Vidor ISD board extends depository contract with First Financial Bank through 2027

The Vidor Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to extend the district's depository contract with First Financial Bank for a two-year term, running from Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2027.

Deputy Superintendent Travis Maines told trustees that First Financial handles many of the district's day-to-day financial operations, including payroll and several activity accounts, and that the new two-year extension keeps the district within a long-standing relationship. "Our contract is ending soon, and so we're bringing a new two-year contract to you," Maines said. The board then approved the extension on a 6–0 voice vote with one member absent.

Trustees discussed why the district contracts with a depository and whether signing a contract affects fees. One trustee asked whether the contract "locks in rates" for services such as check processing; Maines said he would research specific fee arrangements and provide follow-up information. Board materials read into the record reference Texas Education Code chapter 45 and cited statutory sections governing school district depositories.

The board also read a resolution stating that First Financial Bank (located in Orange County) meets the statutory definition of a depository bank and noting that, under Texas Education Code, the district may extend a depository contract for additional two-year terms. The resolution was signed by Board President Gina Vandevender.

Next steps: staff will file the signed resolution and provide trustees with any additional legal details and fee information requested during the discussion.