PSJA board awards $5.22 million auditorium contract, extends bank depository and approves multiple school principals

The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District board of trustees on Thursday approved a $5,223,887 contract with RG Enterprises LLC to renovate and add to the district auditorium dome, authorized the superintendent to execute the contract, approved a two-year extension of the district's bank depository contract, and confirmed multiple principal and assistant principal hires.

Board action on the auditorium and staffing came after a presentation by Operations Assistant Superintendent Gonzales and a briefing from the architect, identified in the meeting as Charlie. Gonzales recommended awarding "best value" for PSJA Auditorium Renovations and Additions (project lines 1–3), rejecting line 4, and authorizing Superintendent Doctor Alejandro Lia to sign the contract. The board voted to approve the recommendation.

The auditorium presentation described exterior and interior renovations to the dome, including expanded exterior "cap" areas, a pergola, a water feature and extended restroom facilities to meet ADA requirements. The design includes ramps on either side of the venue and a new interior production balcony and platforms for the district—s production team. The presentation noted that asbestos abatement already has been completed as a district step before construction.

"We're doing 1-inch insulated glass system, fully compliant with energy efficiency codes," Charlie, the architect, said, adding the glass will be clear with a light tint and a solar band to improve energy efficiency. Charlie also said the structural design is rated for winds in the 140-mile-per-hour range, describing that as slightly above code and including a safety factor.

Gonzales told the board the renovation will reduce available auditorium seating compared with the original dome layout: "Originally, we were close to 1,200, and we're probably about 1,100 and some," because aisle and ramp changes are needed for accessibility.

Gonzales said the contract as presented would run 365 days from the start date and that a start date will be established after contract execution. The board packet and discussion identified the contract total as $5,223,887; the board voted to approve awarding the contract to RG Enterprises LLC and rejecting line 4.

On finance, the board approved a resolution extending the district's depository contract for two school years (2025–26 and 2026–27) with the incumbent bank identified in the packet as PNC. The presenter said the extension will reduce the district's monthly cost by about $1,900 compared with the prior arrangement and that the arrangement is the first of up to three allowed extensions under state law.

Under human resources, the board returned from executive session and approved multiple employment recommendations for instructional and non-instructional professional personnel. The board approved assistant principal appointments for Building Blocks Alamo (Christina Rubio) and Building Blocks Buckner (Patricia Vieira). The board also approved principal appointments for the following campuses: Allen and William Arnold Elementary School (Ernesto Duenas), John Elementary (Jorge Castilleja), Raul Longoria Elementary (Elisa Aguilera), Reed and Mark Elementary (Robert Sanchez), Lionel Trevino Elementary (Rose Hernandez), Rauli Saheir Romero School (Claudia Cortazar Colonga) and Pathways Toward Independence (Robin Hernandez). The board tabled the item for administrator for the Family and Community Engagement program (item 8.B.7).

Votes at a glance - Award contract to RG Enterprises LLC for PSJA Auditorium Renovations and Additions (project lines 1–3), reject line 4; amount: $5,223,887; motion approved (board vote recorded as "motion carries"). - Approve resolution extending depository contract for 2025–26 and 2026–27 with PNC (two-year extension); motion approved, no opposition recorded in meeting remarks. - Approve assistant principal appointments: Christina Rubio (Building Blocks Alamo) and Patricia Vieira (Building Blocks Buckner); motions approved unanimously. - Approve principal appointments: Ernesto Duenas (Allen and William Arnold Elementary), Jorge Castilleja (John Elementary), Elisa Aguilera (Raul Longoria Elementary), Robert Sanchez (Reed and Mark Elementary), Rose Hernandez (Lionel Trevino Elementary), Claudia Cortazar Colonga (Rauli Saheir Romero School), Robin Hernandez (Pathways Toward Independence). All motions carried; the Pathways appointment had one recorded opposed vote (individual not specified in the open record excerpt). - Tabled: Administrator for Family and Community Engagement (item 8.B.7); motion to table carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The auditorium contract authorizes a major capital renovation of a district landmark that the presentation described as a venue for fine arts, outdoor receptions and potentially smaller graduations across the tri-city area. The bank depository extension reduces monthly banking costs per the packet discussion. The confirmed principals and assistant principals will assume leadership roles beginning with the upcoming school year.

Context and next steps: Presenters said the dome renovation start date will be set after contract execution and that the contract term is 365 days; district staff noted asbestos removal has already been completed. The facility design includes ADA-accessible ramps and restrooms; a separate backup generator was not included in the renovation scope but was discussed as a possible future option. The board handled the personnel items after an executive session held in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act (see authorities).