PSJA ISD approves repairs and expansion of older agriculture farm to accommodate larger animals

The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District board on Monday approved a proposal to repair and upgrade the district's older agricultural farm to accommodate larger animals and expanded student participation.

District staff described the work as repainting and sealing roofs, cleaning and securing pens, installing new panels for larger animals, adding pavement for parking and replacing fencing. Staff said many of the maintenance tasks will use in-house electricians, plumbers and welders to reduce cost.

During discussion trustees asked about ongoing maintenance, site security, and who would be responsible for day-to-day care. Staff said custodial and assigned grounds personnel will maintain surrounding grounds, students working with teachers will maintain pen-level tasks, and the district has installed camera towers and controlled gate access via assigned carts to monitor entry. Trustees also discussed signage for hours of operation to manage public access.

Board members discussed cost. Staff said using district personnel for much of the work avoids contracting the full job, which they estimated could have cost about $1,500,000 if fully outsourced; current projected cost using in-house labor and phased work was discussed at about $180,000. Trustees said the expansion will allow the ag program to accept more animals and students and that the work is a high-yield investment for curriculum and student engagement. The motion to award the proposal passed unanimously.

The board recorded a motion and vote to approve awarding the proposal; staff said work will include re-fencing, paving, electrical work and plumbing improvements and that custodial and security assignments will be maintained at the site.