WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=D-9txxxnhWA

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: D-9txxxnhWA):
- 00:00:38: Joyful Singing and Praise to a Higher Power
- 00:12:34: Fort Worth ISD Board Meeting Convened: May 19, 2026
- 00:18:36: Morning Greetings and Focus on Student Attendance
- 00:26:15: Welcoming New Superintendent, Teacher Candidates and Signing Day
- 00:28:56: Middle School Math Competitions, Battle of the Books
- 00:32:37: Recognizing and Thanking School Volunteers and Partners
- 00:39:28: Campus Teacher of the Year Celebration and Recognition
- 00:47:52: District Teacher of the Year: Finalists Express Gratitude
- 00:58:29: Campus Teacher of the Year: Heat Music Interlude
- 01:06:02: Campus Teacher of the Year: Heat Music Interlude Continued
- 01:15:20: Campus Teacher of the Year: Final Music Interlude
- 01:19:31: Music Interlude and Appreciation of Being Present
- 01:23:32: Morning Greetings and Focus on Student Attendance (Repeated)
- 01:30:54: Welcoming New Superintendent, Teacher Candidates and Signing Day (Repeated)
- 01:33:35: Middle School Math Competitions, Battle of the Books (Repeated)
- 01:37:16: Recognizing and Thanking School Volunteers and Partners (Repeated)
- 01:39:20: Campus Teacher of the Year: Heat Music Interlude (Repeated)
- 01:41:38: Board Reconvenes: Colors, Anthem, and Student Recognitions
- 01:51:25: Condolences for Student Loss, Executive Session Clarification
- 01:54:29: Superintendent's Report: Ferington Field and Teacher Vacancies
- 02:04:42: Public Comment: Forsight - Student Outcomes and Transparency
- 02:07:58: Public Comment: Foresight - Student Success and Dyslexia
- 02:11:02: Public Comment: Dorsy Hollands - SPED Changes, Data Needed
- 02:14:38: Public Comment: Christensen - Ten Commandments and SB10
- 02:17:41: Public Comment: Winston - Concerns on Scripture in Schools
- 02:21:20: Public Comment: Sharma - Religion in Public Schools
- 02:24:36: Public Comment: Ana - EL Learners and Free Speech
- 02:27:53: Public Comment: Willoughby - Local Voter Education
- 02:31:09: Public Comment: Pryin - Criticizing State and Teachers
- 02:34:40: Public Comment: Smith - Bible Study Elective in School
- 02:38:01: Public Comment: Rogers - Transparency of School Ratings
- 02:41:09: Public Comment: Wilford - Bluebonnet Book Curriculum
- 02:44:38: Public Comment: Hayer - INA Closure and Doge Actions
- 02:47:58: Public Comment: Diaz - Change Management and Teachers
- 02:51:01: Public Comment: Pinman - Biblical Lessons and Values
- 02:52:42: Public Comment: Medí - Against Christian Curriculum
- 02:56:03: Public Comment: Medin - Renaming of School
- 02:58:29: Public Comment: Demerest - Local Control
- 03:00:03: American Dream Turns Chaotic: The System Is Failing Them
- 03:01:45: TEA Investigation: Capping Special Education Enrollment Illegally
- 03:05:01: Board's Power: Guard Rails or Enablers of Corruption?
- 03:08:20: Teaching Cut Short: High Stakes Testing and Stress
- 03:11:54: Graduate Doubts Forth Worth: Corporate, Control, and Restriction
- 03:14:24: Bible Curriculum: Pushing Christian Nationalist Agenda
- 03:17:52: Lack of Public School Experience and Bible Opposition
- 03:21:02: Budget Oversight: $300K Wasted on Novel Budget?
- 03:24:07: Thanking Contributions, Corrective Feedback Should Be Respectful
- 03:27:24: Morath and Abbott's Playbook: Centralized Special Education
- 03:30:36: Classrooms of Poverty, White Board Members and Humility
- 03:33:53: Threats and Violence: Native American ESL Experience
- 03:37:14: Finding Faith Alone: Separating Academics and Religion
- 03:40:56: Daggett Montessori Concerns: Long-Term Investment and Viability
- 03:44:30: Extremism in Fort Worth: Who is really to Blame?
- 03:47:31: Teachers Demoralized: Board Should Lead, Not Micromanage
- 03:51:04: Public Reprimanding, Questions About the Future of Schools
- 03:53:33: Uncomfortable Presence and Betrayal to Fort Worth
- 03:57:04: Urging to not Distrust Disruption, Demand Accountability
- 04:00:43: Ensuring that Sanguinet Park Remains a Park Forever
- 04:03:59: Fort Worth ISD Lowest Performing Urban School
- 04:08:02: Federal Grant Applications: Informing the Public
- 04:14:06: Pillars Of Excellence: Aligning Spending for Success
- 04:16:01: Reaching out for Correct Information and to Correct
- 04:19:16: Accepting the Consent Agenda - Move to Vote
- 04:21:09: Ratifying the Superintendent's Contract
- 04:25:12: Decisions Must Focus on Changing Student Reading
- 04:26:15: Non-Renewal of Term Contract Employee
- 04:26:52: Approving Recommendation List, Process Explained
- 04:30:09: Declare Real Estate Surplus and No Longer Necessary
- 04:32:54: Letter of Intent to Sale Block at Camp Bowie
- 04:35:59: Approve Purchase & Sale agreement for Meadowbrook Drive
- 04:37:15: Approval for the Purchase of Apple Computers for CTE Labs
- 04:40:14: Delegation of Authority: Teacher Laptops & Panels
- 04:41:06: Delegation of Authority: Purchase Chromebook Devices
- 04:41:52: Contemplating the Renaming of Cesar Chavez School


Part: 1

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Hey, Oh, I feel so good. I feel so good. I feel so good. I feel so good. Oh,

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I feel so good. I feel so good. I feel so good. I feel so good. I feel so good.

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So good. Feel so good. So good. And it feels so good. And it feels so good. Feel so good.

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Feel so good. Feel so good. Feel so good. Feel so good. Feel so good. feeling down. Want to come my way.

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Going to lift you up. Let me hear you say, "Yeah, we're living on love." Yeah, we're living. Yeah, we're living on love. Yeah, we're living on love. Yeah, we're living. Yeah, we're living on love. Oh,

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we going to take you higher. Oh, oh, we going to lift you up. Oh, oh, we're going to take you higher. Oh, oh, we're going to lift you up.

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When you hit the ground, don't you lose your way. Got to get back up. Let me hear you say, "Yeah, we're living on." Yeah, we're living. Yeah, we're living on Yeah, we're living on. Yeah, we're

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living. Yeah, we're living on. Oh, oh, we going to take you higher. Oh, oh, we going to lift you up. We going to take you higher. We going to lift you up.

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>> Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We're going to take you higher. We're going to lift you up. We're going to take you higher.

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Oh, we're going to lift you up. We're going to take your take your We going to lift you up. We're going to take your take. We're going to let you

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You take me higher. Higher. You take me higher. You take me higher. You take me higher. Heat. Heat. You take me higher. You take me higher. You take me higher.

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You take me higher. Hey, Johnny. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. The best is yet to come. The best is yet to come.

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The rest is yet to come. The rest is yet to fall. Heat. Heat. The best is yet to come. The best is yet to come. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N.

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Heat. Heat. Good evening. The meeting is now convened. It is 5:02 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026. A quorum of the board is present in the boardroom in accordance with Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.

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They're Bobby Adier, Frost Po, Luis Galindo, Courtney Lewis, Rosa Maria Berdea, Tennessee Walker, Lorie George, and Jay Seigal. The time is 5:03 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. We

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will now recess and reconvene for executive session as authorized by chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code under sections 551.07, 072, 074, and 076. Heat.

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Heat. feel bad. Hey Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat.

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Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Good morning. >> Morning. >> Good morning, Victor. >> So, it starts here. >> Yes, it starts here in the morning. We greet our kids. Good morning, Kaitlyn.

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>> Let's help them in and they get their day started. >> Good morning. >> This is a good opportunity for us to kind of mingle with the parents as well, so they're used to seeing us every morning. Kids don't want to be late. They want to tell their parents, "We want to be outside. We want We're missing school." >> Is being at school important for you?

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>> Yeah. >> How come? >> Cuz I study health um reading and and writing. >> Good morning, girls. Are you ready to check attendance? >> Yes. >> Students are walking around with our community and partnerships. Miss Jenya Aila, >> we're going to make sure who's here and who's not. That way I can be able to

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call parents and see if we can get students to get here before 10:00 a.m. Okay. >> Okay. I'm Klay and attendance matters to me. >> I'm Bridget and I'm serious about attendance. >> This year our kids were all about making sure that we are um exposing that attendance matters by either creating

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posters, even holding each other accountable and passing as hey don't forget to be here tomorrow. Get here on time. >> Good morning Mr. Nva. >> Good morning. Is it a good time for attendance? >> Make it student driven. I think you need the kids buy in cuz teachers are teaching and absence bell doesn't ring

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until 10:00. So the kids are the ones kind of tracking that in the morning. >> Hi Miss Sanchez. >> I'm here to check up who's absent. >> Okay. >> So I know something that's very popular with them is those social media platforms um after school hours where they're holding each other accountable

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and asking each other questions like where were you today? >> Hey, have y'all seen Randy? >> No. Um, we try to text him in the group chat. >> Yeah, he hasn't responded. >> It keeps them accountable. They all know, oh, if we're not there on time, Kia is going to come and see that I'm not there on time. >> I think students, they know that if

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they're here, there's going to be incentives and so that's why they want to be here. >> Oh, here we have a student here ready for a token. >> That is cool. What So, what does that mean to you? >> That nobody is absent. >> You're going to see tokens outside their classroom and that means that the all the class is here and they were here on

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time. Who's absent today? Uh, in my group, nobody's out of town. >> Nobody. Okay, perfect. So, I'll call you right now. But, >> hi, good morning. I was calling to see why Salvador wasn't it. >> Attendance matters. Um, and not only to be here, but be here on time. Are you

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ready to start your day? Wherever Pete has been, the kids win. Everywhere, every time, Pete's kids win. Under his leadership, our kids will win.

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Please join me in welcoming Pete Lacata, one of our newest Texans, to Fort Worth, Texas. We're very excited for being here. There's no question about it. This is an opportunity. It's an honor, but it's a responsibility. It's children.

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You are not a public educator if children aren't the first thing you think of when you address anything regarding school related activities, education, classrooms, personnel, HR, rules, buses, health, food. It means we

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look at children as a whole person. Fort Worth ISD is honored to welcome our teacher candidates from across our pipeline programs to our spring 2026 signing day. All of these seniors here will sign letters of intent to launch their teaching careers right here in Fort Worth ISD. These candidates

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represent the very best of our teacher residency program and our bilingual teacher assistant program, two of our district's most innovative and impactful ways into the profession. You have an opportunity to change the world. Change the future of the world. Give me another

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profession that can do that. You can. You have the opportunity to see children in front of you every single day and make their future brighter. >> From Texas Tech University, we have Ana Boss and Cassandra Garcia. Ana and Cassandra, please sign your letter of

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intent. Being in the classroom every day has allowed me to build connections with students, to learn from the teachers, and to truly understand what it means to show up for the kids, how important these programs are to our schools, to support our students, and for our own

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personal growth. >> And now we have Vanessa Flores and Leslie Bharin from Texas Wesland University. Vanessa and Leslie, please sign your letter of intent. >> I really enjoy working with children. I love them. I think they bring so much joy, not just into the classroom, but

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into our lives. You know, as educators, >> we want you to stay here. We need you to stay here. And I'm going to make it a little more guilt. The kids here need you to stay. Parents that are here, be proud of your children. They have chosen the best profession in the world.

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>> We are proud of each of you and we are grateful that you have chosen Fort Worth ISD as a place where your journey begins. Division one, are y'all ready? >> Division two, are you ready?

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>> Today we're gathering um middle school students all the way from sixth grade to 8th grade. They're coming in and competing. Um they're having a great time. They're doing five math events. So, it's just a great chance to get the kids to that love math to come in here, showcase it. It's their Super Bowl.

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>> Three, two, begin. >> 8 + 2 * 1= 10. >> There's geometry, space for reasoning, algebra, u problem solving skills, and um probabilities. >> You can work individually or in groups,

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your choice to solve the word problem. >> 1.25 >> 45 is the total. So 45 go at the bottom. In elementary school, I thought math would be boring and stuff, but after I learned like multiplication, division, um, cross multiplying, then it really

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got fun for me. >> Make sure your team is ready to rock and roll. >> This is probably right. I think >> I am doing mathletics because I wanted to sharpen my math skills. First place division one goes to first place winner division two is

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digger monori and for we love math. So, we have about a thousand third through fifth graders coming in today for the Battle of the Books.

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>> Let the battle begin. >> Battle of the Books is a two-day competition. The first day is elementary students, second day secondary. >> In which book does a classmate purposely ruin another student's painting? We have a quiz show style competition where kids

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work in teams. They read five books and then they answer questions and every question begins with in which book? >> In which book does a student believe that stickers are one of the most special things. >> So the answer to the question is going to be the title of whichever book they

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think is the best choice. >> Answers, please. >> Reading teaches empathy and it makes us better people when we can identify with other characters that maybe are different from us. It's important that we have have books that kids can see themselves in.

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>> The correct answer is Jojo Mak. >> I love reading. It's one of my favorite things to do. It's so important to read books because if you are always on a screen or something, it's not the best thing for you. But if you read, it's going to help you like step out of your comfort zone. You're going to get to

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learn new things. >> In which book does someone make night socks? I am participating in a lot of the books because I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to read more books. >> They get so excited about reading and discussing the books. I love that that we are fostering a shared love of

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reading. >> The correct answer is >> when you get older and you get a job like you have to learn how to read your bills and read like mortgage papers and you like have to learn how to read to be successful in life. I hope that they

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take away the love of reading, the love of love of literacy, the teamwork, you know, working with their teachers, the librarians, community members. That's what I hope they take away from this experience. >> Hello volunteers and partners. I'm Fort

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Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Peter Lacata. Today and every day, we honor you and we thank you. Every day you help our schools shine. Your generosity, kindness, and bright smiles show our students and teachers that Fort Worth ISD is more than just a place to learn.

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It's a community metro >> that comes together to support one another and drive our shared success. So today, we thank you for being a light in our district. Whether you read to a class, made a donation, helped teachers get the needed supplies, or worked on a

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campus, thank you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your commitment. And thank you for your generosity. >> You ready? >> Yes. >> You got it. >> It takes a village to raise a child, and there's no better village than ours. Thank you for your service and commitment to Fort Worth ISD.

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Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Down back down. Down. Hey. Hey. Hey, baby. Hey, down.

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Down back down. down. Happy Down back down. Get down. Down back down. Downtown.

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Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. down. Down. down. Down. Welcome to the 2026 campus teacher of the year celebration. Today it is one of the most exciting

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days of the year. I believe every opportunity that we have to highlight and celebrate the work that each and every one of you do in our classrooms. We are here to celebrate and honor you on tonight some of our hardest workers in Fort Worth ISD. >> It is one of the only professions that can change the future. Think about that.

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It is one of the only professions that can actually impact the future and it can impact the future of each child in their classroom. >> And good evening campus teachers of the year. My name is Denise Carpenter and my name is Angelica Navaro and it is our

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pleasure to be here with you this evening to announce our finalist. Starting with elementary, the finalist is Jacqueline Bender. Our next elementary finalist is Alandre

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de Leon Tjo, Alice Contrez Elementary. Our third elementary finalist is Rachel Flores, West Cliff Elementary. Our next elementary finalist is Marina MJ

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Minvieta, West Hanley Elementary. And our final elementary finalist is Louise Ortiz at South High Mount Elementary.

