[{"_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",5994033,"mediaKeyId","5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23","parentId",5867788,"title","United ISD CFO outlines 2025–26 budget plan and federal funding shortfall affecting ~78 positions","audioSeconds",1080,"startMs",1091970,"endMs",2172000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23&start=1091&end=2172","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23/thumbnail_1091970.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5994033/Texas/United-ISD-CFO-outlines-202526-budget-plan-and-federal-funding-shortfall-affecting-78-positions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994033-868d61f5c0719c2232a428ea00464f71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136933&Signature=U-ciwy6gLa5m8v1Sxj3nFjkRuqYmi1iOzRA5SJ3ecL78LulbMzsOsYdeATCl6jvSInsYTbDs4b1wymbT1E1xpPXZD~tdeq4hdZWizWl2KS~egzD~wNmpGeBJMAcSw186Qepn18ucF6Xk2gT9pghsnu75W5SK9XBqiUHZpHHUfBX7AYoRm57KINFv19ZkSp-qW~3EWwTqGfi0R5B2adpTzF-IVtoazzCY6bWBjjakd2ht2gXgCgPvnkj1tGn8Aa-Rfz45b5pbaucTplDRkZGGkMzrmgNlPOXVh3JAiEJrkt~nnHcUh2cNTaobcDYGn1UfSOkMi~KERD7fWQrkEMQp3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","United Independent School District","date","2025-07-16T00:00:00Z","article","United Independent School District finance leaders told trustees in a July 2025 workshop they expect to present a proposed 2025–26 budget for adoption in August and described a shortfall in federal funding that will affect district programs and staffing.

Bridal Benavides, chief financial officer for United ISD, reviewed revenue assumptions and expenditures and said the district currently projects roughly $453,000,000 in maintenance and operations revenue and a proposed tax rate of 0.6692. \"Our projected enrollment that we're using is 40,515 students,\" Benavides said. She said state revenue projections include roughly $241,300,000, which reflects an $11,000,000 increase tied to teacher salary funding in House Bill 2. Payroll was projected at approximately $378,000,000, or about 84% of the general fund budget.

On pending legislation, district staff summarized items being discussed in the governor’s special session beginning July 21 and referenced proposals including changes to STAAR and measures affecting property taxes. Benavides described Senate proposals to increase the homestead exemption (Senate Bill 4) and expand exemptions for seniors and people with disabilities (Senate Bill 23), noting any constitutional or voter action requirements and that the state could provide compensating aid.

Federal funding shortfall and staffing plan: district presenters said the Texas Education Agency did not release Title IV Part B funds as expected, leaving roughly $7,800,000 in funding the district had planned to receive. Rebecca Morales, associate superintendent for administration and student services, told trustees the shortfall affects about 78 employees supported by those grants and that district leadership has already developed a reassignment plan. \"We don't have any employees that will be left without a job,\" Morales said, and the district committed to protecting employee pay while reassigning staff. Trustees were told the administration would provide an updated plan to the board the following Thursday outlining which grants were affected and where impacted staff would be reassigned.

Discussion and requests: Trustee Danielle Martinez and others asked for details on potential stipends or targeted compensation for roles she said were not covered equitably by the recent 2% pay increases (librarians, counselors, diagnosticians and similar positions). Finance staff said they would run numbers and present options; administration noted any additional increases would affect the budget and require board consideration.

