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BISD approves amended interlocal with Brownsville to support CTE, Gladys Porter Zoo collaboration
Summary
Trustees approved an amended and restated interlocal agreement with the City of Brownsville to clarify roles if the Cummings property is sold and to preserve CTE operations and memorial plaques; the city pledged utilities, maintenance and an equipment contribution.
The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Sept. 9 an Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement with the City of Brownsville to coordinate shared use, redevelopment and operations related to the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and the Gladys Porter Zoo/Cummings property.
Staff Attorney Miguel Salinas told trustees the amended agreement updates an April 2024 interlocal to anticipate a potential sale of the Cummings property and to clarify that BISD would be able to continue operating the CTE program at Cummings under a city leaseback while a new facility is developed. The agreement records commitments to minimize instructional disruption, preserve memorial plaques and collaborate on phases of construction.
City Manager Helen Ramirez told the board the zoo parcel will remain park/zoo property and that use of certificates of obligation for park purposes precludes hotels or commercial retail uses on that land. Ramirez said the city will assist with construction and emergency maintenance, and would pay utilities while the district occupies the facility.
Trustees pressed for clarity on future land uses and enforcement language. Board Attorney Nick Maddox advised that the city–district contract and a separate sales agreement include provisions that prevent hotels being built on the Cummings parcel and that the district would have a "snap back" remedy if proceeds are not used as agreed. The Board approved the interlocal agreement 7–0.
Board members and city staff said the city has offered roughly $1.4 million to help with relocation or replacement of CTE equipment, and discussed coordinating additional funding through local economic development partners if the district pursues a larger replacement or expansion.
The approval preserves BISD access to the site while providing clearer terms for a possible sale and city leaseback arrangement, and directs staff to work with city counterparts on project planning and site phasing.
