Harlandale ISD trustees discuss naming-policy revisions and unanimously approve superintendent nomination and election cancellations for two single-member seats

Trustees at the April 16 Harlandale ISD work session discussed possible revisions to board operating procedures and the district’s facilities-naming policy (CW local) and took two formal actions that the board president said would be recorded before the upcoming election timelines.

Trustee Resendez presented a sample naming policy from another district and framed it as talking points for the board, explaining the sample organized naming processes for elementary, middle and high schools and emphasized seeking input from the impacted community. "My recollection... is they're looking for going back to the community or that little area where that school is or that middle school and getting feedback from the community," Resendez said. Trustees discussed refining Harlandale’s current policy so the district and community have clear criteria and procedures for naming facilities; staff said the item could be returned for further consideration at the regular meeting.

On separate agenda items the board approved a resolution to nominate Gerardo Sotto, superintendent of schools, for the Texas Association of School Boards' (TASB) Superintendent of the Year award. The board president introduced a motion, which was seconded, and the board recorded the vote during the meeting. Staff noted the nomination requires a resolution and an application packet that includes accomplishments and supporting letters; staff requested board members forward suggested accomplishments by the end of the following business day so they can be included before the Friday deadline.

The board also approved an order to cancel the May election for single-member District 1 and single-member District 3 because the candidates in those districts ran unopposed. Administration explained this action is taken under the Texas Election Code when candidates are unopposed and that the order is needed in time for early voting notices and election-site information. Staff added unopposed candidates will be sworn in when the election is canvassed.

Both the nomination resolution and the election-cancellation order were moved, seconded and recorded during the work session; the transcript indicates the votes were carried and that the items will be finalized at the canvass or next regular meeting. Trustees said they will provide additional input on the nomination materials and review existing naming-policy language before the board’s next meeting.