Next steps: staff said they will continue budget workshops as needed, will finalize tax calculations after July 20 values are released, and aim to bring a budget for board consideration in August. Trustees asked for follow‑up documents, including the district’s reassignment plan for federally funded staff and the budget book that was distributed as a draft at the workshop.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Workshop - July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","United ISD finance staff told trustees they plan to present a proposed 2025–26 budget in August and disclosed that about $7.8 million in Title IV Part B federal funds were not released, affecting roughly 78 grant‑funded employees.","taxTitle","UNITED ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14174,"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},5994037,"United ISD projects sixth consecutive “A” on preliminary STAR 2025 results",618,332045,951000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23&start=332&end=951","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23/thumbnail_332045.jpg","/articles/5994037/Texas/United-ISD-projects-sixth-consecutive-A-on-preliminary-STAR-2025-results","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994037-9a13cd41d66a87da7e51e6bc1e535b6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136933&Signature=cNh5q-83osG8BzLeAP6OF72-fYFK0dfu2UbMX-YyHmrX0jiOAjuh6tUrK8d58RlC6s013fjVzgQEUfBmDyGcd9pS3deJIavTztZdmA43aT7b2vipZJD1mMJgRZMhqr~ADqXkJTi13epoHtFR5YE3h74zYv19PRAV8kvmedHqMj1tXKrfpD-bBHzYH3P6L57P25CkoVK71teV7Ab83OJQG9~qFz4ZK6ObT-Ah44ZdeMfS1LfWPnvci08CVrfXJuE9SncNQ8jyfOrbCzFhXlBJuNZp4dWO54hf5rwBIjunQDJEdusYU14EqLbGinq6EAUjpiszHgLYpkruR5oYEKGxIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","United Independent School District officials told trustees in a July 2025 workshop that preliminary STAR accountability data indicate the district is likely to earn its sixth consecutive A overall. Alessa, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, told the board: “Based on our preliminary results, all indications are that we will be earning our sixth consecutive A as a district.”

The presentation emphasized that the district is still awaiting official campus-level results from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Alessa said several campuses are near the campus cutoff: “we do have a few campuses that are on 89 right now, and so we're waiting for the official results that should come in August 15.” The TEA release date was described as a statutory schedule.

Why it matters: district leaders framed the A as an indicator of systemwide progress but stressed the work required to maintain that rating. Alessa noted that the district has been closing a performance gap with the state since 2021 and highlighted the state’s broader goal that 60% of 25‑ to 34‑year‑olds hold a degree or certificate by 2030 as context for the accountability metrics.

Board questions focused on what the preliminary numbers mean for instruction and how the district will monitor progress. Trustees asked about interpretation of the colors and lines on the presentation charts and whether targeted actions are planned for students not yet at \"meets\" grade level. Alessa clarified the district is tracking \"meets\" (grade‑level) rather than only the state's passing metric, and said the district will align instructional coaching, scope and sequence, and teacher evaluation systems toward student growth.

District direction: Alessa and curriculum staff told trustees they will provide interim progress reports after every six‑week grading/checkpoint cycle. \"We can bring those results to you. It'll be after the 6 weeks and then at the next board meeting,\" Alessa said, describing the planned cadence for progress reporting and benchmarks to the board.

Background and next steps: the TEA’s official data tables are expected on Aug. 15; campus detail will follow. The district is also continuing summer reading and targeted programs intended to raise students to grade level and to make more teachers eligible for the state’s TIA designation. Trustees requested the six‑week progress updates and interim reports on the professional development activities tied to those improvements.

Less critical: Alessa said that in high schools, through College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) measures, the district is above 90% and that the district’s broader focus is ensuring postsecondary readiness in addition to graduation.","District officials presented preliminary STAR 2025 accountability results and told trustees they expect the district’s sixth straight overall A; campus-level results will be released by the Texas Education Agency on Aug. 15 and the district will provide six‑week progress reports on interventions.",{"_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},5994018,"United ISD to renew Communities In Schools partnership; agency will continue campus services amid federal funding cuts",230,3889810,4120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23&start=3889&end=4120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23/thumbnail_3889810.jpg","/articles/5994018/Texas/United-ISD-to-renew-Communities-In-Schools-partnership-agency-will-continue-campus-services-amid-federal-funding-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994018-12bd6c0634ec9e187c551a89bdef3c9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136933&Signature=Z7h9vCCZjkz9mPkdf9SgG4ojwEZ-5Ha0RSrpcsga38-xn35Tj7lliqKMD3mLXIhdME1RPD~fszoAHOwISPUIDwxE0v2tzs5cxwSHpJIG73SdL0SeuyGsIfccE6mQUHGcBTAcvg9cbQdOjAlt3xTU8CsaxEZY6AN06pjZou6Rgcos8hxhzxcxR-mpwzgKdhge2JGmmKX9y0bg6D~U~Z6-99AY0kQlBIyqV0SHw29b7qyjAPWekbmIp-KZYMk5CzefgwBsXv-xc6wHr5JnkI1hYKBPawjhmmhwtFe5uq0HNbdTWv42POahGo3Nz8HvAcoZ0qvyMEJ4Rk0l4V8~ktsD3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","United Independent School District staff asked trustees to support renewing the district’s interlocal agreement with Communities In Schools of Laredo to continue campus‑based student and family supports.