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And now our secondary finalist. Our first finalist is Don Bronze of Pasco High School. >> Our next secondary finalist is Gina Padino, TCC South FWIS Collegiate High

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School. Our third secondary finalist is Francisco Rodriguez, Stripling Middle School. >> Our next secondary finalist is Katherine Smith, Monik Middle School. >> Our final secondary finalist is

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Caitlyn York at the Leadership Academy at Leonard Middle School. You all are a shining example of what takes place in our classrooms each and every day and the impact that you have on our students across the district. >> Congratulations.

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>> Hello, my name is Jacqueline Bender. I am >> I teach at Woodway Elementary School. I teach kindergarten. This is my fourth year. Hi, I'm Rachel Flores, a special education teacher at Westcliff Elementary for 17 years. >> Congratulations. My name is Marina

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Mendetta. I'm a third grade dual language teacher at West Hanley Elementary for approximately 10 years. >> My name is Luis Ortiz. I work at South High Elementary and I teach second grade reading and social studies, completing my sixth year. >> My name is Alandre Deontrejo. I teach

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reading and writing in Spanish and in English at Alis Contraas Elementary. This is my sixth year. I was very surprised uh to be named a finalist. I was I just taken a back in in the best way possible. >> I just sat there and finally my

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principal, she pushed me from behind and I' I've become famous for this. No, I was not surprised. I am a leader on my campus and I worked really hard. The my mouth opened so wide when they said my name. I showed up late because I was

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preparing for star. I felt really bad cuz I almost missed the whole thing. I feel like I am a strong candidate. So I kind of in my head they I they they named the first person and then the second person in my head I was like

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and they did. It's an honor. >> A district teacher of the year should exemplify >> a willingness to adapt but at the same time it's a huge responsibility. We have amazing teachers and I want to shout it

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from the top of the Pier One building. >> I do the work for these children and I want to be the best and I want my children to be the best. >> Just always be there for them and just do the best that you can for them >> because the students deserve the best and I am a product of ISD.

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>> I know these kids. I feel like I come from this neighborhood. >> I went to ANA first and then I went to SixX High School and during that time I had like amazing teachers. What drew me to becoming a teacher? Oh, so many things. >> School was the first place where I felt

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believed in. >> This wasn't my degree. This I got alternative certifications. >> Well, um I actually kind of fell into teaching. Now here I am at, you know, Fort Worth ISD. >> I just wanted to be with children and to teach. >> When they are getting the material that

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I'm presenting to them, >> the excitement just I can't continue it. That is the most exciting part of my day. That is why I'm here. I need to make it exciting. So, I'm the one that's got a lot of body movement. I am not shy. And no one would be surprised about

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that. I'll go back way back that I was a beekeeper in the Peace Corp. >> I have taught here at West Elementary for my entire career. >> If I weren't a teacher, I would uh be interviewing celebrities on the red carpet. >> Cooking is my love language. My students

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think I'm a little crazy. Their mom nice and understanding. >> Try when the toilet flush. >> My secret sauce in the classroom would have to be making silly faces or >> breaking out into a dance. Being just

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super fabulous. My Ink charts. >> I love connecting with the kids. That is my favorite thing. They surprise me every day with what they can do and what they have to struggle with outside of school. Because once your students know

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that you love them and that you care about them, they will give you everything they have. >> The reason that they're doing that is because they feel in their heart that they are cared for, that they are protected. The thing that has stayed the same regardless of the school year is my

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love for teaching and my students. This was my calling. So otherwise, I would be interviewing celebrities. I'd be on the other side of this camera. >> I love to come to work every day. I want to be here. I'm one of the first ones in the parking lot. >> So I have so much to say.

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>> What was the question? >> How many more do you have? >> Okay. It's the best job you could ever have. And it's the hardest job you could ever have. But Fort Worth is my town, my city, and I love it here. We're finished.

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>> We're finished. >> Give me your feedback. >> Now everything I go to is the teacher learn. >> My name is Gina Paladino. I'm a high school math teacher and I teach at TCC South Collegic High School, my 11th year.

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>> My name is Don Bruns. I teach economics at Pascal High School, my 11th year. My name is Katherine Smith. I teach English language arts at Morning Middle School. I have been a teacher in Fort Worth ISD for the past 11 years. >> My name is Francisco Rodriguez and I am

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the director of events at Stripling Middle School at the start of year 8. >> My name is Caitlyn York. I teach at the leadership academy at Leonard Middle School and I teach seventh grade English. This is my first year. Just for someone to recognize the effort, the commitment, the consistency

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that it takes to do this job was very surprising cuz that's just not something that we get quite often. >> I was very surprised to be named a finalist. I was literally shocked. I think if there's a video of it somewhere, it would be really funny. >> I did not expect it. I'm very fortunate and very blessed for the opportunity.

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>> Our district has a plethora of highly qualified teachers. When I heard my name, I was in shock and awe. >> The district teacher of the year should reflect what we want to see in our students. >> Accountability and dependability. >> Someone who truly cares about learning.

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>> Just willing to put everybody's needs sometimes before their own. >> Like our superintendent said, we have the ability to change the lives of many, many people. >> One of my first memories at the beginning of my career was when my students taught me everything not to do as a teacher. The students videoed me doing the running man and it became a

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thing on Tik Tok. >> Teaching in a portable with like 45 freshmen in world geography. >> I was so uncertain and I was so unsure. Um, but I really had great support and those teachers kind of helped push me

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through. >> My first year teaching sixth grade band, getting all ones, um, and seeing the kids jump with lots of joy and laughter. What I love about being a teacher is helping kids want to learn. >> I get an opportunity every single day to

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come and help a student be prepared for what happens outside of the classroom. >> I get to interact with different groups of kids and share my passion for math with them. >> Their self-esteem is up. Their confidence is up. They feel like they can go take on the world. That's what makes it worth. >> I love the relationships I build with my

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colleagues and the students. Um I just love the environment here. I can't imagine doing anything else. My students think I'm the best. >> Nice. I suppose >> I'm a goofball. If students are not practicing, we always say it's time to go hit the gym.

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>> Always making them do their work or wearing their IDs in the hallway. I'm extra. My students think I'm crazy, you know? I'm like, "Okay, guys. We're getting our papers out. We're going to have so much fun." My secret sauce in the classroom is all

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about relationships through instruction. I teach bell-to-bell instruction in this classroom. >> It is math all day, every day. When it comes to being in Paladino's classroom, >> getting to know my students. We have a lot of fun. Uh even when we're learning tough things.

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>> Making music is like having a superpower, you know? It's cuz you can impact the world. >> That my kids never know my next move. I always keep them on their toes because they never know what's going to happen next. >> I think that's why I'm a good teacher now because they can't get away with anything. I know all their tricks.

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>> I think people might be surprised to know I went to college for religion >> outside of school. I don't need to use a lot of technology. >> Possibly you could have been an NBA player at Nonto Kidding. >> I think people would be very surprised to know that I was not the best student. But what do you mean, Miss York? We have

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to do work at school. Maybe people be surprised to know that at one point I was the lunch lady and the bus driver before I became a teacher. >> The reason I wanted to become a teacher was because I have a love of acquiring knowledge. I got that from my parents.

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My mom drew me into the teaching field and so I grew up in a classroom. It felt very familiar. >> What drew me to teaching was my curiosity about the world. Teaching was the perfect fit. >> My teachers didn't wear capes but were the heroes in my life. And so I want to make have that same impact on my

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students >> because I had influential teachers when I was growing up. Those teachers believed in me. Um I knew early on that this was my life's work. >> Whether it was my first year or my 11th year, the students never loved doing math homework. >> They tell me all the time, I hate your

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class, but I love you. You >> know, obviously their first couple notes, and I was one of the parents are not the prettiest. >> Teaching in Fort Worth ISD is worth it because of the outcome. feel like they can go take on the world. That's what makes it worth living for sure >> because you get to meet kids from all

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walks of life. >> They deserve the best opportunities and we as teachers need to give them to them. >> Teaching in Fort Worth ISD is worth it because if not us, who we get to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond.

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>> Tonight we get to praise you. We definitely get to praise you because there's so many great teachers out there. You've come to be the last 10 that we came down to. >> And now our 2025 26 elementary teacher

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of the year winner is Alandre de Leontjo Alice Conceras Elementary. >> I want to share a moment I will always remember this past week after math test. One of my students wrote a card for me.

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She said, "Mrs. DeLeon, you have inspired my future to believe in myself the way you do." And she also shared that she wants to become a teacher. That sentence lives in my heart. If there is one thing I hope every child

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takes away from my classroom is this. You can. You always could. and I will always believe in you until you believe in yourself. And now our 20252 26 secondary teacher of the year winner is

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Caitlyn York from Leadership Academy at Leonard Middle School. To every teacher here, please hear me when I say this. You matter. Your work matters. Your effort matters. And your heart matters. Public education is stronger because you are in it. Children are better because

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you teach them. And the future is brighter because of the countless unseen moments you choose to give. Keep showing up. Keep loving kids. And keep being the teacher you needed when you were younger. The world may not always see what you're caring, but your students

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do. And they learn resilience, hope, and belief from you every single day. And this year we also have the pleasure of celebrating the volunteers and the community partners who give us their time and resources to better support

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teachers and students. >> And our teachers here, our principles here, you know better than anybody how important volunteers are. >> Please join me in welcoming our volunteer of the year, Heather Smith, to the stage. Clifford Davis is a special

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place, bringing together families from all over the world. For some students, this is the first opportunity anyone in their family has ever had to have a formal education. They are paving the way for their family and their new life

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here in America. It is an honor to be a part of that story. >> And for the final recognition of the evening, please welcome our partner of the year, Trinity Metro. I also want to thank the forward ISD and your leadership collaboration and the shared

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commitment that you have the purpose of uplifting our communities, our students and our our families. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Hey, Heat. Hey, hey, hey.

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Heat. Hey, Heat. Come on. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. back. Back. Hey,

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hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat.

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Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

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Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Happy number. W. Hey. Hey. Hey. Oh,

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I am. I love you. I love oh you oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh oh I oh fire you I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh I oh fire you oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a oh a

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oh a oh a oh a oh a I love you. Oh, you are you. Heat. Heat. N. Grand Hey. Hey, hey,

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hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Ow. Come on. Hey. Hey. Hey. Good morning. >> Morning. >> Good morning, Victor. >> So, it starts here.

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>> Yes, it starts here in the morning. We greet our kids. >> Good morning, Kaitlyn. to help them in and they get their day started. >> Good morning. >> This is a good opportunity for us to kind of mingle with the parents as well, so they're used to seeing us every morning. Kids don't want to be late. They want to tell their parents, "We

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want to be on time. We want We're missing school." >> Is being at school important for you? >> Yeah. >> How come? >> Cuz I study health um reading and and writing. >> Good morning, girls. Are you ready to check attendance? >> Yes. >> Students are walking around with our community and partnerships, Miss Jenia

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Aila. >> We're going to make sure who's here, who's not. That way, I can be able to call parents and see if we can get students to get there before 10:00 a.m. Okay. >> Okay. I'm Kip and attendance matters to me. >> I'm Bridget and I'm serious about attendance. >> This year our kids were all about making

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sure that we are um exposing that attendance matters by either creating posters, even holding each other accountable and passing as hey don't forget to be here tomorrow. Get here on time. >> Good morning, Mr. Nva. >> Good morning. >> Is it a good time for attendance? >> Make it student driven. I think you need

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the kids buy in cuz teachers are teaching and absence bell doesn't ring until 10:00. So the kids are the ones kind of tracking that in the morning. >> Hi Miss Sanchez. >> I'm here to check up who's absent. >> Okay. >> So I know something that's very popular with them is those social media

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platforms um after school hours where they're holding each other accountable and asking each other questions like where were you today? >> Hey, have y'all seen Randy? >> No. >> Um we try to text him in the group chat. >> Yeah. He hasn't responded. It keeps them accountable. They'll know, oh, if we're not there on time, Collia is going to

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come and see that I'm not there on time. >> I think students, they know that if they're here, there's going to be incentives. And so that's why they want to be here. >> Oh, here we have a student here ready for a token. >> That is cool. What? So, what does that mean to you? >> That nobody is absent. >> You're going to see tokens outside their classroom and that means that the all

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the class is here and they were here on time. >> Who's absent today? >> Uh, in my group, nobody's absent. >> Nobody. Okay, perfect. So, I'll call you right now. But, >> hi, good morning. I was calling to see why Salvador wasn't in school today. >> Attendance matters. Um, and not only to

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be here, but be here on time. Are you ready to start your day? Wherever Pete has been, the kids win. Everywhere, every time, Pete's kids win. Under his leadership, our kids will win.

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Please join me in welcoming Pete Lacata, one of our newest Texans, to Fort Worth, Texas. We're very excited for being here. There's no question about it. This is an opportunity. It's an honor, but it's a responsibility. It's children.

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You are not a public educator if children aren't the first thing you think of when you address anything regarding school related activities, education, classrooms, personnel, HR, rules, buses, health, food. It means we

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look at children as a whole person. Fort Worth ISD is honored to welcome our teacher candidates from across our pipeline programs to our spring 2026 signing day. All of these seniors here will sign letters of intent to launch their teaching careers right here in Fort Worth ISD. These candidates

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represent the very best of our teacher residency program and our bilingual teacher assistant program, two of our district's most innovative and impactful ways into the profession. You have an opportunity to change the world. Change the future of the world. Give me another

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profession that can do that. You can. You have the opportunity to see children in front of you every single day and make their future brighter. >> From Texas Tech University, we have Ana Boss and Cassandra Garcia. Ana and Cassandra, please sign your letter of

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intent. Being in the classroom every day has allowed me to build connections with students, to learn from the teachers, and to truly understand what it means to show up for the kids, how important these programs are to our schools, to support our students, and for our own

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personal growth. >> And now we have Vanessa Flores and Leslie Bharin from Texas Wesland University. Vanessa and Leslie, please sign your letter of intent. >> I really enjoy working with children. I love them. I think they bring so much joy, not just into the classroom, but

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into our lives. You know, as educators, >> we want you to stay here. We need you to stay here. And I'm going to make it a little more guilt. The kids here need you to stay. Parents that are here, be proud of your children. They have chosen the best profession in the world.

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>> We are proud of each of you and we are grateful that you have chosen Fort Worth ISD as a place where your journey begins. Division one, are y'all ready? >> Division two, are you ready?

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>> Today we're gathering u middle school students all the way from sixth grade to 8th grade. They're coming in and competing. Um they're having a great time. They're doing five math events. So, it's just a great chance to get the kids to that love math to come in here and showcase it. It's their Super Bowl.

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>> Three, two, begin. >> 8 + 2 * 1= 10. >> There's geometry, spatial reasoning, algebra, problem solving skills, and probabilities. >> You can work individually or in groups,

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your choice to solve the word problem. >> 1.25 >> 45 is the total. So 45 go at the bottom. In elementary school, I thought math would be boring and stuff, but after I learned like multiplication, division, um, cross multiplying, then it really

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got fun for me. >> Make sure your team is ready to rock and roll. >> This is probably right. I think >> I am doing mathletics because I wanted to sharpen my math skills. First place division one goes to first place winner division 2 is dagger

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monur for we love math. So, we have about a thousand third through fifth graders coming in today for the Battle of the Books. >> Let the battle begin.

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>> Battle of the Books is a two-day competition. The first day is elementary students, second day secondary. >> In which book does a classmate purposely ruin another student's painting? >> We have a quiz show style competition where kids work in teams. They read five

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books and then they answer questions and every question begins with in which book? >> In which book does a student believe that stickers are one of the most special things. >> So the answer to the question is going to be the title of whichever book they think is the best choice.

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>> Answers, please. >> Reading teaches empathy and it makes us better people when we can identify with other characters that maybe are different from us. It's important that we have have books that kids can see themselves in.

