Resident asks Edgewood ISD for details on $25,000 community engagement allocation and vacant facilities

During the public comment period of the April 22 Edgewood ISD board meeting, community member Melody Herrera asked trustees for clearer details about a $25,000 allocation the district listed for "community engagement" from Function 51 (facilities, maintenance and operations).

Herrera said the public needs more explanation about how the funds will be used and urged the district to prioritize inclusive outreach, especially for Spanish‑speaking families. She also asked for clarity on the district’s plans for vacant facilities and why Function 51 spending was proposed to fall by "over 160,000," given reported maintenance needs at older campuses.

"I would like to discuss the allocation of $25,000 for community engagement and from function 51 facilities, maintenance and operations," Herrera told the board. She said some parents report feeling excluded from engagement activities and asked that events be announced with enough notice to allow families to attend. Herrera also requested a clear plan for vacant properties she named as Winston, ET Ren and Truman, and asked for the rationale behind the apparent reduction in maintenance funds.

The board took no immediate action during public comment. The superintendent acknowledged public remarks earlier in his report and went on to provide updates on district events, scholarships and upcoming testing and graduation dates.

The district did not provide a detailed public response to Herrera’s specific questions during the meeting; Herrera said she hopes the board will use the allocation to support more inclusive parent engagement and training, particularly for Spanish‑speaking families.