San Felipe‑del Rio CISD approves MOU to continue Val Verde Training Center ACE after‑school program

The San Felipe‑del Rio CISD Board of Trustees on June 30 approved a 2025–26 memorandum of understanding with the Val Verde Training Center to continue a 21st Century ACE after‑school and summer program serving students at Buena Vista Elementary and Seneca Hills Elementary.

The administration said the program, now in its fifth year of operation, provides academic interventions, enrichment and family supports and aims to enroll about 90 students. The district’s responsibilities under the agreement include providing transportation to the Val Verde center, sharing academic discipline records and coordinating with the program director to review student progress and STAR test results. The program will also provide an evening meal for participating students and assist with recruitment.

Trustees asked how students are selected and how the district refers students. A staff presenter said the district coordinates selection to “target students that are in need,” and that, since the district began sharing data, the program has shown STAR growth among participating students, particularly in fourth and fifth grade. Board members asked whether parents receive outreach; staff said the district uses messenger, Grama and ClassDojo to communicate with families.

The administration recommended approval and authority for Superintendent Dr. Rios to sign the agreement. Mr. Barras made the motion, Amy Haines seconded, and the motion carried.

The memorandum of understanding and the ACE grant were presented as a continuation of an existing partnership; the board did not set new program conditions at the meeting.