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>> The correct answer is Jojo Mak. >> I love reading. It's one of my favorite things to do. It's so important to read books because if you are always on a screen or something, it's not the best thing for you. But if you read, it's going to help you like step out of your comfort zone. You're going to get to

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learn new things. >> In which book does someone make night socks? I am participating in a lot of the books because I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to read more books. >> They get so excited about reading and discussing the books. I love that that we are fostering a shared love of

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reading. >> The correct answer is >> when you get older and you get a job like you have to learn how to read your bills and read like mortgage papers and you like have to learn how to read to be successful in life. I hope that they

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take away a love of reading, a love of love of literacy, the teamwork, you know, working with their teachers, the librarian, community members. That's what I hope they take away from this experience. >> Hello volunteers and partners. I'm Fort

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Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Peter Lacata. Today and every day, we honor you and we thank you. Every day you help our schools shine. Your generosity, kindness, and bright smiles show our students and teachers that Fort Worth ISD is more than just a place to learn.

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It's a community metro >> that comes together to support one another and drive our shared success. So today, we thank you for being a light in our district. Whether you read to a class, made a donation, helped teachers get the needed supplies, or worked on a

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campus, thank you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your commitment. And thank you for your generosity. >> You ready? >> Yes. >> You got it. >> It takes a village to raise a child, and there's no better village than ours. Thank you for your service and commitment to Fort Worth ISD.

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down. Down back down. Yeah. Down. Hey, hey, hey. down. Down. down. Down.

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Downtown down. Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. singing all In accordance with the open meetings act, the board opened the meeting at 5:02 p.m. with a quorum present,

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recessed open session, convened executive session, adjourned executive session, and now reconvenes open session at 6:33 p.m. I want to thank everybody for your patience as we work through our

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executive session. Please stand with me and welcome the South Hills High School Junior ROC to present the colors of our nation. >> And Dean Williams from Western Hills High School will sing our national anthem.

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>> Left, right, right, left, left. Color guard bolt left face present colors. Oh, say can you see

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by the dawn light, what so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming.

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Who's brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight? Or the ramp parts we watched were so gallently

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streaming. And the rocket red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night

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that our flag was still there. Oh, they does that star spangled banner yet wave. Or the land

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of the free and the home of the brave. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation

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under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas. One state under God, one and indivisible. >> Order arms.

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>> Right. Face forward. March. Left. Left. Right. Color guard. Hold. I will now welcome the chief of

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communications, Miss Tenan, for our student recognitions. >> Good evening, President Garren, Superintendent Dr. Laca, and board members. We now invite our board members to join us down front as we recognize some outstanding students and staff who represent the very best of our district. So make your way down to the podium down

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to the bottom and we'll take pictures with the greeters. As we begin, we kindly ask that you hold your applause until the conclusion of the recognition. We ask our board members remain in front of the deis as we will be taking a group photo of tonight's recognition here in the boardroom.

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Tonight we recognize our greeters from the South Hills High School JOTC. These exceptional students embody the spirit of leadership, commitment, and community service that is the heart of the JOTC program. Please join me in thanking Cadet Command Sergeant Major

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Eli Gonzalez, Cadet Colonel Jonathan Flores, Cadet Private First Class. Kelly Uribe, Cadet Private First Class Nagoma Cailliso, and their instructor, First Sergeant Michael Long.

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At this time, at the direction of the district photographer, we'll take a group photo of the board of managers and our student greeters for this evening. One, two, and three. One, two, and three. Thank you.

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>> Thank you. And President Garren and Dr. Lacata, that concludes our recognitions for this evening. Thank you. Nice job. Nice job. Thank you. Before we proceed to public comment, I want to share with you all of you a

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tragedy that befell one of our students today. We learned today that Robert Wyatt, one of our students at Joe Kelly School, passed away this morning. On behalf of the board of education, our superintendent, and the entire district, we extend our deepest condolences to

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Robert's family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and left him. A loss like this is deeply felt across the campus and throughout our district. Counselors and support staff are available to help students and staff as they process this difficult news, and we

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will continue to provide support in the days ahead. We ask everyone to keep Robert's family and school community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time for his family and his school community.

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Before we proceed with the public comment, I I want to um share with everyone, we we just came out of a a longer than normal executive session. We had issues on there that

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required extensive discussion, but I want to take a moment to clarify the purpose of the executive session and address some questions we've received about what goes on in executive session and the timing of it on our agenda. Under Texas law, the board may enter

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executive session only to discuss specific matters that are expressly authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act. These include, among other things, certain personnel matters, certain student discipline appeals, safety and security matters, real

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property matters, and consultation with our attorneys regarding items that are properly posted on today's agenda. The board is not permitted to discuss the entire agenda in executive session, no nor may it deliberate privately on matters that do not fall within a lawful

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exception. Any final action or vote by the board must occur in open session. The placement of executive session on the agenda, whether at the beginning or later in the meeting, does not change what the board may or may not discuss. It simply allows the board to address those limited confidential matters

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efficiently in a manner permitted by law while ensuring that all required discussion and action occur publicly and transparently in open session. Public comment remains an important part of the board's meetings and the board will hear public comment in accordance

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with the law before taking action on agenda items. We appreciate the community's engagement and remain committed to conducting district business transparently and in full compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. And we've moved executive session beginning of the evening to avoid

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inconveniencing you as much as possible. Before I call on public comment, I'd like to ask Dr. Lacata. Uh he's got a report and I'm going to ask him to give give part of it before public comment

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and then he may come back after public comment and make additional comments. Thank you, President Garren. As I've entered my 56th day here at my new home in Fort Worth, I want to thank the board of managers for their perspectives and input as we continue to refine and collaborate our practices moving

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forward. To the public, you will begin to see significant changes in how agenda items are posted. described and presented. We want our process to be more transparent, more forward- facing, and easier for the community to understand. But before I begin to review these, I'd

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like to ask special privilege for board member Adia to take a minute or two to share reflections from his school visit with us last week and how it helped illustrate the realities and challenges that many of our students and staff face

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every day. Uh thank you superintendent. The I just wanted to very briefly share the uh I had the opportunity along with the superintendent and uh and others to uh to visit one of our elementary schools. The um the particular school is less important. >> Dad, will you raise the mic?

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>> Oh, sorry. Sound not good. The uh so I had the opportunity along with the superintendent others to visit one of our ele elementary schools. Less important than the particular school was just what I observed there. the uh you know in many ways it presented what we would uh kind of be worried about in a in a big uh urban school district um uh

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school building that was not in great shape. The uh frankly the uh and and I was concerned even before we walked in the building. Uh what I saw in the classroom I will say that moved me very much was the almost desperate desire of those children in those classrooms to

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learn. We had the opportunity to visit three classes. the uh in every class the children were engaged were sitting in you know in their seats were paying attention were responding to questions and I remember one in particular where the the teacher asked uh students if they wanted to read thing and literally

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every single one of maybe 20 kids in the classroom every single hand went up and not only went up but went up as high as possible and as and as forcefully as possible and so what I told the superintendent afterwards was that that to me reinforces why and I I understand that there will be complexities and

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disagreements as disagree agreements about how we go about doing it and what it looks like. But the desperate need for us to attend to uh the needs of those children and figure out how we can uh how we can uh make sure that as I put it to the superintendent, not one of

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those kids in 6 months or 9 months or 12 months is not raising their hand with that level of enthusiasm. That's the hope is that for me at least is that is that we are getting more and more kids throughout our school district to have that level of desperate desire to learn and I hope we can do that together.

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Thank you sir and I think the best comment you made was I wish my lost students at the school raised their hand that emphatically and enthusiastically. I have a few notes to come through. As noted tomorrow's public meeting we are restarting the RFP process for the

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Ferington Field. The board has made it clear that if we are going to move forward on an issue tied so closely to Fort Worth history and tradition, we must ensure there is full and complete understanding of the process and public input. Tomorrow's meeting is about listening to the community, hearing

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their thoughts moving forward. While this will likely delay the process for about 90 to 120 days, I believe it is absolutely worth it. There are also two land sales on tonight's agenda that I move from consent agenda to action items. When it comes to district

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property, which ultimately belongs to the public, I believe these discussions should always be forward- facing and transparent. These parcels are currently being utilized by the city. And in conversations with the mayor, she shared that once transferred, the properties will return to the tax roles and begin

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generating long-term value for the community. I've also asked that we expedite the purchase of Chromebooks, interactive panels, and teacher laptops for our Elevate campuses along with additional schools across the district. These purchases for next year, but we must act now. If we wait until after July 1st,

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next budget year, and improve the order, there's a real possibility that this equipment will not arrive in time for the start of school. Between supply chains, timelines, uh imaging, training, and delivery, there is simply too much at risk. This is unacceptable. This is a clear example

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how pillar 5 supports pillar one. Teachers and students must have these tools in their hands on the very first day of school. These are the behindthe-scenes operational changes that directly improve teaching and learning. We're also purchasing a significant

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number of Apple computers for our CTE programs. This is an area we intend to expand substantially as we create more relevant and engaging pathways for students. Once again, our expectation that these tools are in the hands of the students on day one. I want to personally and publicly thank principal

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Monica Ordas of Cesar Chavez Elementary School. I appreciate her leading the namechanging process that was established by this board and followed throughout culminating tonight. We will be utilizing the monies gained by the tonight's sale of the property to begin changing the name on the marquee all

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signage letterhead and while also doing some beautifification of the campus over the summer. On another note, I attended the Dunar staff versus Fort Worth Police Department charity softball game last night. Representative Collier was with

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me and we had the opportunity to throw out our first pitches. It was a wonderful community event. I also had the chance to connect with the Fort Worth Police Department, Chief Garcia. One thing I consistently heard from the community members throughout the evening was the desire for all of us to continue working together to improve student

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outcomes. And I should probably add that Principal Edwards may very well have earned the MVP that night had it not been for the pulled hamstring he had in the fourth inning. Finally, I want to update on teacher vacancies for next year and and the group sitting in front of me over here

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and these folks here deserve this uh attention. Teacher vacancies for next year. Last year, Fort Worth ISD began the school year with more than 200 teacher vacancies. At a time when districts across the nation are facing major teacher shortages, we understand the

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challenge of ensuring there is a highquality certified teacher in front of every student on the first day of school. That remains our goal. Here's the encouraging news. As of last Friday, we were at approximately 147 teacher vacancies for next year

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districtwide. In addition, following Saturday's job fair, we process an additional 56 additional hires. Now, not all of them will qualify because of certification or other issues. But even with that in mind, we have a realistic opportunity to enter next school year

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with no vacancies. We still have six additional job fairs scheduled. Recruitment efforts continue every day, but the word is getting out that exciting things are happening here and people want to be part of a successful turnaround that this district

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has begun. So, I thank my staff for doing this. This is quite a herculean effort and I appreciate that and we expect to have zero vacancies. We got to shoot for it and if we don't get it, that's okay. But if we we set it and we get it, we got it. And that's important for every child to have a certified teacher in front of them on the first

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day of school. So, thank you staff. >> Thank you, Dr. Lata. Our next agenda item is public comment. We value hearing from our community and thank all of you for making the time to be here. Public comment is an important part of our meetings and we know all of

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you come to this meeting with the same commitment. We want what's best for our kids. We may agree, disagree on what tactics we need, what programs, what practices, but we're all here because we want what's best for our kids. To ensure

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everyone has a fair opportunity to speak, public comment is conducted in accordance with the Fort Worth ISD board policy and the Texas Open Meetings Act and must be managed in an orderly and consistent manner. Speakers must sign up in advance through our predetermined process, will be

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called in order, and will have up to three minutes to speak with no one receiving less than one minute. The presiding officer may make adjustments when needed to help manage time and ensure everyone is heard. At regular meetings, speakers may address any topic, and that is tonight.

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At special meetings, comments are limited to the posted agenda. The board listens to all public comments but does not engage in discussion during this portion of the meeting when appropriate responses are limited to factual information or existing policy. We ask that speakers be mindful of

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student privacy and refrain from identifying students by name as student information is protected by law. However, a parent or guardian may identify their own child if they choose. Speakers are also discouraged to avoid naming individual employees or

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volunteers and is instead address concerns at the campus program or district level. We also ask that concerns about individual employees, students, or other confidential matters be directed through the appropriate district processes rather than during public comment as those procedures are

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designed to ensure concerns are handled appropriately and fairly. Please respect the procedures in place as well as other speakers and audience members and conclude your remarks promptly when your three minutes have expired. This is America.

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I I can't tell you what to say or how to say it and I certainly wouldn't do do that. But I can ask I ask that everyone here treat all the speakers and each other with the same kind of dignity and

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respect you would ask for yourself. Um it's just a a request from me. We're all here for one reason for the kids. Again, we may disagree on what the best cause of action, but that's that's why we're here. Every single one of us. And now

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I want to we have 41 speakers who have signed up for tonight. >> 42 >> well >> one drop down. So our first speaker is Trisha Forsight. Okay. Um, that's probably the first

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night that I didn't write anything. Um, let's see. It's uh kind of rude not to show up to things when you're on the program to speak for things. It's nice. At least you showed up. We appreciate that. But it was kind of rude not to show up. You can't hear me. Oh, now you can. Okay. It

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was rude for you not to show up when you're on the program to speak at our Boulevard High transition graduation. Um it says the end of the year, so let's talk about student outcomes tonight. Um I don't know if you looked at them, but he survived. He thrived. He made all his

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goals surpassed them. What's the programs that you guys can't guarantee that you're going to have positions for next year? So, thanks for that. Um, let's see. What? Thank you. Um, let's see. Um,

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I'm Didn't you just say that you're going to use the money to change the name with the the sales? So, you that's confirming that you are going to go ahead and go forward with it that y'all voted on that already in the meeting, right? Is that what you meant by that comment? cuz you pretty much said that you just are going to use the funds from

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the sales tonight to for the change the name change of this elementary school confirming that you are already going to go through with it. So that okay that's not transparency guys like this is not you guys are doing too much all these changes but all the growth that you will

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see at the end of the year is not because of y'all it's because of the students the students worked their butts off this year not because of y'all y'all don't get none of this credit I know y'all coming in doing all these changes but it's not that and I think these right here is like the red zone like you know in classrooms you know what that is

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the red zone yeah I know you do they're in the red zone they are why can't you practice what preach. I just don't understand. Like you coming in here at Dorian time. It's just not right when our kids are actually doing better.

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But you are changing everything. And Chromebooks, we don't need no more Chromebooks. We don't need any more screen time. Let the teachers teach. Let the teachers teach. Let the teachers teach. But we're losing a lot of these teachers. Why? Because they can't teach.

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Simply because they cannot teach. Thank you for letting me speak tonight. >> Thank you. >> The next speaker is Adrien Foresight. And Adrien Foresight will be followed by Trice Dorsy Hollands.

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>> Okay. >> Adrien. Um, I am here here tonight for because my

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defia teach was helping me a lot, but she might not be here next year. Um, I want to say my

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>> my spare space um help me a lot to um see I think she's going to be here next year. Um my my second grade teacher,

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I think she is the best teacher I could have. Um, she's the one that helped me gut dyslexia. My mom helped me get um my she speech

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therapist um I want to show you this right now. This is what I accomplished from this year with the help of my dysflexia, my second grade teacher, my therapist, and

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my mom. I this is his scholastic color scholastic achievement for math and language arts because he got 99 percentile 99 percentile on growth 99%.

