Harlandale ISD staff seek board commitment for $641,000 LASO 4 LIFT grant and multiyear implementation
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Summary
At a March 18 work session Harlandale ISD staff asked the board to commit to a TEA‑required multiyear plan to accept a roughly $641,000 LASO 4 LIFT grant that would fund Bluebonnet learning products beginning in 2026–27 and requires contracting at least 70% of funds with a single TEA‑approved provider.
At a March 18 Harlandale ISD work session, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Ms. Casey outlined the district’s recommended commitment to the 2025–26 LASO 4 LIFT grant, an award of about $641,000 that the Texas Education Agency conditions on a board‑approved, multiyear implementation plan.
“While the grant provides significant financial resources, $641,000, it requires a specific commitment from the board to ensure long‑term sustainability and adherence to state program standards,” Ms. Casey said, adding the district would begin using Bluebonnet learning products in the 2026–27 school year if the district accepts the grant.
Under the grant rules Ms. Casey summarized, at least 70% of the funds must be used to contract with a single TEA‑approved provider from the state’s authorized list; the remaining roughly 30% may be used for teacher stipends, instructional coaches and other discretionary supports. Staff said a committee of campus leaders and district staff is meeting with providers now and will bring recommended contracts to the April board meeting for consideration.
Trustee Miss Ortiz asked whether TEA mandates which provider Harlandale must use. Ms. Casey replied TEA does not assign providers; the district’s committee will evaluate proposals and select from TEA‑approved options. Trustee Mr. Soto urged caution and emphasized accountability, saying the district’s service center has “more skin in the game” and the committee should weigh whether third‑party partners will be held to the same standards as district partners.
Ms. Casey listed other LASO‑related awards the district has received — planning and implementation pieces for reading and math, an add‑on PLC support for four campuses, a math implementation grant for Stonewall Flanders, and a partner‑funded pre‑residency program — and said staff expects future LASO cycles but won’t know details until later in the year.
Next steps: staff will return recommended provider contracts to the board at the April meeting; board approval will be required before the district accepts the grant and begins multiyear implementation.
