedures for challenges and annual review requirements.

District legal counsel (identified at the meeting as Attorney Langlois) told trustees the items stem from statutory changes that require board adoption before the start of the school year. Trustees moved and seconded the combined policy approvals and voted 7-0.

Motion and vote: Trustee (Hana Hosa) moved to approve the policies as presented; Vice President Jean Baptiste seconded. Motion carried, 7-0.

Administration said additional implementation guidance and related code-of-conduct procedures will be provided to principals and staff before policies take effect.","The board approved the 2025–26 student code of conduct with an added procedure for disposal of confiscated personal communication devices and adopted several local policy revisions required by recent legislation, including a new library-materials policy.",{"_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},6502016,"Stafford MSD board approves $538,950 purchase of 1,000 iPads with four-year, zero-interest financing",437,1697000,2134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4&start=1697&end=2134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4/thumbnail_1697000.jpg","/articles/6502016/Texas/Stafford-MSD-board-approves-538950-purchase-of-1000-iPads-with-four-year-zero-interest-financing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6502016-b9abb9a3ce21d9ea29e5abb7484b52c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579515&Signature=HxPWJgrxbZVz2vlbM0yPRbif3j2j6wjUt56GnNcaE5KKIhndJaQNQ83gI3tajAWVrBH7lURJDP79-uYilJFjjc8FNU4hjd2MeJzBHiuEugieXrzlAsgCjdTCOE~brKrAnnNakBWTDoLyNi1n0al9zfXJNFHAqqr19WeR0XmIV9wq7r04LA0QkRcHxlalgeoE~iPZ4IOiMj~iUmwZlK4QOrmBnJVL5KGeZBc91dBJZD-tlORcwoAJwVcYP2pBl3X5ZzG0973~p7bcxYFccNziszfavbaDpCPt7EHe7C5jF31SmOeHg5wua0fyoVRXy6fTpFsaWdHvWo2g9joF2T-rqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 20 approved a purchase order with Apple Inc. for 1,000 iPads, four years of AppleCare, keyboards and professional learning in an amount not to exceed $538,950, using a four-year, zero-interest financing option.

District leaders said the purchase replaces an earlier request for 1,500 devices and reflects a negotiated price and a financing plan designed to align device life cycle with support services. The board approved the purchase by a 7-0 vote after trustees asked about tracking, app controls and funding.

Superintendent Robert Bostic told the board the administration reduced the number of devices from the prior 1,500 request to 1,000 after reviewing existing inventory and needs. The district negotiated four-year, zero-interest financing and matched AppleCare coverage for the same term to retain resale value and support during the devices’ lifecycle.

The district’s chief financial officer said the purchase will be covered from the general fund using unspent dollars—largely payroll savings from vacancies—so the district will not use a maintenance note. Technology staff explained the district will use asset tags and an asset-management/help-desk system (GTS for tagging and Instant IQ for help-desk tracking) to track each device and to support a lifecycle-management plan that could include a three-year refresh if needed.

Trustees also asked about test-device compatibility and app controls. District technology staff said state testing can run on laptops or tablets and that the district’s mobile device management will restrict app installation and enforce approved apps and settings.

Motion and vote: Trustee Hanejosa moved to approve the purchase order for 1,000 iPads, four-year AppleCare, keyboards and professional learning from Apple Inc., Choice Partners contract CCN 23/036SG-01, in an amount not to exceed $538,950 with a four-year, no-interest financing option; Trustee Sanchez seconded. The motion carried, 7-0.

District officials said implementation will include asset tagging, a help-desk intake system and a planned refresh policy to preserve instructional continuity.","The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees approved a purchase order for 1,000 iPads, AppleCare, keyboards and professional learning from Apple Inc. for up to $538,950, to be financed with a four-year, no-interest option and funded from the district general fund.",{"_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},6501998,"Board approves hire of principal for Stafford Elementary School",45,2369000,2414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4&start=2369&end=2414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617730-8d09d8d609a72077461d10e9587539f4/thumbnail_2369000.jpg","/articles/6501998/Texas/Board-approves-hire-of-principal-for-Stafford-Elementary-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501998-2b736271fdbdf6de692956b4e4175fd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773579515&Signature=BjJ~u-ESwqUUQB-5kLH4DrcCA-ERtVA56~-GKQ4szAmZngibWmgbwVEK-1c~SYJ5RvDKJNO3XwSHo83ZTlrgfnygpQNi5d-bhN4pI6ED0TKJaPGFTaql1krSYh3XyeWtLCYrBa6bRrXIFnOrPx6fZ~gzmU28vvB0s0uLBqYLuJfJRup2JMXRl2uXw2a9~6hj-e9Pb~~sp77y4TfzS2CIkxFbQ-gFPZRSoCU-OTaNKNdrHu~t5qMci~o87MN5qDvYZjxULzwJjIzbWmnTbvWS8p-I22wM4eE3nvLf4PzFh3ijhGudAhelVcQi-Q0MAibfRPkW2x6AKlpfAggjjzUoUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 20 approved the employment of the principal for Stafford Elementary School, following earlier closed-session discussion. The board acted on an employment recommendation from the superintendent and voted 7-0 to confirm the appointment.

Superintendent Robert Bostic told the board the candidate was discussed in closed session and that administration recommended approval. Trustee Wilkins moved to approve the employment; Trustee Hana Hosa seconded. The motion carried 7-0.

Motion and vote: Trustee Wilkins moved to approve the employment of the principal of Stafford Elementary School as presented; Trustee Hana Hosa seconded. Motion carried, 7-0.

The board did not disclose the candidate’s name during the open meeting; administration said personnel details discussed in closed session were presented for board approval in open session as permitted by state law.","The board approved the employment of the principal for Stafford Elementary School following discussion in closed session. The motion carried 7-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Stafford MSD renews bank, audit and insurance contracts, approves recapture option and delegates tax calculations to CFO

Stafford MSD renews multiple contracts for speech, nursing and nonpublic placements as staffing shortages persist

Stafford MSD adopts 2025–26 student code of conduct and new local policies on devices, admissions and library materials

Stafford MSD board approves $538,950 purchase of 1,000 iPads with four-year, zero-interest financing

Board approves hire of principal for Stafford Elementary School