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This is his honor roll. This is his outstanding attendance because the child must be there. This is his chess club participation. And he's a a super reader, >> his citizenship award,

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and the outstanding achievement in math because that is the student outcomes that we want to see. That's what we're working towards, not what you guys are doing. Thank you. >> Congratulations, young men. >> I have one more thing to say. Um,

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my I'm my brain is smart. I'm my brain is no e. I learn in my own way and that's the best part. >> Six, seven. Thank you. Our next speaker is Trace Dorsy Hollands and she'll be followed by

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Samuel Mercer. It's a hard act to follow. Um, good afternoon board Dr. Lacata. My name is Treas Dorsy Holland. I'm a lifelong resident of Fort Worth and the proud mother of two beautiful Fort Worth ISD students and the director of

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parentship of Fort Worth. I want to just begin by affirming and I think he did a great job um by affirming it as well letting you know that our children are brilliant, every single one of them. Last month when I heard the changes affecting SPE, I was concerned. While

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the logic of the ideas sound reasonable, I'm not sure if the plan was actually well thought out and the details have been um thoroughly thought out or shared. Everything that has been communicated to us has been a little watered down and created a lot more questions. I could talk about special

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education all day because I am the mother of a non-verbal um child who was recently promoted to second grader in fourth ISD's rise classroom and who's also being affected by the changes. However, Dr. Lacata, you recommended and

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board of managers you approved and said that these cuts would benefit kids. So, I'm waiting. There has been so much talk about adults and please hear me when I say this. I appreciate all the hard work that our teachers are doing because they're definitely working hard. I've

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seen it firsthand um for myself. Like Robert said, he went and visited some class me as well. Um but let's not lose sight of the students. This is about them, not the adults, not the grown people talking about how this makes them feel. You stated that you would be transparent. One of the things that I

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told you when you first arrived was that I was going to hold you accountable. And the best way I know to do that is with honest aggregated data. These changes have been made very quickly. You said it was going to be for the benefit of children. Great. You've been here for, I

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think you said, 54 days in our district. My question is, how have these changes actually been improving student outcomes for kids? How have they been closing gaps for students? Um there was just an article released by Fort Worth report stating that math and reading learning

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rate for our district is at a 0.54 um with kids learning per year. That puts our district at the bottom 2% nationally at for learning rate. This means that our children although they're going to school for a full year only

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learning half the year. Board of managers and Dr. Lat, I asked you to please go back and review the board meetings prior to you coming where we were receiving data every month about student progress. Where is that data? That is what we want to see. That is

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what's going to allow us to see the growth. And also, I have 15 seconds left. I just want to make a public record as well. I don't know if Nathan Graph isn't here. Um, but today transportation damaged my daughter's wheelchair. Um, that is her mode for transportation.

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not only at school but at home too. And I just want to make sure that's taken care of. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Samuel Mercer. And Samuel Mercer will be followed by Mark Christensen. Is Samuel Mercer here?

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>> Mr. Mercer, are you Mr. Christensen? Okay. Um, don't see Samuel Mercer coming forward. So, Mr. Christensen and Mr. Christensen will be followed by Father William Winston.

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Uh, Dr. Loya and board. Thank you for the honor to speak tonight. going to be speaking in favor of the posting of the ten commandments and the Bible classes are being considered to be put into the seventh and eighth grade uh classes. My name is Mark Christensen and I am in the

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leadership group of for liberty and justice. Um I want to thank you for the emphasis that you're putting on the reading programs and the math programs. That's definitely what our uh kids are needing uh the discipline for the in the classroom for the uh for the teachers so

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that they have all the tools necessary. I think you've been briefed on Senate Bill 10 in the executive session and as a corporation I'm sure that u you know when I was with American Airlines we did a gap analysis where the new rules where

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the FAA what do they want us to do for this next year and as you do a gap analysis for this u there are some areas where we need to be in state compliance and so to want the funds for the state and yet not do what the state is

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mandated is a concern and I support you in getting through the um uh process of compliance with the state board or uh Senate Bill 10. Uh the Bible can be a sensitive topic and I I uh want to acknowledge that when I was a teacher

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for Fairfax County Public Schools for uh for five years um it's a high-powered district, a lot going on there. Uh we had a script. I was uh also had to teach uh sexed to uh sixth graders. Not necessarily an easy topic or an easy

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assignment, but there was a script. I stuck to it. I assigned that I was going to do it. And you know what? We got through it and parents weren't necessarily upset. And I think this is similar that that as a Christian, I might be concerned of who's teaching

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this class. Are they going to try to take away from the Bible? are they trying to um you know pro promote certain aspects but you know what there's a script and the Bible is a foundational document you go back to the um all the founding uh fathers that this

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was a quoted item to it's just part of the literature and it's part of what the state has has mandated coming down the libert liberty bell uh on Leviticus 25:10 it says let freedom ring and that freedom is still alive today it allows

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me to speak allows others that are going to disagree with me to speak and that's part of being in America and part of what we celebrate. So, let's get in line with state guidance and let's go for it. Let's get these uh grades uh math scores and um and reading scores up. Thank you

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for your time. >> Thank you for your comments. Next speaker is Father William Winston and Father Winston will be followed by Ambika Chararma. I am Father William Winston. I'm a retired Episcopal priest.

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I have extremely serious misgivings about the intention and goal of putting paricopies of holy scripture into the public school curriculum. Here's why. In 1990, the Episcopal Church launched a mandatory series of seminars called

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safeguarding God's children and safeguarding God's people. The goal of the seminars continues to be educating both clergy and ley about the dangers, tactics and consequences of sexual misconduct of all kinds. Consequently,

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after looking at the two paricopies of scripture proposed as the the first Bible passages to be taught, I saw a tactic known in sexual misconduct circles as the first stage of grooming. That is initially to present something

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that is attractive to the greatest number of people. The 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians is the primary document that defines the Greek word agape which the King James version calls charity and modern translations call love. No one

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can find fault with that. I have come to define agape as passionate enthusiastic generosity in which there is nothing of oneself considered. It's not a badge of honor but something that one does intuitively so that one is not even even

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aware of doing uh that and therefore in uh it is a position that excludes any possibility of xenophobia, islamophobia, homophobia or misogyny. But whoever came up with this diabolical satanic grooming scheme showed their hand before they

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played it. The second paricopy from the fifth chapter of St. Matthew's gospel is the biatitudes. The biatitudes is are one of the central parts of the teachings of Jesus that Christian nationalists label as woke as though that were a bad thing. And they teach

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that the biatitudes have no place in 21st century American Christianity. They prefer the Jewish laws of Leviticus, which call for people being put to death for crimes that we might not even consider misdemeanors today. My concern is that because all of this governmental

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Christian talk is nothing more than political performance rather than being anything truly spiritual, the perpetrators will easily shift the choices for the next series of paricopies a little closer to their own secular biased prejudial pre prejuditial

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hated goals until by the school year end the harshest passages about the groups of people, religions, and actions that this group needs to hate in in order to make this nation one particular kind of evangelical whites only fantasy nation

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like that of the Aryan dream of what Nazi Nazi Germany wanted to become. Please don't take this decision decision lightly. Thank you. Thank you father Winston. Next speaker is Ambika Sharma and she

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will be followed by Amanda Na. Good evening. Uh my name is Ambika Sharma and I'm a resident of forward NF for the ISD alum. I'm here tonight to speak against the display of ten commandments in public schools and the use and against the use of blue bonnet curriculum which is bringing in Bible

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into the public school curriculum. So I want to begin by saying something important which is I'm not a follower of the Abrahamic religions. What does that mean? You all may not know. Uh what that means is I don't follow Christianity, Judaism or Islam. And I say that because public schools are supposed to be

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they're supposed to serve everyone equally. Students and families of every religion and also those with no rel religion at all. When religious doctrine is displayed inside public school classrooms, it sends a message. It tells students which beliefs are favored and

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which beliefs are treated as outsiders. Whether intentional or not, it creates occlusion and tears of citizenship. The United States was founded on religious freedom. But religious freedom does not mean government promotion of religion. Actually, it means the opposite. It means the government cannot

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establish or endorse one religion over the over another. This principle this principle is protected by the establishment clause of the first amendment of the United States. The establishment clause exists to prevent the government from promoting religion,

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pressuring religious participation, or using public institutions to favor one faith tradition over others. Public schools are government institutions. Children mostly are required to attend schools. That is why courts have repeatedly recognized that schools must

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remain religiously neutral. This issue has already been litigated. The United States Supreme Court in Stone v. Graham in 1980 struck down a Kentucky state law which mandated that public schools display ten commandments. So there's already a precedence. I understand that

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the Texas state has passed SB10 and is pressuring you all to display the ten commandments. But I as a taxpayer urge you to show some courage and push against this because we're wasting our taxpayers dollar. This will be litigated. So, I'm deeply unhappy that you're

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wasting our taxpayer dollars going down a heavily litigated path. On June 10th, 2025, this board unanimously passed $1 billion for the 2025 2026 school year, creating a 43.6 million deficits. We're already in deficit, Mr. Green or Garin,

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sorry. Um, you're just putting more u financial strain onto our fourth ISD. Every dollar spent defending unconstitutional or legally questionable policies is a dollar that could have gone toward teachers, students, counselors, libraries, etc. Second, um

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I'm also concerned about the blue bod curriculum. While supporters I heard one tonight uh says that as educa that this is an educational material, what I strive for is uh is material that propo that encourages critical thinking. Um, education should prepare students to

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engage with ideas thoughtfully, to question authority when necessary, and to evaluate evidence independently. So, please, I would like to see more critical thinking in classroom and not religion. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comments,

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Amanda. And she'll be followed by Bob Willoughby. >> Sorry. Good evening. My name is Amanda Ana. I'm a parent, a current teacher for three more days in this district um and a very active community member. A

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halftruth functions as a complete lie because its core intent is to deceive. Uh that's what we were told at the last meeting. Um our EB department has been dismantled thanks to all of you fine people. Um, INA was closed, but what was

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felt to be mentioned is that the very class that exists on middle school and high school campuses to help support our EB learners, specifically those who have been in this country for 0 to three years, the basic English class has also

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been dismantled. And those teachers have been told they have to either get fired or find a job. And yes, that's true. I know. Okay. Um, so the plan is that we're going to take those precious INA babies and the ones that have come here from another country and we're going to

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divide them up by fives and we're going to throw them into the general education English class that may or may not be taught by a certified teacher and has probably 30 to 40 kids in it and has kids two to four grade levels behind.

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Um, and then you know, IEPs, 504s, GT, we've got them all. And now we have five precious babies who have not lived in this country any amount of time to even know or understand the language. That is not supporting them. Now, this last meeting, I was highly

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interrupted. My free speech was interrupted. Um, the the Texas Open Meeting Act law was broken, and I am not appreciative of that. So now let me clarify because there was some misclarification or misunderstanding in

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the news and who I was talking about. For the past 2 years, two years the curriculum, the instruction, the teacher guidance, the training has been horrendous and therefore you cannot place the blame

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on teachers. And who I was talking about was this gentleman over here, Muhammad Chowdery. Now, when I was raised by my grandmother, she taught me a little saying, and it's very true. Um, if the shoe fits, Mr. Kushner and Dr. Lacata

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and Dr. Solis and some of the others who may be following your little regime, um, put the shoe on, Cinderella, because you're making this environment very toxic for teachers and children. I'm going to close with this. We actually got to read a whole novel at the end of

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the year. My goodness. It was called Number the Stars. I don't know if y'all heard of that book, but it's a little girl named Amarie and she's growing up in World War II and the Nazis are taking over and she helps save her friend Ellen and family. I teach my kids to make connections to text and one of my

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students said, "Miss Ana, I feel like we're Ellen and Amarie because we're getting told demand of what to do and we can't say anything about it." Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Bob Willoughby. And

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Bob Willoughby will be followed by Angela Pryin. Hope I pronounced that correctly. Well, I'll be talking about U local voter education till you're sick of me. Um, basically, uh, we just had a May 2nd

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election and I wish that I could come down here and say, or I wish I could come here and complain that only that over 49% did not vote in the May 2nd election. Almost 50% didn't vote in the May election. I wish

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I could say that, I can't. 97% did not vote in the May election. My question is when does it get critical? 1% left. So voter education in school is very important to me. I think we need it because that is the fabric to

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everything if we don't have our system running right. And what good is math and all the other stuff when you're owned by dictator stuff because you don't know how to run your own city. So uh one thing in voter education you could teach. Should be several things I'll be bringing down each time that I think

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that would be worthwhile. Like what a bond is. A bond is nothing but a loan with an interest. It just sounds a lot better when the city says we're getting a bond instead of saying we're going to get a loan with interest. Okay. Also in

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the city of Fort Worth, we have five bonds going. They're they run on 20-year loans. Each one's 20 years long. Every four years, we get one paid off. And as soon as we get it paid off, we zip it back up. So it's like a credit

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card that we keep at max with five bonds instead of getting them paid down automatically. And then what does mayor and them they put on the on the bond? They call it uh parks and recreation children's uh stuff. That's good. But do you call a golf course a children's

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playground? That's an adults playground and they can pull to pay for their own. We spent $25 million on golf courses in the last 8 years. That's along with interest for golf courses. So that's what I like teaching voter education that when you

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grow up about what a bond is. Another thing, oh, there's just several of them. We'll just take one at a time. But I tell you what, the main thing is I've yelled so much about our voting getting so low. It's so critical. I'm starting to feel like Chicken Little, I'll tell

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you. But this is why we need it in school. I think that's one of the answers. If no one knows another another way to get more people involved, I'm off for it. But our schools needs that. How much time I got left here? Okay. Uh I thought I had my train of thought laid out in a lot. But main thing like the bond, another thing is how to speak at

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council with substance. I'm going to try this real quick. I've seen two people come down here, school board and council, and they said ICE is murdering people. If they would have came down and said this in the morning Dallas Morning News Morning Edition is murdering people

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now they'd had substance no substance they come down with emotion no substance and substance em motions doesn't work this are the things we want to teach how to bring substance into what you're saying anyway that's what I'll be going on thank you very much and give you a break from everything else maybe something else thank you Mr. Willoughby

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Mr. will be followed by Angela Pryin and Angela Pryin will be followed by Steven Smith. Hello everyone. Um, my name is Angela Rodriguez Pryin. Most people know me as Heli. Um, cousin Helica. My family and I

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live in Fort Worth and my daughter is currently a kindergarten at Alice Carlson Elementary School. It's near TCU. It's an applied learning center. Um it's one of our school choice schools. Um and our teachers are superheroes. So, it's been extremely heartbreaking to hear how they've been treated throughout

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this takeover process. Um your words, uh Dr. Lacata is if you believe you're an excellent teacher, fear not. But your jobs are open. you're gonna have to earn it again this year. And I haven't been able to stop thinking about how you

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spoke to our teachers, parents, and community members. Dr. Lacata, um, and the folks from TEA who sent you, Mr. Morath and Mr. Lechelov, or however you say his name, um, spoke with the same condescension and disdain to our

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teachers and parents a couple months back, as if this mess we're in is their fault. And then you wonder why we have so many teachers leaving. Funding and resources have been held back from our teachers and schools for

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decades. All per Governor Abbott, Dan Patrick, Kim Paxton, Rep. Garren, your son or grandson, Craig Goldman, and their billionaire buddies orders. Because vouchers, of course, coupons. um holding

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up coupons for people who already have a lot of money. You've been holding up funding for our schools, holding up teacher pay, holding up fixing air conditioners, holding up the funding aotment per student, all because our representatives and our

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state capital wanted to line their own pockets. Our teachers and parents are doing the absolute best they can for our kids, our schools, working so hard despite being burnt out and stretched thin, having abysmal pay, having to pay

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their kids for their kids school supplies with their own money. They are doing it all despite the ridiculous hoops y'all and your previous folks and the reps have made them jump through and then y'all just change the goalposts

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again. Um, y'all owe our teachers and our school community an apology, especially the kids, because they're watching us and seeing all of this. Um, and shame on everyone who's been allowing our leaders

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and again taking money from our public schools. Like, our teachers do incredible work. And so, um, make sure everyone goes and votes for Gina Henosa, votes for, uh, Vicky Goodwin, votes for me, Hel Rodriguez Pryin for Congress, and many

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other representatives on the Democratic party who are going to change this stuff. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Pryman. Our next speaker is Steven Smith, and Steven Smith will be followed by Robert Rogers. >> Good evening.

