HARLINGEN CISD updates amphitheater, safety radios and multiple campus construction projects
Loading...
Summary
Facilities staff reported completion of the Lemus Elementary outdoor amphitheater, progress on state TEA-funded bi‑directional radio amplifiers, and multiple TRE-funded playground, roofing and chiller projects; final payment for a security-film contract will require board approval next week.
The HARLINGEN CISD Facilities and Safety Committee heard progress reports April 30 on grant- and locally funded construction and safety projects across the district.
District facilities presenter Mister Tapia described two grant-funded efforts: a completed outdoor amphitheater at Lemus Elementary and a Texas Education Agency (TEA) safety grant used to install bi‑directional amplifiers and related wiring to improve radio reception for law enforcement inside schools. "The other grant funded project is the TEA safety funds... we utilize it for installing bidirectional amplifiers... That was in the amount of 2,300,000.0. We're about 70% on that one," Tapia said.
The update also covered TRE-funded campus projects including playground work at Bonham Elementary (reported about 87–88 percent complete), a shuttle-line HVAC replacement at the Edmond Annex (about 93 percent complete), locker installations and gym upgrades at Harlingen High South, marquee replacements at Harlingen High locations, and chiller and building-envelope repairs. Tapia showed photos of the finished Lemus amphitheater — three steps to the stage, artificial turf, outdoor lighting and outdoor restrooms — and said the district is completing punch-list items there.
Facilities staff reported they have installed wiring at 15 campuses and fully installed amplifiers, antennas and equipment at three campuses (Early Childhood Academy, STEM, and Vela) and will begin engineering inspections with meter readings and fire-department review. On the security-film contract, Tapia reported the final contract amount as $222,001 and said the district expects to return about $11,001 of unused funds; he said the "school board approval is required for final payment, so you'll see this on next week's agenda."
Separately, district finance staff reported the construction projects fund balance "as of 04/30/2025": encumbrances of $9,100,000, year‑to‑date payments of about $5.9 million, and a remaining balance of about $3.2 million; the report also notes $628,000 included for a new tax maintenance note. The finance presenter described the tax note as covering projects approved through the end of this school year and confirmed the district expects most of the tax note availability to remain for future years.
No formal votes or contract approvals were taken by the committee meeting itself. District staff said awarded contracts are in attorney review and awaiting signatures or purchase orders before final procurement and that the security-film final payout will be brought to the full school board for formal approval.
Questions from committee members focused on logistics and user access: one member asked whether the Lemus amphitheater requires visitors to pass through the school, and Tapia replied visitors can reach the stage from exterior parking lots and the district intentionally installed outdoor restrooms so spectators need not enter the school. Members also asked whether HVAC and insulation work at the Edmond Annex would improve conditions for events; Tapia said new digital controls and pipe replacements should improve temperature and condensation control.
The committee adjourned after the presentation and moved to the next standing committee meeting.
