Board Brief - 03.23.26

A quorum of the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Board of Trustees met for a Regular Board Meeting on March 23, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Austin Elementary. The following items were presented, discussed, acted upon, or approved.

Strategy III, Result 1: Showcase students and staff throughout the District.

View the full recognition presentation

PBTISD recognized 14 students who have earned 8 high school credits (4 in middle school and 4 from the fall semester). These students are ahead of the curve and on track to complete 12 credits by the end of freshman year.

Individuals who wish to participate during the portion of the meeting designated for public comment shall sign up with the presiding officer or designee before the meeting begins, as specified in the Board's procedures on public comment. BED(LOCAL)

• Julia Guerra - Community Comment
• Hugh Box - Community Comment
• Kaylee Ybarra - Student Comment
• Miriam Muniz and PBTISD Technology Department - Staff Comment
• Gloria Natividad - Staff Comment
• Brittany Cole - Staff Comment
• Elyzabeth Orona - Staff Comment
• Richard Cole - Staff Comment
• Callie Garcia - Parent/Staff Comment
• Bailee Bombardier - Parent/Staff Comment

7:16 PM

EXECUTIVE SESSION may be called for the purposes permitted by the Texas Open Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.001 through 551.146, Section 551.071 Consultation with Attorney, Section 551.072 Real Property, 551.074 Personnel Matters (Appointment, Employment, Evaluation, Reassignment, Duties, Discipline, Dismissal, Complaint).

• 7.A. Discussion of Crockett Middle School Intruder Detection Audit Results
• 7.B. Discussion of Personnel Matters
• 7.C. Discussion on allegations alleged in DW Level III Grievance
• 7.D. Discussion on Superintendent employment status

9:53 PM

8.A. Discussion and action regarding allegations alleged in DW Level III Grievance

• Trustee Orosco motioned, and AlexAndrea Zamarripa seconded to schedule a special meeting to consider a 3rd party reporting to the board and board only so they can proceed to ensure transparency, integrity, and confidence in the process.

The motion passed 7-0.

Yeas: Zamarripa, Kington, Gonzales, Anchondo, McKinney, Orosco, Portillo

Nays: None

8.B. Discussion and action regarding Superintendent's employment status

• Trustee Portillo motioned, and Sam Anchondo seconded, to place the Superintendent on administrative leave pending a third-party investigation.

The motion failed 3-4.

Yeas: Anchondo, Orosco, Portillo

Nays: Zamarripa, Kington, Gonzales, McKinney

View the district's official statement.

Items approved 7-0

Yeas: Zamarripa, Kington, Gonzales, Anchondo, McKinney, Orosco, Portillo

Nays: None

View Minutes here.

View Minutes here.

The monthly financial update consisted of a Schedule of Appropriations and expenditures.

A quarterly investment report is provided to the board each quarter during the fiscal year (September 1-August 31). This report marks the end of the Second Quarter (December 1-February 28).

The Board previously approved the 2026–2027 academic calendar and Turnaround plans; however, TEA denied the plans due to the calendar not meeting 165 instructional days. To comply, the district proposed revisions that add instructional days by converting select Independent Learning Fridays and professional development days into full instructional days while maintaining key community considerations. These adjustments ensure compliance with TEA requirements and support improved accountability outcomes moving forward. View the updates to the 2026-2027 calendar at pbtisd.net.

The Board approved a Turnaround Plan for Zavala and Austin Elementary in November 2025 and submitted it to TEA for review. In January 2026, TEA rejected the plan due to the 2026–2027 instructional calendar not meeting the required 165 instructional days.

Due to a shortage of qualified personnel, the ability to make timely hiring decisions is critical to remaining competitive and securing top candidates. While the Board already authorizes the superintendent to hire teachers, this resolution would extend that authority to additional contracted professionals during the peak hiring season of April through August. This temporary delegation supports efficient hiring practices and helps the district avoid losing strong candidates due to delays in the approval process.

Per Texas Education Code 31.1011, local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to certify annually to the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the commissioner that students have access to instructional materials covering all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for all required subjects, except physical education.

Last year, we offered a stipend to summer school teachers who work 100% of the days summer school is offered. According to the compensation plan, teachers are paid $35 per hour, and paraprofessionals are paid $20 per hour. The administration recommends that summer school administrators be paid the daily rate of pay earned during the traditional school year, as outlined in the compensation plan.

House Bill 105 led to the development of Bluebonnet Learning, a state-approved curriculum adopted for K–5 reading and K–Algebra I math in November 2024. Since implementation, the district has seen strong improvements in student engagement, instructional rigor, and teacher preparation across elementary. Based on positive outcomes and teacher feedback, the district plans to expand Bluebonnet Learning Math to 8th grade and Algebra I beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

Central Administration conducted extensive staffing workshops with each budget owner to review current staffing and projections for the 2026–2027 school year. This agenda item is requesting the reallocation of existing positions to the newly identified positions. No additional FTEs are being requested.

The July 2026 Board Meeting is currently scheduled for July 20, but the administration recommended moving it to July 27 to allow time to receive certified tax values from the CAD on July 25. Having this information in advance will ensure a more accurate and meaningful Budget Development Report for the 2026–2027 school year.

Trustee Portillo exited the meeting at 9:57 PM, before action items were discussed. From here on, votes reflect that of the present six Trustees.

Approved 6-0

Yeas: Zamarripa, Kington, Gonzales, Anchondo, McKinney, Orosco

Nays: None

Student Outcome Goal 4: The percentage of students who graduate within four years will increase from 90.3% to 95% by August 2027.

• Class of 2024 Goal = 93.1% / Actual = 97.1% (2025 Accountability)

• Class of 2025 Goal = 94.1% (2026 Accountability)
• Class of 2026 Goal = 95% (2027 Accountability)

Goal Progress Measure 4.1: The percentage of freshmen who earn 6.5 credits or more by the end of their freshman cohort school year will increase from 79% to 94% by June 2027.

• June 2025 Goal = 88% / Actual = 90%
• June 2026 Goal = 91%

View the presentation.

Approved 6-0

Yeas: Zamarripa, Kington, Gonzales, Anchondo, McKinney, Orosco

Nays: None

Superintendent Constraint #2 - The Superintendent shall not allow the collaborative partnership

between home, school, and community to deteriorate.

• CPM 2c - The administration will conduct a climate survey with parents and staff, increasing from 0 per year in August 2025 to 2 per year by August 2027.
  

View the presentation.

Approved 6-0, Board is not in compliance.

Yeas:Zamarripa, Kington, Gonzales, Anchondo, McKinney, Orosco

Nays: None

Board Constraint #3 - The board shall not make decisions impacting student outcomes without being well-trained, informed, and prepared.

View the presentation.

• 9.A. Date for next meeting
• Monday, April 20, 2026

• 9.B. Request items for the next agenda

The Board adjourned at 10:28 PM on March 23, 2026.

This newsletter aligns with Strategy III: We will broaden and strengthen partnerships with staff, families, and communities through transparency and effective communication.