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Board tables $113,649 Workforce Solutions training grant request for Rio Grande City ISD pending further review
Summary
Workforce Solutions presented a $113,649 high-demand job training proposal that would require a $56,866 EDC match. The board voted to table the request so staff can confirm needs at a second high school and return with revised numbers.
Workforce Solutions representatives asked the Rio Grande City EDC to contribute $56,866.22 in matching funds to secure a Texas Workforce Commission high-demand job training grant for Rio Grande City ISD, but the board moved to table the item pending additional information.
John Murphy, identified himself as the business relations and information manager with Workforce Solutions, introduced the program and said the EDC's contribution would be leveraged dollar-for-dollar by the Texas Workforce Commission. Paolo Macastro, the Workforce Solutions business relations representative, told the board the project budget totals $113,649.25 and the EDC's requested contribution is $56,866.22. "The maximum can be $150,000 and then the EDC matches, dollar for dollar," Macastro said, describing allowable uses: equipment, training and support services.
Macastro said the proposal focuses on Rio Grande City ISD career and technical education (CTE) programs: culinary arts, welding, carpentry and automotive service. The plan would also fund certification training (for example, the VIDA tax-preparer training for 80 students and AWS welding workshops for teachers). Macastro said purchases and trainings would be completed within an 18-month grant period if awarded.
Board members raised implementation questions including whether equipment purchased would remain with the school (Workforce Solutions said equipment would be tagged and retained by the district), whether other Rio Grande City-area high schools should share the funding and how soon purchases could occur. Macastro said Texas Workforce Commission review typically takes 60—1 days and, if approved, purchasing could begin in July or August.
A board member moved to table the request to allow staff to check needs at the other high school and return with updated figures; the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor. The tabling means Workforce Solutions will follow up with La Grulla (as discussed at the meeting) and present revised numbers at the next EDC meeting before the EDC executes any financial agreement.
Board President Dalinda Guillen disclosed a conflict of interest at the start of the meeting and identified herself as a Workforce Solutions board member; she abstained from the Workforce Solutions item earlier in the meeting.