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I'd like to first say that uh I think Mike Morath is perhaps the best TEA commissioner I've ever had and uh and he's been there a long time doing a great job. Dr. Lcata, welcome. I look forward to your work. I think the same

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way you think and uh and I'm sure Mike made a great decision because he does often. I bring you a significant opportunity to impact Fort Worth students and their um lives. You might be thrilled to hear that the

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state of Texas has approved the Bible and its influence on Western civilization as an elective c course to be taught in public high schools. This is an elective for credit. Yes. At the start of the 2009 10 school year,

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Texas state law requires Texas school districts to offer an enrichment curriculum including religious uh literature including Hebrew and Old Testament and New Testament uh uh

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uh literature. The law was pass approved by 167 to3 in the Texas House and Senate House Bill 287. That was in 2009. No other book has influenced our culture

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more than the Bible. The state of Texas felt that if students understood how the Bible influences their culture, they'd be better prepared for college entrance exams and better prepared for life in general. What does that mean? impact on a culture conversation. I was

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with some FCA kids, 25 kids the other day, and I asked them, "What what what do you think um um uh David versus Goliath means?" Well, they all knew. It was the underdog versus the uh the champion. But where did it come from?

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Only a few knew where it came from. Our conversation is influenced by the Bible. Uh wisdom of Solomon, our literature, Shakespeare studied the Bible. Shakespeare. We'd be hardressed to find a play that Shakespeare wrote that didn't have a biblical illusion in it

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because he was educated with the on the Bible using the Bible. Moby Dick movies, Harry Potter, Superman, heroes gave their lives to save the world. Well, the ultimate was Jesus when he gave his life to save the world. inspiring movies like

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that, literature all throughout our culture, art, Michelangelo's David, Leonardo's Da Vinci, Last Supper, um, uh, Michelangelo painted the cysteine chapel. Where did that come from? Those are stories that they read

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in the Bible. Those are images that they had in the Bible. They were Christian people down through the centuries, artists, scientists, uh, writers, all many of them Christians. and to express their faith they did it through the their works of art. Um in in uh science

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Isaac Newton said I had I had uh he he just thought God's thoughts after God. Oh am I done? >> Yes sir. >> Okay. So >> thank you for your comments. >> This is the textbook that has been approved. >> Our next speaker is Robert Rogers and Robert Rogers will be followed by Kayla

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Wilford. Good evening. At at your first meeting as a board of managers, uh you committed to radical transparency. I have two recommendations to help ensure that families in this community have a clear and honest understanding of

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how well students are learning in each school. First, the state's af grading system is misleading. In elementary schools, 70% of a school's rating is based on whichever is higher,

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student achievement or school growth. As a result, schools can receive strong overall ratings even when students are not meeting academic standards. Last year, four for ISD elementary schools received a B rating even though

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their student achievement scores were F. That means families are being told that these schools are performing well when student learning outcomes tell a very different story. That is not transparency. When parents see a B- rating, they reasonably believe that their child is

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learning at grade level. They are not thinking about growth formulas or accountability calculations. They want to know whether their child can read, write, or do math at grade level. They deserve a clear answer. I remember the headline last fall, Fort

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Worth ISD sees a dramatic decrease in F-rated schools when we went from 31 to 11. But that masks a more serious reality. Last year, 38 elementary schools and 11 middle schools had an F in student achievement.

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So managers, please require that the superintendent report publicly the student achievement grade for every school, not just the composite state rating. >> Second, we need transparency much

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earlier. There is currently no requirement to publicly report school level reading and math outcomes until the end of third grade. But kindergarten through 2 grade are the years when students develop either strong foundational skills or fall

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significantly behind. Waiting until third grade to understand how well the system is teaching students is too late. Parents deserve to know every year whether their child's school is successfully teaching reading and math. So here's my second

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recommendation. require public reporting of school level reading and math results beginning in kindergarten. The assessments are already being administered. The data exists. It's simply not being shared publicly. This is not a radical request.

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It's the minimum level of honesty and transparency that this community should expect. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Robert. Next speaker is Kayla Wilford. and Kayla Wilford will be followed by Jerry Tracy.

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>> Fix this real quick. >> All right. Uh, good evening. So, I'm going to speak on the blue bonnet. Um, personally, I don't think we should be proitizing in schools. You we already have so many churches in the area. Why do we need to do it in the school district? I mean, last time I checked, when missionaries knock on our door, we

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either have the decision to let them in or let them go. And I really don't think Fort Worth should be the missionaries. Like I said, there's so many streets on every corner. If a child really wants to, they can learn the Bible down the street. They don't need to learn it in the classroom because there's so many so

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many different ways. Especially Fort Worth is a melting pot of diverse culture. We don't need to just give them the Bible. There's so many different other religions. There's so many beautiful people in the city who don't need to just learn from the Bible. And last time I checked, the Bible, I don't know if you guys watch the news lately,

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but these people play around with the Bible and throw this stuff around and it gets violent. It gets ugly. Um, so showing them the Bible is probably the worst thing you can do. And we have so many other great books to teach students. I'm a graduate of Fort Worth.

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Um, and I don't know about you guys, but you tend to ban books. And so there's some books I think they should also read. Um, you know, To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best books I've ever read. The Great Gatsby is one of the best books I've ever read. Um, I go back to those. I read those every year just because it changes with the years. It changes with just everything.

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Fornheight 451, Animal Farm, so many other great books. Why would we switch that out with the Bible? I mean, there's so many other amazing authors that we can read about and learn about. And I remember being in school and just learning everything I possibly could. I majored in English. I still kept

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following, you know, just reading amazing books and learning from those authors. We don't need the Bible to do that when we have all these amazing authors in front of us. We really don't. Um, and I don't know if you banned a lot of these books. I've noticed a few have. Um, but you don't need to do that as

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well. You can start with these books. These children will learn from them. There's no point in using the Bible, especially because the Bible incites violence, especially in 2026. Um, so I think you should just respect your students. It infringes on students rights and teachers rights. I don't know

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about you, but like 15 years ago, 20 years ago in the district, if you even talked about the Bible, you were fired. So, putting it in the classrooms is quite ironic. Um, I just don't think you should be doing that, especially if you care about your students like you say you do, quote unquote. Um, then maybe you should get better with actually

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hearing what they want. And let's start with the books and the literature. We have phenomenal books. Let's remove the Bible first. We can go back to Tequila Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Animal Farm, Fortnite 451. you know, there's so many great books. Let's let's not end it there, okay? Let's show them that

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literature is amazing and it doesn't have to start with the Bible. Okay, thank you. I am all done. Thank you. Our next speaker is Jerry Tracy. And Miss Tracy will be

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Is Jerry here? Doesn't appear that she is. Next speaker is David Hayer and Mr. Hayer will be followed by Glenda Diaz. I was disappointed two weeks ago when

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you unanimously voted to close the INA. But I was also disappointed in the way it was done. I believe that in most decisions, the process is as important as its result. The way this was done

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reminded me of events last year as Elon Musk and the reckless gang he called the Department of Government Efficiency or Doge wre havoc on many federal government agencies and left chaos in its wake. I see Mike Morath and Dr.

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Lacata taking the same approach as Doge, embracing the Silicon Valley ethos of move fast and break things. A school district must take a more measured approach because the consequences of getting it wrong are not felt in a boardroom. They are felt by

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the people that exist to serve. At the last meeting, I asked you to deliberate in open session and stay and state why you support these drastic actions. When the item came up, Mr. Preload didn't even state the motion concerning what you were doing. He offered only two

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words, so moved. Then Miss Ber Dea offered comments that affirmed many points made in the public comments. She said, quote, "Targeted support for immigrants is crucial, and so is ensuring that they have the opportunities to integrate into the broader community." She also said,

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quote, "These children matter. I'm incredibly pleased that they know they matter." End quote. But how could they know that after the callous and cruel actions of closing the school that prepares them to integrate into the broader community?

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But alas, MDA offered no rationale of how closing INA will improve their co their outcomes. Many asked, "What's Dr. Lata's plan?" Maybe he has a concept of a plan. We have no idea yet of the damage that will be done by these rapid

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and capricious actions to doge the school district's taking. How many great teachers are they driving out right now with the scripted the scripted lessons and rigid restrictions on classroom environments that are leaving a workforce devalued,

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demoralized, and dispirited at best? How many will be left a year from now? It's very clear to me that all of you are following Mike Morass's script. Come in, say little or nothing, press the yes button, and leave. And Mr. Ruskowski, the

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enforcer, is sitting over there to make sure you don't veer off the script. After the damage is done, and he has collected his big flea, his big fee, frequent flyer miles, and hotel rewards points, he will be gone. Just like Elon Musk and his and the Doge Bros. Dr.

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will be gone unless the script calls for you to give him a contract tonight that extends beyond the takeover period, which is not in your purview. But you and I will still be here and so will the students and their families and I hope that some of our great teachers are

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still here. >> Thank you, Mr. Hayer. Our next speaker is Glenda Diaz and she will be followed by Michelle Pinman. Good evening. My name is Glenda Diaz, part of Tango and MLAN and Pascal Pyramid. I want to speak tonight about change management and the importance of

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trusting our teachers to do what they do best. Teach. Change management is not simply making changes for the sake of change. Effective change management means understanding the people affected, listening to those closest to the work, evaluating what is and is not working, and making thoughtful adjustments and

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improve outcomes without damaging morale. Right now, many teachers feel like they're being told exactly how to teach, how to arrange their classrooms, and how to engage students, often by people who are not in the classroom every day. But teachers are the ones who know their students personally. They see their struggles, strengths,

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personalities, and learning styles in real time. They understand what motivates them. If students are not performing, then yes, adjustments need to be made. Accountability matters. But before imposing blanket changes across every classroom in school, we should recognize that not every class or school

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is the same and that every student learns the same way. At the same time, we cannot expect teachers to produce exceptional outcomes without giving them the resources necessary to succeed. Our students deserve better proper funding, updated materials, classroom support, and learning opportunities to prepare

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them for the future. The state must invest in our students and provide our schools with the resources needed to improve their chances in succeeding. Success builds confidence and confidence builds great students. For example, my daughter's calculus teacher found creative ways to engage in his students

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when an assignment required the students to make and bake an item from scratch while applying calculus concepts. That kind of hands-on learning creates engagement, critical thinking, and real world application. Another example, he encouraged teamwork by promising the class pizza if every student scored 100%

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on the quiz. If someone did not reach 100, the students worked together to tutor and support one another until everyone succeeded. That lesson taught more than calculus. It taught teamwork, accountability, leadership, and understanding that a team is only as strong as its weakest link. That teacher

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understood his students better than any district-wide template ever could. When administrators walk into classrooms and immediately change the setup or criticize teachers in front of students, it does not build respect. It demoralizes our teachers, it weakens trust, and students and families notice

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it, too. Our teachers are professionals. We hire them because they are educated, trained, and passionate about helping students succeed. given them the flexibility to innovate, give them the ability to connect with the students in ways that work for their classrooms, and give them the resources they need to do

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their jobs effectively. >> The best schools are not built on fear or rigid control. They are built on trust, collaboration, creativity, and properly supported classrooms empowered educators. Let the teachers teach. Thank

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you. Thank you for your comments. Michelle Pinman and Michelle Pinman will be followed by Mary Shim. Good evening, Superintendent Lata and members of the Fort Worth School Board. I am honored to stand before you as a

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Fort Worth homeowner, taxpayer, small business owner, and precinct chair for 1458. I am here to stand in support of the seventh and eighth graders being taught biblical lessons in school. I am also in support of displaying the ten commandments in school and allowing prayer and Bible time which is in

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accordance to Senate Bill 11 that was signed into law on June 21st, 2025. So let's take a moment and look at these evil violence inciting commandments. Thou shall have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make yourself an idol. Thou shall not take the Lord's name in vain. Remember the seventh day and keep

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it holy. Honor your father and mother. Thou shalt not murder. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not lie. Thou shalt not covet. Yep, I'm ready to do some of the violence right about now. Listening to those evil. These are the ten commandments that our founding fathers

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based out the constitution on and that our modern day laws are derived, not political, spiritual. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Trump up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from there." Prayer was taken out of our schools in 1962 and since then there's been an

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increase in teen abortions, teen drug use, alcoholism, and school shootings. America was founded on Judeo-Christian values. This past Sunday, pastors and elected officials came together to rededicate America to Jesus and restore the covenant. It's time for Texas, Taran

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County, and Fort Worth to go back to the values we're founded on and to protect the next generation. Thank you. >> Thank you for your comment. Mary Shim. >> Yes. >> And she will be followed by Fidencio Median

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>> or Medí, I apologize. Okay. >> Good evening and thank you for your time and your service to our community which tonight involves a lot of listening. I want to speak tonight against the adoption of Christian scripture in our curriculum. And I want to start with something that I think most of us can

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agree on. Faith matters. Faith matters a lot and it matters a lot to many of the families in this room regardless of the words that we are saying. But public schools are not where faith is formed. Nor should it be where faith is examined academically or otherwise. Public schools are where every child,

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regardless of belief, deserves to learn, grow, and participate in Fort Worth, the 10th largest city in our country and a city whose diversity is one of our greatest strengths. And that's what's at stake tonight. not just one language arts curriculum, but the future of our city. You are being asked to adopt a

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curriculum tied to a financial incentive per student. But this decision should not be based on funding. Because the moment you accept money tied to a curriculum that emphasizes one religious tradition, you are no longer making an academic choice. You are making a values-based decision that erodess trust

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in our public education system. The Fort Worth ISD schools do not belong to one faith. They do not belong to the board members. They belong to all the families and every citizen of Fort Worth. Let's be clear about the law that's been brought up a lot tonight. Texas already requires students to learn about

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religious literature and its role in history and culture. And it also requires that that instruction be neutral. Fort Worth ISD is already meeting those standards. We do not need to adopt the Blue Bonnet curriculum to follow Texas law. When young students

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see one religion woven consistently into their lessons, it doesn't feel like neutral academic study. It feels like state endorsement. And even if that is not the intent, the impact is real. Especially for families who don't share that belief system, but do share the

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belief that the great American dream is rooted in public education, education for all. There is a basic question we must ask. Is this clearly the best material for our students to meet the state standards? This curriculum, the

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Blue Bonnet curriculum, has already required more than 4,000 corrections and updates as reported by our own state board of education, not by some wackadoo liberal media. If we are placing something in front of every child in this district, the standard should be

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simple. Is it accurate? Is it reliable? Is it the best we can offer? And if there is doubt, we should pause. I'm asking to pause. There is a better path forward. We can find an approach that meets the law, that supports teachers,

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and that respects every family. So, I'm asking you tonight very clearly and very respectfully, do not adopt this curriculum. Protect the trust in our schools. Protect the inclusion of every student. And keep public education focused on what it does best. Serve all

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children equally. Thank you. >> Thank you for your remark. Next speaker, Fidencio Medí, followed by Jonathan Demerest. >> Does this come off? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I can. >> Do you want the handle?

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>> Yes. Okay. >> Good evening, school board members. Thank you for hearing me out. Um, I understand that there's a a vote to rename Caesar Chavez Elementary School and the name was submitted by the principal um for the name considered

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Espironza Elementary. Now, I did some research and I I learned that this came from a fictional storybook character about a young immigrant named Espironza. The book is called Espironza Rising. This immigrant was a wealthy immigrant and the daughter of a wealthy family who

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migrated to the United States um not to Texas, not to Footworth, and not even to Diamond Hill, but to California. So my my request is consideration to be named after someone that means something to the community. Um not a fictional

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character. My brother, Corporal Jesus Martin Antonio Medin, was not a fictional character. He was a proud resident of Diamond Hill. He went to elementary school there. He played football. He played middle school. And when he graduated, he joined the US

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Marine Corps. And on April 7th, 2003, he paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for this country and what he believes in. And I think that naming the school after someone like that, um, or even Mr. Rios over here who I met this evening, these are not fictional people.

