Laredo ISD trustees approve MOU to pursue EPA environmental justice grant with Rio Grande International Study Center

Laredo ISD trustees voted Aug. 5 to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Rio Grande International Study Center to pursue an EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants opportunity.

Doctor Rios introduced the item, saying, "This item was brought to us, not only by Miss Cortez, but also to trustees who I think this is, an interesting, opportunity to explore." Trustees then moved, seconded and approved moving forward with the MOU by voice vote.

The memorandum of understanding approved at the special committee meeting does not include a funding amount or an implementation timetable in the transcript. The board record shows only that trustees agreed to move forward with the partnership to pursue the EPA grant; specifics about the grant proposal, budget, or project scope were not discussed during the recorded remarks.

The Rio Grande International Study Center is listed in the agenda language as the proposed partner for the application to the EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program. The transcript notes that Miss Cortez brought the item to the board’s attention, but Miss Cortez did not speak on the record in the segments provided.

The motion to proceed with the MOU passed on a voice vote; the minutes did not include a roll-call tally or named yes/no votes in the recorded segments. The board later moved on to a personnel item and then adjourned.

Next steps and any required superintendent or trustee signatures, grant timeline, and budget details were not specified in the meeting transcript.