Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
McAllen ISD approves RFQ rankings for special‑education legal services; MOU with AIR approved
Summary
The board approved ranking of firms responding to a request for qualifications for special‑education legal services (Section 504 and dyslexia) and authorized contract negotiations with the top firm; the board also approved an MOU with the American Institutes for Research for an instructional research project.
The McAllen Independent School District Board on Dec. 11 approved two items related to instructional and legal services: the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the American Institutes for Research and approved an RFQ ranking for special‑education legal services and authorized administration to begin contract negotiations with the highest‑ranked firm.
On the research MOU, Dr. Gutierrez explained the memorandum with the American Institutes for Research is intended to evaluate the effects of first‑grade peer assistance learning strategies in kindergarten classrooms, with the goal of supporting more ambitious reading instruction under challenging standards. "The memorandum of understanding is to outline a mutually agreed upon research project between the district and the American Institutes for Research," Dr. Gutierrez said. Trustees voted to approve the MOU 7‑0.
Regarding legal services, administration presented Request for Qualifications No. 2026‑10‑18 seeking legal services for special education, including Section 504 and dyslexia. Ms. Maribel Elizondo, Executive Director for Special Education, was available to answer questions. Trustees approved administration's recommended ranking and later authorized the superintendent to execute a one‑year contract beginning Feb. 1, 2026, with up to three additional one‑year renewal options; the board also authorized administration to begin negotiations with the highest‑ranked firm.
Trustees said the RFQ is intended to expand the district’s options beyond hourly work they currently obtain and to ensure specialized expertise for special‑education matters.
The board approved both items by unanimous votes.