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These are real members of of the community of Diamond Hill. Um, and the name of the school should mean something to the students when they walk through the halls. They should be able to ask where the school name came from and and being tied to the community. Um, I understand there was an agenda and dates

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and timelines of meetings that were probably shared with the students and parents of that elementary school. Um, but it was not shared with the community. So, we were not able to provide any type of input. So, I ask that u I'm I'm here opposing naming the

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school Espiransa Elementary. Um, and if you don't consider naming it after my brother, then you would consider naming it after someone who is from the community of Diamond Hill and represents what Diamond Hill is all about. Um, thank you very much for listening to me

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this evening. Y'all have a good night. >> Thank you for your comment. Jonathan Demerest. Did I pronounce it correctly? Followed by Nelson Cardinos.

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Members of the board, let's call this for what it is and what it is not. This is not local control. This is not Fort Worth choosing a new path for Fort Worth schools. This is the state of Texas removing power from Fort Worth voters and handing it to an unelected, illegitimate board. for such a

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conservative state. I have to ask, what exactly is so conservative about that? What is conservative about Austin taking over a local school district? What is conservative about replacing elected officials with appointees? What is conservative about telling parents, teachers, and taxpayers that their voices matter right up until the state

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decides that they don't? I keep hearing this word accountability, but accountability to whom? Not to voters, not to parents, not to teachers, not to the communities whose schools are being closed, cut, and restructured. That is not accountability. That is state control. And let's be clear, our

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teachers did not create this crisis. Many of them are the only reason the system has held together at all. When children need help, the answer should be more support, not less. More stability, not disruption. More investment, not punishment. Instead, we are watching the

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state turn educational inequality into a permission slip for takeover. Students learning English, disabled students, immigrant students, working-class students, and children carrying trauma are measured by systems that flatten their lives into scores. Then the state points to those scores and says, "See,

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this community cannot govern itself." That is manufactured failure. And now this board is closing the International Newcomer Academy. A school built for immigrant and refugee students. Students still learning English. Students who need stability and trust. Students who might have wanted to pursue the ideal of

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the American dream only to find their excitement replaced with chaos and dysfunction. You are taking the most vulnerable children and removing one of the few places designed around their needs. So do not tell us English learners are failing when the system is failing them. Do not close the spaces

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built to serve them and call it opportunity. and do not pretend to care about the Bible by putting it in our public schools while simultaneously ensuring that thousands of students will never learn to read a single passage in English. There is nothing righteous about taking power from the powerless and calling it reform. The state will

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tell us this works because the numbers move. But moving numbers is not the same as serving children. If you raise ratings by stripping communities of power, driving out experienced educators, narrowing schools to test prep, and destabilizing vulnerable students, then you have not built a better school system. You have built a

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better-l lookinging spreadsheet. Public schools belong to the public. They do not belong to Austin. They do not belong to appointees. And they certainly do not belong to any board the people of Fort Worth cannot vote out. So no, I do not accept this takeover. I do not accept state control dressed up as accountability. And if this board wants

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to know what legit legitim legitimacy sounds like, it is not the sound of a gavvel from an appointed seat. It is the sound of the people of Fort Worth saying, "These are our schools. These are our children and you do not own them. And Peter, if you ever feel like retiring, try Florida again. The weather

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in Destin is beautiful this time of year. >> Thank you for your comments. Our next speaker is Nelie Cardinis and she'll be followed by Tanner Little. >> Good evening. In 2018, the US Department

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of Education investigated TEA and found that TEA violated federal special education law again. The investigation revealed that TA illegally capped special education enrollment to 8.5% and that students with his with disabilities

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in Texas did not receive an adequate level of state spending for their special education services. In 2016 to 2017, that equaled $41.6 million of funds not provided to special

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education. We are still experiencing the effects of years of underfunding and TEA's bad policies. So, if you expect us to trust you, we don't. As representatives of TEA, is your plan to once again cap special education

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services in some way? How are services going to be provided when you fired so many of the licensed professionals who evaluate and provide those special education services? You have been talking about the amazing fairs, hiring fairs and how many

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teachers we will need and only will need less than last year. Well, uh we have less uh teacher placements uh than last year. So, I would expect that there would be less not uh filled, but you haven't talked about the specifics. You

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fired a ton of speech pathologists. You uh assistants and speech pathologist, uh occupational therapist, uh licensed professional psychologist, and the list goes on and on. As far as special ed, I have yet to hear anyone say the numbers

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of people you have hired to replace those people you fired, who is going to provide the services to these students in special education. Where are those numbers at your hiring fairs? because I guarantee they're not as good as your teachers. And

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>> thank you, Miss Gardinis. Next speaker is Tanner Little. And Tanner Little will be followed by Sabrina Ball. Is Tanner Little still in the audience?

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All right, please let's move to Sabrina Ball. Tonight, I'd like to speak to the board and remind you of your unique position. Between Houston, Fort Worth, Lakew Worth, and Bumont, there are 30 of you. 30 unelected people who technically have

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the power of our elected boards. 30 people who should be serving as guard rails for this occupation. These last few weeks, I've thought, what if I was on the board? What questions would I ask myself? Like, is it okay in our board training, we were told that we must

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rubber stamp everything, even if my head tells me it's wrong because it's what's best for kids without having data to support those decisions. Is it right to threaten teachers and remove their job protections? Should we blame our failures on teachers and principles even when we know we have some excellent

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ones, even when we hear rumors about toxic admin? Should we gut entire departments before we have a plan to provide services? Should we even pay attention to chaos caused by these decisions? Is it appropriate for our admin to walk into high-erforming

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classrooms, pull out those teachers, and demoralize them, yell at them with the door open where kids can hear? Is that what is best for kids? Should Tanglewood Elementary be allowed to have hallways full of art while another school, Brisco, is forced to take theirs down?

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Should classrooms be stripped bare except for the Ten Commandments? Is it good to script the entire day, completely outlawing discretionary learning? Should we continue this new instructional model without any real evidence that it works? The model built by this man, Mike Miles, the

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superintendent of Houston ISD. the model built by this man who where he is currently making money off of it. A model that relies heavily on AI that doesn't teach AI literacy but uses AI to write curriculum ensuring that our kids can't discern what is real. This man

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Mike Miles takes direction from this magic prediction ring. A ring that he sells on the internet. Did y'all get rings? Should we? It is disturbing that across the state, this model made by a man with a mood ring is being used

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without any evidence. If you have evidence, I beg you to show it to us. Show us that this is proven to be worth it. Worth the disrespect, worth the upheaval, worth the loss of good educators, not because of someone that someone told you it would work.

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Confidence is not evidence. Eventually, you will be the judge of outcomes and you will be faced with that question. Was it worth it? Right now, all I see is 30 influential people who refuse to push back, who refuse to listen listen to

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parents. 30 people who are enabling corruption. 30 people who are ushering in a return to segregation. 30 yesmen enabling the final phase of destruction for public schools. and to teachers and parents. Welcome to the resistance. Keep

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calm, keep receipts, and vote for Gina. >> This ball is followed by Rachel Davis and Rachel Davis will be followed by Elena Montalo. I was a second grader at Lily B. Clayton when I knew I was going to be a teacher, thanks to Miss Daniels. I remember how a

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kid-sized barn appeared in her classroom when we were at Charlotte's Web, and how she transformed it into a spaceship, covering it with tin foil when we studied space. In Miss Daniel's class, I learned to dream, to write, to think critically. and she inspired me to be like her. I've had a few career shifts,

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but I did end up becoming an educator. For eight years, I taught in three different countries, all different ages. My last two years in education were at a title one elementary school here in Tarant County, albeit not Fort Worth ISD. There's a lot of pressure on Texas schools, especially title one schools,

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to not fall on TEA's watch list. And that meant my students were constantly tested for months. We had district-wide benchmark benchmark exams nearly every other week using previous STAR tests to track student progress. We then sat in meetings as our results were compared

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with other teachers across the district. Needless to say, this did not leave any time for the types of lessons I remember from Mrs. Daniel's class. The best part of the year was May when state testing was over and we could do the fun stuff. Not watch movies. No, read a full book together. My fourth graders and I read

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Number the Stars. We learned to write in cursive. We read biographies about leaders that inspired us. An idea, by the way, that came from Miss Daniels. But those last few days of May, my final year, were bittersweet because my room was all boxed up. No more decorations on the walls or evidence of our learning.

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It was the end of my teaching career. I loved what I did. I knew teaching was what I was meant to do, but it wasn't sustainable. The high stakes testing, state pressure, limited funding, high stress, eternal work hours, the exhaustion, low pay. I couldn't keep doing it. Teaching in Texas killed

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something inside of me. My experience is not unique. But I can't imagine if on top of all of this, the state had come in and taken over my district, fired crucial support staff and closed schools, told students, told teachers they had to take down decorations, but

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put up the Ten Commandments, remove books from their shelves, but include biblical texts in their lessons, throw out researchbased practices, forget your training, forget your years of professional expertise, and only teach timed scripted lessons. I've listened to teachers locally and from across the

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state, devastated about the effects of state policies in on their students and heartbroken they can't continue being an educator here. We're losing our best teachers. This isn't a problem with the teachers. This is a problem of with the leaders of our state. This board of

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directors is not here to listen to professionals or do what's best for our students. They're here to do the bidding of Greg Abbott and his pals who for years have intentionally underfunded public education because they want public schools to fail because it allows Abbott and his buddies to line their

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pockets. Teachers and staff, we see you and we appreciate you community. This is our remember the Alamo moment. Remember Governor Abbott when he cut funding for six years. Remember the Texas legis legislators who passed their voucher scam. Remember this takeover and vote

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for Gina. Vote in November. Thank you. Our next speaker is Elena Montalvo and Miss Montalvo will be followed by David Rodriguez. >> Hello, my name is Elena Montalvo and I am a recent graduate of Fort Worth ISD.

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I graduated as class of 2025 saludiatoran from Western Hills High School. I also was involved in the Western Hills community as head drum major of the band my senior year, member of the tennis team, and three-time national qualifier for the Texas Association of Future Educators, also

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known as Taffy. I am currently pursuing a degree in education at Texas State University. I just completed my first year and will be obtaining my degree within the next year and a half. These experiences and achievements were made possible because of the opportunities,

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resources, and support Ford ISD provided me. However, this board has decided to begin stripping away these elements. You are closing down schools, eliminating job positions centered around bilingual and special education support, and

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violating teachers autonomy. You are not running a school district. You are running a corporation. This board of managers are not here to serve the communities of this district. This board is here to do just what their

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title states, to manage, to control, to restrict us. You are nothing more than barbarians at the gate. My sister is finishing her eighth grade year at Leonard Leadership Academy, and now she is about to enter into her first year of

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high school. She's going to have to endure the repercussions of the despicable actions this board has continued to inflict upon the district. My sister and her peers do not deserve this. Teachers and families do not deserve this. I will not be silent. I

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will use my voice to advocate for accountability and fight against these decisions. And know that as a future educator, I am beginning to doubt forthd's potential as a contender for my future employment. David Rodriguez and Mr. Rodriguez will

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be followed by Carlos Silva. >> So, I look through the Bible lessons and I feel compelled to point out a specific message that I saw in y'all's lesson plans. It says the demonstration of learning to assess grade 8 ELR standards specifically not religious knowledge or

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belief. So if this is the case, why are y'all so willing to open up the district to scrutiny from this kind of language? Because if this were true, then you would have comparisons between the five pillars of Islam. You would have comparisons between Buddhism, Shintoism,

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and even within Christianity, there are many denominations. There's Catholicism, you have Pentecostal, you even have the cowboy church from where I grew up all the way back in nowhere, Joshua. So, you're this specific plan

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and the specific curriculum that is built upon the King James version of the Bible, right? You say once again, no religious knowledge or belief is required. What I think you are saying and what I

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really think the hidden message is is you may not have to have a specific religious belief, but this will be the only religion you will hear about. You will not receive any recognition.

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you will not receive any kind of um obvious evaluation and or appreciation of the diversity of Fort Worth and its constituents. And for example, so if there's already

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eighth grade ELR standards for this, I can only imagine that y'all are probably planning a whole entire prek to 12th grade pipeline of indoctrination. You say things and I keep hearing this from the other side, right? I mean, even uh you say, "Well, if they don't like it

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so much, they should just go do their own thing." Well, I mean, we even sided in Grand Prairie just now whenever we have a the our Muslim brothers and sisters, whenever they want to rent out a park, they're not even allowed to do that. It becomes a targeted attack

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specifically from white Christian nationalism. So I do not want my taxpayer dollars to go to a publicly funded Christian or Sunday school. There are already Christianmies. Most people, I'm sure,

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are aware of Nolan Catholic High School. If you want your children to have a Catholic education, go ahead and go there. There are also they're tax exempt anyways. Their church is taxexempt. Churches also provide Sunday school. If y'all are so willing to have to want

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this education, send your children to those churches. Send your children to those schools. It's not about a stateappointed board because Greg Abbott wants his specific agenda pushed so he can please the president currently in

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the White House. >> Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. Our next speaker, Car Carlos Silva and Mr. Silva will be followed by Bailey Aldridge. >> All right. Good evening. Uh my name is Carlos

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Silva. I want to start out by pointing a contradiction uh Mr. Garen, because you said at the beginning of this meeting that in order to not waste our time or I think you said to not inconvenience us that you

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moved the executive um meeting that you have beforehand to the beginning of the meeting, but we were here for 30 minutes after 6 and we didn't get started with public comments at 6 like the agenda said. So, I don't really understand how we weren't

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inconvenienced by the movement of that to the beginning. I think we should have the time to speak as we have and I think our time should be respected because I came all the way from Stevenville to be here at 6:00 p.m. We have 2 hours of

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public comment. So, if we are told that we're going to begin public comment at 6:00 p.m., I think that should be respected. The other thing is Mr. AI again in the interest of calling out just

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something that felt off that story that you told about the school. I have never been in a classroom that has shown that kind of enthusiasm. So either they knew you were coming

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or something else happened. Anyways, um my parents were both teachers. They both came from Mexico. I am from Mexico. Um I know what it means to be a public

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school teacher because I went to public school. My parents were public school teachers. They are still in the public um in Dallas ISD. So, just this is my first time talking to y'all. Can I get a show of hands of who has taught in a

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public school for more than four years in this board? >> Okay. Well, I would like to know that, but that's okay. I feel like we're talking past each

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other in these meetings. I feel like we say something. You hear this community and what they have to say. They come here, 140 people come and they tell you they don't want a school closed and you close the school. What gives?

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Now we're telling you we don't want the Bible in the schools. We need y'all to listen. This matters. This is about values. This is about the value that this country was founded on. that people were free to worship

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and to practice the faith that they want, not the one the state wants. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Silva. Our next speaker is Bailey Aldridge, and Bailey Aldridge will be followed by Diona Dearorf.

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>> Hello board. Um, so frankly, I opened your agenda by complete fluke. Um, so I'm a writer and I opened your novel budget and I was thrilled to see the usual suspects and I saw about $813,000 and I thought, whoa, but you know, we

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serve a lot of students here in uh, Fort Worth ISD. Um, but then I saw that um, we have 3,300 copies of of of Men. Um, but they're 11 bucks a pop and I thought, whoa, that's a lot of money for this. what's basically a nolla. So then

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I got on good oldfashioned google.com and uh the first and I googled you know bulkacademic book something to the effect and um the first thing that popped up was bulkbookstore.com

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and I put in the ISBN 3300 and sure enough it popped up and it was $663 a copy. So then I went through your entire your entire syllabus, every single book

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that you guys are ordering. Okay? And I got a quote for $515,323. Okay? You guys have a cons you have a consent agenda tonight after we're all done yapping that you guys were just going to yay or nay and just wave

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through. You have it buried in your cons consent agenda a bunch a bunch of things. That is a $300,000 difference. I know that Fort Worth ISD sucks at math, but that is $300,000.

