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Trustees approve retroactive vendor contracts; members press for clearer procurement controls
Summary
The board approved retroactive vendor actions for Emergent Tree Education Inc. and a $53,000 payment to NIET for services rendered, while several trustees raised concerns about contracts executed without prior board approval and asked for stronger internal controls and data to justify renewals.
The UVALDE CISD Board voted to retroactively approve several vendor engagements after administrators reported contracts had been executed and services rendered without prior board approval.
Administration explained that Emergent Tree Education Inc. provided behavioral‑support services beginning in August but was not included on a vendor list presented earlier; the district had been receiving invoices and services under the agreement. Trustees said the oversight was serious because approving retroactive contracts can put the board in a difficult position when services have already been used. Administrators said the expenses were budgeted and that purchasing and oversight systems are being strengthened to prevent recurrence.
Separately, a previously executed contract with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) originally totaled about $102,000; after reviewing and removing services scheduled for the next school year, district staff recommended approving $53,000 to cover services provided to date (grant-funded). The board approved payment and asked administration to provide documentation, written confirmation from NIET that they would not enforce the original higher amount, and program data showing classroom coaching outcomes.
Trustees asked for analytics and campus usage data before renewing or extending either contract and emphasized that future renewals should be accompanied by clear effectiveness data and procurement documentation. Several trustees said the district should use local mentoring and internal resources where possible and asked staff to report back with evidence of impact before committing future funds.
