Uvalde CISD details vestibule construction, campus pantries and school clinic during superintendent report
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Summary
Superintendent Colas told the board the district will begin vestibule construction this spring using grant funds, roll out seven campus resource pantries, continue a grant-funded school clinic that had 961 visits through December and advance gate-closure and camera safety projects.
Superintendent Colas told the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees that the district will begin construction this spring on visitor vestibules at several campuses and that the work is grant funded.
The district plans simultaneous construction at Uvalde High School, UDLA and Morales Junior High and will complete Batesville and Dalton over the summer, Colas said. She warned board members that temporary changes to pick-up and drop-off, storage and, in limited cases, classroom relocations could be required during construction. "The construction of the vestibules is being paid for by a grant," Colas said.
Colas also described several other operations and student-support initiatives. The district is preparing seven campus resource pantries — one at each campus — stocked with food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies. Uvalde Elementary at Flores is the first pantry; principals will designate space at their campuses and the district will use a referral process for families who need assistance.
On student health services, Colas reported that the district's school-based clinic operated by CHDI saw 961 visits through December. In January the clinic had 240 visits; 73 percent were students, 27 percent were employees, and 24 percent of visitors were uninsured. Colas noted the clinic is grant-funded and available to students and staff at no cost.
Security upgrades discussed include installation of automatic exterior gate closures and continued work on camera monitoring. Colas said the gate-closure installations are grant funded and scheduled to begin in February. The district is also pursuing an AI-based camera monitoring product intended to accelerate detection and response when a firearm or other threat is visible on camera.
Colas reviewed the community budget committee process: a 64-member group that has rated possible budget reduction options and will deliver recommendations to the board on March 10. She said the district plans to continue community-driven budget work next year.
Why it matters: the vestibules and gate closures are intended to improve campus safety but will require short-term operational changes at campuses; the pantries and clinic expand noninstructional supports for students and families. Colas asked for patience during construction and said the district will try to minimize academic interruptions.
Looking ahead: Colas reminded the board about upcoming STAAR testing windows, FAFSA nights and recurring food distributions in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank and community partners.
