Trustees approve MOU with Region 1 PACE to develop paid teacher residency program

Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding between Mercedes ISD and Region 1’s PACE (Preparing and Certifying Educators) program to develop paid yearlong teacher residencies focused on secondary campuses. District staff said the strategic staffing grant supports technical assistance and seed funding for a sustainable residency program. Assistant superintendent/staff noted the district had previously partnered with UTRGV and that the current agreement with Region 1 will focus on expanding residency programs in secondary schools where staffing shortages exist. Superintendent and staff described the funding approach as a blend: grant dollars will support portions of the residency and technical assistance, while the district will reallocate some existing budget — for example, funds normally used for substitute teachers — to pay teacher residents as part of a longer-term staffing design. Staff said the MOU itself lists "no cost" to the district for the technical assistance line but confirmed grant funding is available to support program launch. Trustees asked about timing and implementation; the board approved the MOU after a motion and second and recorded a unanimous vote of trustees present. No detailed startup timeline or per-resident stipend was included in the materials provided at the meeting; staff said more design work will follow the MOU.