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I think that every single person in this room can come up with something that is academically critical to do with that $300,000. And you know what it says? that there is a

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um there there was a a critical you know there was a solicitation for an RFP. I I don't who who is above 800K. I mean I got on there and that was the first thing on Google. This is the most lowbar situation just I and I don't I don't

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even I don't have kids. I'm just I accidentally clicked on this agenda and here I am and I'm exhausted. I'd rather be tucking my nieces and nephews into bed and doing my real job. What are you guys doing? You literally have one job. Why are we blowing 300K? What is even

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going on? So, I'm asking you guys to remove and re-evaluate this consent agenda item B. It is completely unacceptable for you guys to vote it in as is. Um, and I'm I'm really hoping that this is an egregious oneoff

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oversight. Like I said, I am a writer. I'm an editor. I really don't want to be out here reading your fine print and having to come in here once a month and yap at you about some kind of weird budget oversight because this is my tax dollars even though I don't have children and I'm tired.

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>> Thank you, Miss Aldridge. Next speaker is Diana Deerdorf and Miss Dearorf will be followed by Stephanie McCartney. Good evening. My name is Diana Dearorf. I have four current children in Fort Worth ISD. Before I get to my main comments, I just want to take a moment

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to invite you to join me in thanking Mr. Baldwin Brown for his contributions to I am Terrell Academy. I am Terrell Academy for STEM and visual performing arts was built on a simple but powerful idea that a rigorous academic environment and

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world-class arts education belong together accessible to students from every neighborhood in Fort Worth. That vision required the right leader to bring it to life. From day one, Mr. Brown, excuse me, has been clear about his mission, not just to educate

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students, but to develop and nurture their talents, challenge them as creative thinkers, and inspire them as innovative problem solvers. Every year, IMT's apprentices earned an A rating with multiple distinction designations. That does not happen without a leader

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who sets the bar high and holds everyone around him to that expectation every single day. Mr. Brown, thank you for building something Fort Worth can be proud of. The students of Dunar are very lucky to have you back at their campus. To my main comments, um I want to begin

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by expressing sincere gratitude to you, Dr. Lacata, for your commitment to raising the bar of accountability across our district. That dedication does take courage and it reflects a shared belief that every child in this district deserves excellence in their classrooms,

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on their campuses, and at every level of leadership in the district. We are fully behind that mission. It is in that same spirit of excellence that I come before you today with a concern I hope we can address together. The surprise campus visits by your team have generated

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significant conversation among our district's students and staff. While the intent behind them is understood and even appreciated, we are hearing from teachers, many of whom were already meeting your high standards, that the experience of receiving corrective

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feedback in these moments has been stressful, not just for them, but especially for the students who have unfortunately witnessed those moments. What troubles us most is this. We are at risk of losing some of our best educators, teachers who are committed, talented, and aligned with your vision

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for excellence and accountability. but who feel that the manner in which feedback is being delivered does not reflect the respect that they have worked hard to earn over the years. We are asking you to consider establishing clear guidelines for how corrective feedback is given during these visits

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going forward. Standards that protect student learning time, ensure privacy, allow for active listening, and foster respectful two-way communication. Accountability and dignity are not in opposition. In fact, the strongest cultures of excellence are built on

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both. Thank you for your time and thank you for your efforts to improve our district. >> Thank you, Miss Dearodora. Our next speaker is Stephanie McCartney and Miss McCartney will be followed by

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Nidia Cardinis. Good evening, board of managers and superintendent. My name is Stephanie McCartney. I'm a Fort Worth ISD graduate following in the footsteps of my father and my grandparents. My sons are continuing the family tradition as they

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are rising seniors at Pascal. Last session, this not freely nor fairly elected board of managers voted to close INA and to cut all part-time speech, PT, OT, and bilingual assistance to the detriment of students. You didn't listen

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to the nearly 140 parents, educators, and community members who came and gave thoughtful and wellressearched opposition. You made your decision before hearing from the community at large, and you should all be ashamed of yourselves. Y'all cited budgetary

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concerns as the main motivator for do doing so. However, we are paying the superintendent appointed by Morath and Abbott $1,38462 daily to assist in dismantling Fort Worth ISD's public education. In

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addition to the almost 1,400 daily rate, we also paid him a flat $25,000 fee for moving taxes, rentals, and other sundries. According to the Fort Worth report, this man doesn't even hold a license to be a superintendent in the

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state of Texas. How much longer will the citizens of Fort Worth be footing this bill? How much longer will be he will he be paid to not be licensed to hold this position? Moving on, each day I wake up wondering what fresh hell I'm going to

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see on the news about the state of education in the state of Texas. Most recently was Houston ISD's decision to centralize special education. Since the state takeover of Fort Worth ISD, y'all have been following Morath and Miles's playbook to a tea. And I vividly see

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this coming down the pike for us. Let me be clear. This is a violation of section 504's least restrictive environment. If you aren't already familiar with 504 and what all it entails, you best educate yourselves and quickly lest you

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get that district into unnecessary and expensive litigation that will ultimately fail and the taxpayers will have to foot. Special education students are federally entitled to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Taking

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away from taking that away from them isn't just illegal. It is ethically and morally reprehensible. My son Logan and thousands of other special education students just like him benefit from being in community with their peers. All of their peers, not

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just the disabled community. Parents and community members, early voting for the primaries opened this week. Get out and vote now and vote for Gina Hinosa in November to end this hostile takeover of our Fort Worth ISD. Thank you. Next speaker is David Martinez and Mr.

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Martinez will be followed by Alex Scott. >> Oh, pardon me. Nidia Cardinz, I apologize. >> Um, good evening. Um, you know, I want to remind us of like who's in our classrooms. So, our school district is made up of 80% low-income students and

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65% Latino students. And when I think about um you know education is like the most critical public education is the most critical I think resource in any community and each kid what I've learned in in is each kid needs something different like the golden rule is

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actually not the best thing to teach because people need different things right um and then I look at the board of managers and most of you all um live in the wealthiest parts of footworth and you're not educators and And I feel like

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schools education is also an industry that requires so much expertise. I mean my sister who sat up here and silent made you guys uh uncomfortable for a minute. Um she was a speech therapist for 15 years and she used to tell me about the you know things that were going on and she used to confuse me

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because it's all technical stuff like it's expertise that these people develop over a long period of time. So your job I feel like you're placed in a position where um you know I can have compassion for you all because it's like you you're in you're overseeing the most difficult

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and important thing in our community and you are definitely not resourced to do it. So I'm asking you to practice some humility because it feels like every decision has been unanimous up to this point a yes. So what is it going to take for you to finally push back and say no? and what you know I've really been

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thinking about what does it mean to be like a good leader in this time and I want to connect it to the ten commandments and the religion in schools piece because I think right now you know going back to who's in our classrooms people are more strained than ever gas is more than $4 which is creates

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increased cost for groceries everything is more expensive right and we've got our most low-income families in the classroom and instead of actually thinking about you know religion and and the Bible verses and using it as a critical as critical discourse. I think

518
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you know being a good leader right now in this time of economic uncertainty, technological advance advancement, people are looking for certainty. So they're doubling down on their identity which is why people are you know we have white Christian nationalism among many other things. And your job is to say I

519
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have to hold multiple truths because it can't just be as people have said it can't just be about Christianity. The the other twothirds of the world believe something else and who are we to say that they are wrong right? So again, humility to you in terms of your job that you're here. Humility of the

520
03:33:19.120 --> 03:33:35.680
Christian faith to say we're not totally sure that we're right because twothirds of the world believes something else. And that's okay. Doesn't mean you have to change what you believe. And so I think my invitation to you all is like what is being a good leader in this time and you do have a very very difficult job. And I just invite you to practice some humility to listen to the people

521
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who are actually in the community who are in the classrooms the experts. ask them questions and ask questions of the people who were sent here as experts because we know there's an agenda coming down from the state. We know our public schools are under attack. So, humility, >> ask a lot of questions. Thank you.

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>> Thank you, Miss Cardinis. Next speaker is David Martinez and David Martinez will be followed by Alex Scott. Good evening. I don't have a political agenda. I am not here to tell anybody how to be a

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teacher or anything like that, but I want to bring up a a situation that's going on right now. And as we all know, some of the people here are politically motivated here to campaign for their um Gina Henosa. That's who they're here to

524
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vote for. And they're using this as a way of getting voters, which, you know, I'm American. I believe everybody has a right to vote for who they want to vote for. But I want I want everybody to know because they go back on the internet and they post these videos and they

525
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influence people. I'm not saying that those terrorist threats that were at the schools are happening because some things they're saying, but they're bringing the temperature up. And some of the things they're saying like when I hear the word bloodbath come from one of the people that spoke here tonight and

526
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it goes on the internet and it gets thousand views and then next thing you know these kids go out there and say look this is what they're doing to us this and that and they become triggered and these things are going to affect these kids and that's what I'm against.

527
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I'm against this violence. I'm also want to bring up also the things about the ESL. Just a little thing to let y'all know something. I'm Native American. I'm not I'm not I'm not Mexican. So, they put me in ESL. I don't even speak Spanish. But my grandparents thought because they adopted me, they had thought, well, maybe he speaking the

528
03:35:38.640 --> 03:35:55.439
tribal languages or something like that there. And they said, "No, he's not. It's just that Spanish." He goes, "Well, he don't even speak Spanish." Well, they said, "Well, he can't read." And they said he has problems reading. So, they thought I was uh dyslexic. So in those days in the 80s, in the 70s and 80s, you

529
03:35:55.439 --> 03:36:11.359
got put with mentally ill people, the kids, the the students, and they didn't have a nice term that they had like special needs. They had a different term for me, and they put me in a classroom where I end up having to get beat up. So I end up having to join a gang to protect myself. So these are the

530
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consequences of things that happened. Turns out I had ocular problems. Once they got that fixed, I won the spelling bee. So I I got skipped up three glass three classes after that. I end up excelling and I thought man this is

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what's happening to a lot of other kids. Then I end up later on I grew up like a naive as a kid and you got to remember I come from a mixed family and so like everybody black, white, brown all of us in the same family. So it's like okay so I didn't know about racism. I was raised

532
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with love. And so when I grow up, I said, "Well, dang." Then I find out it was other kids that was in class with, same thing happened to them. And I was like, and I found out it was racism. They put us in those schools. They It was segregation. That's what it was for.

533
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They used ESL to to segregate us from white classes. Okay. And that's bring up another thing, a point. We have the fourth ISD watchdog. Like, who is that person? I don't know. But to defend Sorry. Thank you.

534
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>> Thank you for your comment. Alex Scott. >> And Alex Scott will be followed by Christa Urbank. And if you find out who that Fort Worth watchdog is, I wish you'd tell everybody. >> Hey y'all. Um my name is Alex. Um I'm

535
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your neighbor from Dallas. Um, I'm currently the one that's uh fighting the whale wall and all that stuff. And um, Mana Shore is has at our library and she's shutting down libraries and Miriam Madson is trying to take over our town, is trying to take over our uh, city and

536
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is trying to monopolize it. And I'm coming over here because I see a lot of things that are very similar. We exist in the same reality here. And I am suffering in this reality. I am suffering by the people who are in

537
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charge in this reality. And I feel like there's a lot of people probably behind me that are probably shaking their head too and saying, "Yeah, it kind of this has been some compounding suffering that has been happening." And the reason why I'm up here today and

538
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to talk to y'all is because I am a strong believer in my faith. I This is my first Bible. This is my only Bible. I've had it since 2002. Um, my car got stolen about six months ago and it had this in here. And if you've ever been to Dallas, you know when your car gets

539
03:38:43.040 --> 03:38:57.279
stolen, you're never going to get it back, right? Um, but I got it back and nothing was ever stolen out of my car. And it was 2 weeks later and it was found just in a ditch. And the thing is though, the reason why

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I say this is because I did not grow up in a school that had religion in it. I went to private school. I'm not a product of public school, but I found this by myself. And I have these journals that are

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packed full, like this tall. I never had someone teach me the Bible. I went out and found this myself. When you read the Bible, you'll notice that Jesus never wanted to be around the people, right? whenever he would come

542
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down from the mountain, he would say, "Oh, hey, don't tell them that I'm here." Right? And he would go off and he'd go find other people and he'd always be around the kids, right? Because the kids always have an insatiable desire to learn more. They

543
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find the spirit. They know where it is. When people saw that Jesus walked on water, he was actually just playing in the sand, like in the uh water with the kids. But because it was the sun rising over, they couldn't see. It was like a

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mirage pretty much right there. But that's how wonderful it is. Because you get to create this by yourself. You get to have this by yourself. This is intimacy. This is a one-on-one relationship. You won't let your teachers have conversations about sex. You won't have your teachers have conversations about gender. But you're

545
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going to allow your teachers to have one of the most intimate relationships that you should probably be teaching your children and you're restricting it to a school. So now they have to decide between religion and the academics when real when in reality religion should be outside of school and should be

546
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expressed in that side in spiritual education and teaching them so that way they can balance themselves. Anyways, thank you. >> Thank you for your comments. Christa Irving and Miss Urbing will be followed by EJ

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Kerrion. Good evening. My name is Christa Irby and I'm a parent at Daget Monasuri. First, I want to acknowledge that I understand the seriousness of the geotechnical findings at Dagot Monasuri and why the district determined relocation was necessary. I appreciate

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the work that has gone into trying to find a solution under difficult circumstances. However, I do have concerns about whether moving Daget Monastery into Days Zavala truly represents the strongest long-term investment for the Monasuri program and for district bond dollars. Daget

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Monasuri currently serves over 540 students and is already operating above its listed capacity. The campus itself is approximately 83,000 square feet while Desabal is is substantially smaller at approximately 53,000 square ft and was itself previously being

550
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considered for closure due to facility condition concerns before Daget Monosur's engineering findings accelerated this process. Tonight's agenda item would authorize an additional architectural and engineering contract of up to 2.75 million for the reco relocation project. Families are

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also hearing preliminary renovation estimates around 13 million for Deavala. As we all know, renovation costs for buildings originally constructed in the 1920s can increase significantly as projects move forward. And my concern is whether we may still face substantial

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additional capital needs in the relatively near future simply due to the ongoing realities of maintaining and modernizing a building of that age. During my own research, I came across the formal former Chapel Hill Academy Lena Pope campus, which is not currently owned by Fort Worth ISD, but is a

553
03:42:32.880 --> 03:42:49.279
substantially newer former prek to8 facility much closer in size to Dagot Monaster's current footprint. I fully understand there may be logistical or financial reasons it may not be feasible but I do believe it is a reasonable a reasonable task whether facilities outside of current district-owned

554
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properties were comparatively evaluated as potential long-term solutions before major investments are finalized. I also believe it is important that the physical environment remain conducive to the monastery model itself. Monastery education places a strong emphasis on the prepared environment spaces that

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support independence, calmness, collaboration, movement, natural light, and flexible learning. Part of my concern is that days of all design reflects a much older era of school construction that tends to feel more compartmentalized and closed off. By contrast, many newer schools are intentionally designed around connected

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community learning spaces, collaboration, flexibility, and openness throughout the campus environment. Many families, including mine, may be willing to accept a somewhat farther commute if it meant our children could remain in a stable, appropriately sized monastery environment through middle school. I also sent a more detailed written

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statement this morning with additional information and context that I hope you will take time to review. I recognize there are no easy answers here, and I appreciate the difficult position the district is in. I simply hope that before this process advances too far, the community can feel confident that all viable long-term educational,

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financial, and facilities options have truly been explored. I think many families are carrying broader fears right now about the future of public education in our district. For many of us at Daga Monasur represents one of the few places where our children have truly felt inspired, supported as

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developed a genuine love of learning. >> Thank you for your comments. Next speaker is EJ Kerrion and Mr. Kerrion will be followed by Karen Perry. A year ago, Fort Worth was fighting to protect the diversity, equity, and

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inclusion department due to a federal force mandate by Donald Trump, saying that if cities did not eliminate their DEI programs, they have the fear of losing federal funding. Hund over a hundred people filled up city hall

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asking for our city council led by our mayor to stand up against this and support our minority communities with courage and with the values we believe in. Unfortunately, led by Mayor Mattie Parker, the city council voted with

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Donald Trump rather than the people. A year ago, you have seen a rise of more people activated in this community. And somehow we're being blamed for raising the temperature. Well, let me tell you when the temperature actually rose. It

563
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was in October when Mayor Mattie Parker rather than listening to the people asked went to a meeting with Judge Tim O'Hare with Christian extremist churches like Mercy Culture and invited them to city council to protect her from the people.

