BROWNSVILLE ISD trustees approve $24,500 consultant to review child nutrition finances after split vote

At a special June 4 meeting, the Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 4-3 to approve a contract not to exceed $24,500 for Carmen Ocañas-Lerma to perform a financial and operations review of the district’s Food & Nutrition Services.

The motion to hire the consultant was made by Trustee Jessica Gonzalez and seconded by Trustee Neida Ruth Grantland. Trustees Daniella Lopez Valdez, Denise Garza, Jessica Gonzalez and Neida Ruth Grantland voted in favor; Trustees Frank Ortiz, Carlos Elizondo and Minerva Pena opposed. The Board Attorney confirmed the final tally after members said they had pressed incorrect voting buttons.

Supporters said the consultant will focus on operational items outside the scope of routine internal audits — things like meal planning, inventory and labor costs that affect reimbursables. "She is coming in to look and review at the operation and the program side of it," Chief Financial Officer Rosario Pena said, distinguishing compliance audits from operational reviews.

Opponents argued the district’s internal auditing team could perform sufficient review without tapping the maintenance fund during a budget shortfall. "To say that our auditors cannot do this is just to say that they're very unqualified to do good auditing," Trustee Minerva Pena said, urging use of in-house staff before paying outside consultants.

Interim Superintendent Alda T. Benavides told trustees she favors an external operational review because she is not a food-service specialist and said she would provide a preliminary report by the end of June. Administration said the consultant’s scope would include a 10-week on-site review and monthly follow-ups for 12 months.

The contract will be paid from Local Maintenance Fund 199. The Board approved the contract despite divided votes and continued questions from trustees about staffing, oversight and prior consultant spending.