The school board unanimously approved contracts with Region 16 Service Center totaling $143,001.46, a reduction from $209,855 the prior year.

Staff described the change as a reduction in services purchased from Region 16, including a cutback in Texas Instructional Leadership support from roughly $30,000 to $5,000 and the removal of a school improvement contract. Other recurring services remaining in the package include Ascender (business and student information software), DMAC (instructional data and benchmark testing support), federal-programs compliance services funded partly by Title I, and TEEX scope-and-sequence resources.

"The total this year is $143,001.46. The total last year was 209,855," a staff member said. Staff also said some Internet-cost savings are tied to the Region 16 arrangement but are not fully reflected in the contract line item.

Board members moved and seconded approval; the motion passed 7-0.

Ending
Staff noted the district will continue to use Ascender and DMAC for business and instructional data services and that Region 16 will continue to provide reduced coaching and guidance where specified.