Alice ISD board approves audit, calls May 3 election and hears high‑school academic update

The Alice Independent School District Board of Trustees on Jan. 14 approved the 2023–24 financial audit, voted to call a May 3, 2025 trustee election and heard a detailed academic report from Alice High School amid continuing attendance and discipline initiatives.

The board approved the audit after auditors reported that the district’s general fund ended the year with a $20,332,945 fund balance and that revenues exceeded expenditures by $441,613. The district’s total ending fund balance across all funds was reported as $63,132,192. Trustees voted to order the May 3, 2025 election, set the first day to file for candidacy as Jan. 15 and the filing deadline as Feb. 14, and approved early voting dates April 22–29, 2025.

The meeting opened with public comment and recognitions, then moved into the superintendent’s and campus reports. Alice High School administrators reported enrollment and academic readiness figures and described targeted interventions for seniors at risk of not graduating.

"Currently, we're projecting 301 seniors graduating. However, right now, we do have 79 seniors that are at risk for graduation," said the high‑school presenter during the academic overview, noting the at‑risk students include needs tied to state end‑of‑course exams, credits and attendance. The presenter gave a breakdown for the at‑risk population and described ongoing counselor one‑on‑one meetings with seniors and parents.

The high school reported 21 seniors who will complete associate degrees through the campus early‑college and dual‑credit programs — 17 associate of science and four associate of arts — and two juniors who will complete 60 college hours and graduate with the class. On college‑career‑military readiness (CCMR), the campus reported 242 seniors currently CCMR‑ready and set a target of 286 by May.

Student services reported districtwide attendance gains. "For December, we are at $350,931.79 that we have saved compared to last school year," said Diana Boskus, the district’s director of student services, describing the revenue‑loss analysis tied to improved attendance and listing school‑level percentage increases compared with the prior year. The district‑level attendance increase since last year was reported at 1.91 percentage points.

Administrators also reported discipline trends, citing reductions in vaping‑related placements compared with the prior fall semester and increases in classroom device and dress‑code incidents. The high school outlined incentive programs (free dress, outings and DoorDash rewards) and planned Saturday academies and targeted small‑group tutoring to boost retesters and first‑time testers toward higher performance levels.

On business items, the board: approved the audit; appointed district staff as election agents for the May 3 election; approved the order to call the trustee election; approved a one‑semester plumbing stipend for staff performing plumbing duties while the position is vacant (amount as stated in the minutes was not clear); accepted resignations presented in closed session; and authorized administration to proceed with a previously discussed real‑property matter after executive session. Each action was approved by voice vote with the board announcing "Aye" and the chair declaring motions carried.

Board members and staff also reported on facilities work, including completion of restroom renovations at the high school, progress on baseball and softball lighting, cataloging for a surplus auction to start Jan. 26, and demolition work that was ahead of schedule. Athletic and facilities staff described temporary arrangements for soccer and other outdoor sports while the stadium project continues, including portable restroom and bleacher plans.

The meeting closed after an executive session that included personnel matters, legal advice and deliberation on real property; the board returned to public session and recorded motions reflecting actions taken as summarized above.