Pasadena ISD trustees approve grants, internships, student travel and bond contract items; approve $582,287 change order for Williams project

The Pasadena Independent School District Board of Trustees approved multiple agreements, grants, student travel requests and construction authorizations at its Oct. 21 regular meeting, including a $582,287 change order for the New Williams Elementary School replacement project.

The board approved the items listed below during the meeting’s action portion. All motions carried as recorded in the meeting minutes (no recorded dissents in open session).

Votes at a glance

- Amendment to extend a memorandum of understanding with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston to continue campus presentations of the Youth Aware of Mental Health program (YAMM). Motion by Nilda Sullivan; second by Crystal Davila. Outcome: approved.

- Interlocal agreement with West Coast University for internship and externship placements (no financial implications). Motion by Nilda Sullivan; second by Crystal Davila. Outcome: approved.

- Memorandum of understanding with Good Reason Houston to evaluate CTE pathways and strengthen middle school engagement, amount: $41,000. Motion by Marshall Kendrick. Outcome: approved.

- Pathways to Career regional pre-planning subgrant from Educate Texas Fund/Communities Foundation of Texas, amount: $10,000. Motion by Nilda Sullivan; second by Crystal Davila. Outcome: approved.

- Sam Rayburn High School Texans culinary team travel to Orlando, Fla., April 29–May 3, 2026, estimated cost $3,000 per student. Motion by Crystal Davila; outcome: approved.

- Sam Rayburn High School Texan band travel to a Disney student workshop in Florida, estimated cost $2,292 per student. Motion by Joe Campos; second by Marshall Kendrick. Outcome: approved.

- Budget amendments for September 2025. Motion by Nilda Sullivan; second by Crystal Davila. Outcome: approved.

- Design services agreement with Create Architects for 2022 bond flooring and painting projects: design fee $364,455; total project budget $6,200,000. Motion by Marshall Kendrick; second by Nilda Sullivan. Outcome: approved.

- Multiple allowance expenditure authorizations (AEA) and credits for 2022 bond projects, including hydronic piping replacement at Burnett and Fraser (credit $47,713), New Bailey Elementary replacement (credit $22,498 and credit $5,000), New Parks Elementary replacement (amounts $67,214; $114,487; $25,546; $114,487), and others noted on the consent docket. Motions and seconds recorded in the meeting; outcomes: approved.

- Change order No. 1 for the 2022 bond New Williams Elementary replacement project in the amount of $582,287. Motion by Nilda Sullivan; second by Crystal Davila. Outcome: approved.

Board discussion and context

Trustee Nilda Sullivan said she had “real concerns” about the size of the Williams change order. District staff explained that crews encountered unforeseen soil conditions while drilling foundation piers: the planned bell-bottom piers experienced wall collapse during drilling, which required redesign, possible casing or other mitigation, resubmittal for city permits and schedule delays. Staff told trustees the redesign and remediation are the primary drivers of the added cost and that the amount is being covered within existing contingency funds for the bond program. Staff also said the contractor estimated a worst-case schedule extension of 99 days but that the district expects the extension will likely be shorter.

Why this matters: The approved construction change order increases project costs and could affect schedules for a school relocation plan. The suite of approvals also advances district partnerships for workforce pipelines (internships and CTE evaluation), student extracurricular opportunities and bond-funded campus improvements.

What the board approved next: Trustees set the next regular board meeting for Nov. 18, 2025 and adjourned at 7:37 p.m.