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PSJA board approves MOU with Hidalgo County for juvenile justice alternative education seats
Summary
Trustees approved a memorandum of understanding with Hidalgo County Juvenile Board to secure mandatory no‑cost JJAP slots and up to eight discretionary reserved slots at an estimated $115 per student per day; staff said discretionary slots are reimbursed if unused and the district typically uses few discretionary placements.
The board voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Hidalgo County Juvenile Board to formalize the district’s access to juvenile justice alternative education program (JJAP) seats for the 2026–27 school year.
District presenters explained that Texas Education Code Chapter 37 requires counties to maintain a JJAP for students expelled for felony on‑campus conduct; under the MOU the county provides five mandatory slots at no cost when placements are required by law. The district also requested eight discretionary slots that would cost $115 per student per day if used; staff provided a working estimate of roughly $55,200 if four discretionary seats are reserved for 60 days at that rate.
Administrators told trustees that the district historically sends very few discretionary students to JJAP and typically uses mandatory placements only. Officials said the county‑run JJAP operates as an off‑campus school: JJAP staff provide classroom instruction and the district transfers student records and credits. Trustees asked for the MOU text and additional documentation; several trustees said they preferred reviewing the full MOU and related materials and district staff said the document would be shared.
After discussion, a motion to approve the MOU passed. The board’s approval authorizes district leadership to execute the MOU with Hidalgo County for August 1 through July 31 of the next school year and to provide discretionary funding from local funds if discretionary slots are used.
