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Board approves five‑year extension, funding and enrollment changes for STEM Academy agreement with UTPB
Summary
Trustees approved an amended and restated agreement with the University of Texas Permian Basin that extends the STEM Academy operating contract through 2031, clarifies enrollment preferences, expands district health‑service responsibilities and adjusts the funding allocation (a 10% annual retention for district services).
The Ector County ISD Board of Trustees voted May 19 to approve an amended and restated agreement with the University of Texas Permian Basin to continue operation of STEM Academy through 2031 and to tighten language on funding, grievance procedures and enrollment preferences.
District staff presented the contract amendments and described several substantive changes: a five‑year extension of the agreement through 2031; language that explicitly gives enrollment lottery preference to children of UTPB staff and siblings of currently enrolled students; an expanded district role in health services (the district will provide a nurse, clinic supplies and associated budget); and new settle‑up and dispute procedures for operating revenue. The amendment also codifies a 10% annual retention of STEM Academy’s revenue that the district will retain to cover services and supports provided to the campus.
"This contract extended the contract term 5 years to take us through the year of 2031," the presenter said, and staff pointed trustees to addenda that list updated academic and financial performance goals through the extended term. The presenter said the 10% retention and associated addenda were vetted to ensure compliance with state funding rules.
Trustees asked whether parents know where to direct complaints about STEM Academy students; district staff said many initial complaints continue to arrive at central offices but pledged to clarify parent guidance on the district website and in communications. Board members praised the partnership and the STEM Academy’s outcomes before voting to approve the amendment by voice vote.
Next steps: the district will finalize administrative changes in the contract addenda, publish parent guidance about complaint and grievance routing, and continue monitoring performance goals through the STEM Academy’s addendum reporting schedule.