District presenters said the partnership will continue at the current school sites and that there are no planned reductions to the Communities in Schools footprint as a result of the federal Title IV Part B funds the district reported it did not receive. \"We are not making any changes to any of the sites, that we have, our partnership with Communities in Schools with,\" a district presenter said.

Olena Guzman, identified as executive director of Communities in Schools, described services the organization provides, including school‑based site coordinators, family supports, back‑to‑school events with partners offering free supplies and screenings, and an increased emphasis on mental‑health supports. \"Mental health is 1 of the biggest areas that we've been supporting,\" Guzman said, and she noted the program’s evolving focus since the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Trustees asked how sites are chosen; Guzman and district staff said selection historically prioritized economically disadvantaged communities and high‑need feeder patterns (high schools first, then middle schools, and two elementary schools identified: Rio Bravo and El Cenizo). Trustees requested metrics on the program’s reach and outcomes; Guzman and district staff agreed to provide data in the district’s weekly packet.

No board action was taken in the workshop; staff asked trustees to review and approve the renewal at the next regular meeting.","District staff presented an interlocal agreement renewal with Communities in Schools to continue wraparound services at existing sites; presenters said no site changes are planned and requested continued board support while federal funding reductions force program adjustments elsewhere.",{"_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},5994023,"United ISD details professional development plan, TIA expansion and appraisal calendars for 2025–26",570,3278240,3849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23&start=3278&end=3849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23/thumbnail_3278240.jpg","/articles/5994023/Texas/United-ISD-details-professional-development-plan-TIA-expansion-and-appraisal-calendars-for-202526","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994023-e5d9fe01825acd1cecd276e9dcc4ddc2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136933&Signature=QUI9Z8Vg7-Gc6mDdDLehU195JLOY308Zx4jM6leQYZvtJ8NSkH9vC0qclGYF4U4gRtOo0LSpsY7EdMPMbk9t9WOx0Jmam9RFOPvxfwasVK6DiXbz5GSw1F3Q-nF13yU03ZE9ukLZW68k8degDQvgM0UpUynUrfiQ4aAIQFq9VLI8Zn2ymPN6WpY4y9fqG1j0j502Xoz9ObhGmNaV65yHyKcyM8BcQR~91FkwjrgooIXlNH0hCvZe3IvBwmOW8VaLsghEBKnz1ifNPR7ON-zcl8sjks4rkkRVsjSd66gvOZNQNSTiqWn7S3yrCGr-vX-xFvCrTOvkt41FyQx5Q4ND8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","United Independent School District presenters reviewed the district’s professional development plan and related personnel items for 2025–26, asking trustees to review and approve calendars and appraiser lists at the next board meeting.

Alessa, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Celia Tabuana, director for staff development and library services, outlined the professional development plan required under DMA(Local). They said the plan aligns to district goals and the teacher evaluation system (T-TESS), and that the district will continue campus professional development teams and instructional coaching to support student growth.

On TIA (Teacher Incentive Allotment) and evaluation: staff said this year the district is expanding TIA eligibility and will include more than 600 teachers across grade levels and CTE subject areas; other content areas are being piloted. \"We are including all of our teachers, throughout the district... so we are including certain content areas, and we're piloting others,\" Alessa said. The district also announced a TIA summit on July 30 at United High School Main and new‑teacher orientation at Alexander High School.

