Edcouch‑Elsa ISD board authorizes facilities review for $900,000 planning grant, adopts mandatory training rule and legal contracts as superintendent reports 4,

Edcouch‑Elsa Independent School District trustees on April 30 authorized the superintendent to review district facilities to identify the best site for two career‑technology labs funded by a $900,000 planning grant and approved several policy, staffing and legal actions as Superintendent Dr. Benavides reported district enrollment of 4,312 — 109 fewer students than last year — and average daily attendance rose to 90.15 percent from 89.27.

The board voted to allow district leaders to study the Red Building and other sites to house an HVAC lab and a patient‑care lab required by Region 1 as part of the planning grant. Dr. Benavides told trustees the Yellow Building lacks air conditioning and would require about $200,000 in upgrades; he said the district currently has “about not more than 20 students enrolled” in the program but is targeting an initial 100 students (with a longer‑term goal of 300) and that recruitment money in the grant will begin in May. “Yes. It is a 1 time, and it has to be spent by September 30,” he said about the planning grant.

Why it matters: the labs are tied to the district’s career and technical education offerings and are designed to serve 18‑ to 26‑year‑old students who need industry certifications and high‑school diplomas. Trustees said they want a final facility recommendation returned to the board for approval.

Other actions and reports

- Staffing and program changes: Trustees approved staffing allocations aligned with recommendations from the Texas Association…