Personnel logistics: staff presented the 2025–26 appraisal calendars and the current list of certified appraisers for board approval, noting some certificates were still pending and that another list will be provided in August.

Participation metrics and accountability: the staff development office said it logged roughly 60,000 participant attendances across last year’s sessions and uses an online platform (Omnitrack) to track staff credit and registrations. Staff told trustees they will provide the professional development plan for formal approval at the next regular meeting and will report back on outcomes and monitoring.

No formal action was taken at the workshop; staff requested trustee review and stated they will return with final documents for action.","District staff presented the 2025–26 professional development plan aligned to district goals, said the district will include over 600 teachers in the initial TIA eligibility expansion, and reviewed appraisal and test calendars for board approval.",{"_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},5994028,"United ISD pursuing co‑op agreement with Laredo College to recruit electricians, HVAC and diesel technicians",320,869710,1190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23&start=869&end=1190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867788-428496dff7b951b7a77bf9c4060e0a23/thumbnail_869710.jpg","/articles/5994028/Texas/United-ISD-pursuing-coop-agreement-with-Laredo-College-to-recruit-electricians-HVAC-and-diesel-technicians","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994028-fc3d8130d583605061cdcb64d9f86a9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136933&Signature=oAi4U8ERloUpoQj2xULVmceQ1MXNeddKxUGPQJnD9GVdcbaQQfs9DP6vKF4vmcpl0wNneU9PXx0vHp6bXYUx6Wj0wAY7hH6nzb469-Fw0~j7TQrxxm3o-6xYLwHxEVVISidaE~owQyYea5bhI5n6J~NrHO~CtOCmER8xAmk7hghvuRx4BAkHcghLxGGywZO-iaupwkiruJJLEig6QN761FHF8mLanKOZEyvYf~B8TDZmgjMk2ohwaXbgfmKaWHw0Q4PpChJj9L725IwQSZJHpyFxv4zTnNlNFQrUe6GKdO3UX4KO~EiYPobeFaktlGbkGaJ5SZaOMyy9B1zKTqfIeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","United Independent School District staff presented a proposed cooperative affiliation with Laredo College intended to recruit graduates into trade roles including electricians, HVAC technicians and diesel/mechanics.

A human resources presenter introduced Dr. Roberto Hernandez, associate provost for Laredo College, who described the college’s credentialing for trade programs. \"For the electrical example, they'll have a 1 year certificate that covers, a semester of residential and then a semester of commercial and industrial. The licensure comes further down the road because they need to have a certain amount of hours experience,\" Hernandez said.

District staff described the approach as a coaching and outreach model: visiting high schools, middle and elementary feeder schools and engaging students before they graduate from college programs so the district can \"hook them and bring them on board.\" The proposed agreement would initially focus on three programs: HVAC, electrical and diesel mechanics.

Trustees asked whether students finish with certificates and whether the district has already hired graduates; staff said the district had recently hired at least one diesel mechanic from the partnership and that facilities and other departments have visited Laredo College programs. The affiliation sample presented to the board had not yet been signed; staff asked for trustee support to pursue the agreement.

Background and limitations: trustees were told certificates are awarded by Laredo College on program completion; licensure for electrical trades requires additional work hours beyond the one‑year certificate. No formal board action was taken at the workshop; staff sought direction and support to finalize the agreement.","Human resources and Laredo College representatives discussed a cooperative affiliation to pipeline trade graduates into district jobs; Laredo College certificates are one‑year for electrical programs, with licensure requiring additional work hours.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

United ISD CFO outlines 2025–26 budget plan and federal funding shortfall affecting ~78 positions

United ISD projects sixth consecutive “A” on preliminary STAR 2025 results

United ISD to renew Communities In Schools partnership; agency will continue campus services amid federal funding cuts

United ISD details professional development plan, TIA expansion and appraisal calendars for 2025–26

United ISD pursuing co‑op agreement with Laredo College to recruit electricians, HVAC and diesel technicians