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I find it coincidental that after 140 people come speak to you about protecting marginalized students and international newcomers academy that now we're talking about religion in schools. The establishment can no longer be

565
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trusted because you all are dangerous for our city. You are dangerous for our schools. You won't stand up to MAGA extremism. You won't stand up to Abbott authoritarianism. you won't stand up to Christian nationalism. The Fort Worth

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establishment has enabled this extremism in our city. They use them as a boogeyman when really people like Pete are the ones to blame. They use them to protect their power. And the scariest part about it is they convince black and

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brown people who have a lot of potential to believe that being a part of the establishment is the best way to protect your future. Rosa, you and I were in the same leadership class. You and I are Fort Worth under

568
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40. You and I are part of the first Fort Worth Forum 100 inaugural people to be a part of Pete Garren's program where we get to hang out with him and his buddies. Black and brown people think that what we have to do is join to establishment

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to protect our future. And maybe that's how you protect our future. But what we learned from Leadership Fort Worth is that it's people like you and I who actually need to exhaust our privilege to stand up against white supremacy. And I ask every single one of you, the

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people of color, including you, Bobby Aier, to actually stand up and get out of this Abbott boards of managers. You know better. Thank you for your comments. Our next speaker is Karen Perry.

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And Miss Perry will be followed by Keith Annis. >> Good evening. As a parent with students, three students in three Fort Worth ISD schools, I've been to spring concerts, banquetss, an eighth grade graduation,

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and tomorrow night, one more awards ceremony. Each of these events has made me so proud, not just of my own children, but of all of our Fort Worth ISD students. They truly are remarkable.

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I leave those events happy and proud that my kids are Fort Worth ISD students. But then I hear about stealth visits from administrators to A-rated schools,

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experienced teachers being reprimanded in front of students. I hear how those conversations made the teachers feel demoralized and wondering if they want to leave the district or leave teaching altogether.

575
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Everyone is on edge, including students. This is such a shame and it is not the kind of culture that I want my children to be educated in. Our teachers should be treated with more respect. Because summer break is almost here, I

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want to say thank you to our teachers for all the ways you have persevered through so much change this year and for the lasting dedication you have to your students. Parents like me truly love you for what you do.

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My second point is this. Tonight's meeting materials make it clear that the superintendent's contract was negotiated by the TEA with the superintendent. There's no mention of the board in those negotiations.

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At the same time, the contract describes the board's role as one of governance, collaboration, oversight, and joint leadership. It says the board and superintendent shall work collaboratively. It says the board establishes goals, evaluates progress,

579
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adopts priorities, and provides joint leadership with the superintendent. Board members, I want to respectfully ask you tonight to lean into that. Go beyond the mandate that you support the superintendent and annually evaluate his

580
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leadership. Our community needs a board that leads yearround. Not a board that micromanages operations. That's not what I'm asking. Not a board that interferes with administration, but a board that asks hard questions, monitors progress, and

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exercises independent judgment on behalf of this community. The contract that you're surely going to approve tonight repeatedly refers to joint leadership with Dr. Lacata. I am asking you to embrace that responsibility fully and

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visibly. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Perry. Next speaker is Keith Annis and he will be followed by Norma Garcia Lopez. Howdy. Uh I have a child at I am Terrell. uh

583
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school. And um I asked her pretty explicitly what happened on the most recent visit. And while it's not true that from her perspective the teacher was yelled at in the hall, he was very clearly being reprimanded in the hall uh by adults in

584
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front of students. That is in no way a professional uh interaction and it is in my view unacceptable. Having said that, I'd like to get back to the reason I'm always here. I just have some questions. Anyone up there is welcome to answer them. I submitted them

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in writing today with my phone number. Anyone up here is welcome to respond via email or with a phone call. Please do. First, is there any scenario in this turnaround plan that ends with Fort Worth ISD becoming a charterrun or

586
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privately managed district? Two, what specific specific, measurable, and unmendable benchmarks must be met for local control to be restored to an elected board? And who has the authority

587
03:52:09.680 --> 03:52:26.160
to declare those conditions met? Third, do you intend to expand charter schools inside Fort Worth ISD district boundaries as part of this turnaround, or is your plan strictly to strengthen district-run schools?

588
03:52:26.160 --> 03:52:43.120
Fourth, who ultimately decides the final governance structure of Fort Worth ISD and the fate of its public assets? District administration, Commissioner Morath, or Governor Abbott? And what is the specific mechanism by which this

589
03:52:43.120 --> 03:52:59.040
community has a meaningful voice in that decision? I do appreciate that there's going to be a meeting tomorrow night. Hopefully people listen to the people who are talking there. Here to four that hasn't happened except for in the school renaming. I

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will give you credit for that. Fifth, what specific guard rails will you advocate for to prevent neighborhood schools from being further destabilized during this turnaround? And is that commitment anywhere in writing? And I've added one. Does the term student

591
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outcomes only relate to testing results? You may have noticed that I've been reading these. I really hope I don't have to keep asking them to the point that I've memorized them all, but that is up to you. Thank you so much for your time this evening. Have a wonderful day.

592
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Thank you, Miss Randis. Next speaker is Norma Garcia Lopez and she will be followed by Alexander Montalva. Is Miss Garcia here? Next speaker is Alex Alexander Montalvo and he will be followed by Roxan

593
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Martinez. Now that we are at the end of the school year, the first part of my comments, I want to actually address all of the teachers and parents who are navigating the very difficult decision to no longer

594
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have forwardd as their home. Now, through y'all's cruel leadership, many of them don't have that choice. They're already gone. But the students and the parents that you've impacted, they are making tough decisions and

595
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they've been talking to us in the community. They're not too sure what to do. They talk about the years that they've spent the multiple kids that have gone through this district and next year realizing that for ICD is most likely

596
03:54:52.960 --> 03:55:08.479
not going to be their home because of your decisions and your cruelty. For those teachers and parents, just know that we still need you. Even if your home is in some other district, in

597
03:55:08.479 --> 03:55:23.040
some other community, as long as you're in Fort Worth and Taran County, stay connected because we have a fight on our hands and we need everybody. for the other parents and teachers who

598
03:55:23.040 --> 03:55:43.279
are deciding to stay like myself and so many of the voices that you've heard here. I want y'all to know that we are not going anywhere. And every single day and every single moment that this district is under this

599
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coup from the state and this hostile takeover exists in our community, we will fight. And every one of you that are in our community and have been in our community, continue to be prepared to feel

600
03:56:01.120 --> 03:56:15.520
uncomfortable because your presence here is a betrayal to our students, to our community, and to the people here in Fort Worth. And you can pretend that you're here to

601
03:56:15.520 --> 03:56:31.840
do a job to help them. But every decision you have voted for has been unanimously centered around cruelty and harm. You are harming our kids and we are not

602
03:56:31.840 --> 03:56:48.319
going to accept that. and to our community, to the teachers who stay in the classroom, to the administration that is holding on trying to fight for our kids. We stand up here at this mic so you can hear us and we

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know you're doing everything you can to fight this hostile takeover. Your presence is not wanted. Your resume building with this position has no value to us.

604
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>> Thank you, Mr. Montalo. >> Our next speaker is Roxan Martinez. >> Please cut off the microphone. >> Our next speaker is Roxanne Martinez and Miss Martinez will be followed by Erica Ramos. My name is Roxan Martinez.

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I am an elected forth ISD trustee, Fororth ISD parent, and committed stakeholder. Tonight, Forthd is requesting 41 million in ESSA funds, including over $2 million to support English learners and immigrant students.

606
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How will these federal funds align with the district's recent program changes? If your plans to close INA and eliminate or restructure emergent bilingual staff, how will the district's plan, title three budget, professional development plan, and the service delivery model reflect this new structure? Um, Dr. L, I

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ask that you address this during the public hearing portion of this meeting if you can. Board of Managers, I urge you not to take action on the superintendent's contract without clear public performance measures. Each of you completed Lonear governance

608
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training. Now, we need to see you put it in action. You should answer the following. Will the superintendent's evaluation include measurable targets for reading, math, CCMR, attendance, discipline, graduation rates? How will this board measure whether recent changes are helping or harming our

609
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students? What indicators will you monitor before STAR data is released? And when will we receive regular progress reports tied to student outcomes? For ISTD, students, parents, and stakeholders should not be asked to dis trust disruption without evidence.

610
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Simply following the Houston model is not good enough. Before this board approves federal grants, personnel actions, real estate sales, or superintendent contract action, we deserve answers about how decisions improve outcomes. I recently attended an education conference where I learned

611
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that the Mississippi miracle was indeed no miracle. It was the result of years of sustained statewide literacy reform, strong implementation, consistency, and accountability. They invested in teachers and early reading infrastructure, and that matters.

612
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Fulwork does not need imported, unproven models or political narratives. Robert, I'm glad that you visited a campus and found engaged students eager to learn. You might share that with the Hispanic, Black, and Fort Worth chamber leaders that went on a dog and pony show

613
03:59:47.439 --> 04:00:03.600
in Houston and supported the state takeover when they don't send their own kids to Fort Worth ISD. Tell them that we too have engaged students, focused teachers, and strong principles here in Foristd. And that was

614
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well before the state takeover. And now they need a plan that supports them. a plan rooted in evidence, transparency, and accountability. And we need it now as the year comes to an end. Thank you to all the educators and administrators for all the hard work that you put in

615
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daily for our kids. Board, it's time for you to for you all to show us how your changes will deliver the education our students deserve. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Martinez. Our final speaker is Erica Ramos. >> Hi, good evening. Um, I want to start by

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saying I echo everything Roxanne just said. Um, but I came here today separately regarding Sanguinette Park. I come as a Fort Worth ISD parent, resident, local business owner, and someone who has spent years deeply engaged in Fort Worth through civic and professional organizations. My oldest

617
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son is about to enter preK and his younger brother is following closely right behind him. When I say I care deeply about the long-term future of this school district and the city, please know that I mean it. For many families, Sanguinet Park is not just a piece of land on a balance sheet. It's

618
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deeply embedded into the fabric of our community. I've personally seen the students of Boulevard Heights play at this park, use it as an exit point for drills. My own children have grown up walking to and playing at this park. They've even nicknamed it the Rainbow Park for its colorful playground.

619
04:01:30.399 --> 04:01:47.040
Families visiting Roy Pope use this park and little league teams use the parcel of land that you've labeled as storm water open space as a practice field for baseball and soccer. I've seen birthday parties and family gatherings take place under the shade of the pavilion at this

620
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park. The surrounding neighborhoods, including the one I live in, have advocated for safer crosswalks across Merrick to make walking to the park easier for the families. That investment should signal how deeply this space is used and valued by our community. Yesterday, I stopped to look at the sign

621
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at the entrance of the park. It describes Sanguinette Park as a joint project of the Fort Worth ISD, Fort Worth citizens, and the city of Fort Worth. To me, that sign is a reminder that when public institutions and residents work together in the spirit of

622
04:02:17.920 --> 04:02:34.319
greater good, beautiful things can happen for our community. That is why my first and most important request is please ensure that Sanguinet Park remains a park permanently. Once public land is lost, especially in growing cities like ours, now the 10th largest in the nation, it's incredibly difficult

623
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to get that land back. If the real issue is that Fort Worth ISD should not be spending classroom dollars maintaining parks, I can understand that concern. What many of us will struggle to understand is why the city needs to pay 3.4 million in taxpayer dollars to take over maintenance responsibilities for

624
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parks that taxpayers already paid to acquire and develop in the first place. If these parks are to remain public, what collaborative alternatives were explored before considering this park surplus and opening up the property for sale? I want to respectfully remind you that many of you stepped into these

625
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roles in the spirit of restoring trust and transparency for the very people you call friend and neighbor. This is one of those moments where we're asking for a little more transparency around what is happening to our public spaces, what long-term protections will exist in writing for this land moving forward. I

626
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hope you'll take these concerns into account for the current and future asset cells that you'll certainly consider. Keep in mind to share alternatives that you explore with your team and let us know what you are doing to protect public spaces for our families today, our neighborhoods, and the future generations that will call Fort Worth

627
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home. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. That concludes our hearing of speakers for this meeting. Want to thank everyone for participating and all you stayed around to to listen.

628
04:03:59.920 --> 04:04:21.840
Uh, no sir, I'm afraid you may not. We only can allow people to speak who've signed up, but I regret that. Uh, >> and you you spoke went through the process before and signed up and and did speak, but I'm sorry, sir. >> You may give it to staff. We'd certainly

629
04:04:21.840 --> 04:04:39.680
welcome that. Thank you very much. One of our speakers tonight referenced an article in the Fort Worth report and it's an important article. It's important that we remember where we are

630
04:04:39.680 --> 04:04:56.399
in the in the challenges in in front of of us as a board and all of us as a community. Where where are we today? What do we as a community need to do? I'd like to read part of this article into the record.

631
04:04:56.399 --> 04:05:13.439
Fort Worth ISD's learning rate trend was among the weakest in the nation from 2022 to 2025 according to a new analysis. And this analysis was based on on growth, not on actual performance. The findings come

632
04:05:13.439 --> 04:05:30.399
from the education scorecard, a collaboration between Harvard University Center for Educational Policy Research, Stanford University's Educational Opportunity Project, and faculty at Dartmouth College. The report uses state test results for

633
04:05:30.399 --> 04:05:45.920
roughly 35 million students in third through eighth grades nationwide to compare districtwide level post-pandemic academic recovery. The fourth ISD's district learning rate, how much students improve year-to-year

634
04:05:45.920 --> 04:06:05.199
in math and reading was 0.54 grade levels per year, a half a grade per year, putting Fort Worth ISD in the bottom 2% nationally for learning rate. Fort Worth ISD ranked 8,19 out of 8,147

635
04:06:05.199 --> 04:06:22.640
districts with available learning data. Of the 6,65 districts with trend data, Fort Worth ISD ranked 5,861st, worse than 97%

636
04:06:22.640 --> 04:06:38.560
districts nationwide. You know, when I read that article, and I'm glad that one of our speakers brought it up, where are we today? A third of our kids read at grade level.

637
04:06:38.560 --> 04:06:56.160
We're the lowest performing urban school district in the state of Texas and we are in a hurry. A child is only in the third grade once and what we do this spring gets this district ready for

638
04:06:56.160 --> 04:07:10.720
those children to learn when they show up in school in August. We must remind ourselves regularly of where we are and we all know where we want to be. It's a moral imperative.

639
04:07:10.720 --> 04:07:41.160
Thank you. >> Everyone else figured it out. Everybody else figured out where >> you didn't see you in Austin at the public education committee. and all the teachers were coming.

640
04:07:45.439 --> 04:08:02.399
>> I wish to thank you for your eloquence. >> I'd like to ask we'd like to please ask everyone to come to order. We've got to maintain the quorum in here. And if if you choose to to not participate in this

641
04:08:02.399 --> 04:08:23.520
uh program as it's scheduled, I ask that you please um reconsider your your presence. The next item is the Fort Worth Independent School District public hearing on federal grant application for

642
04:08:23.520 --> 04:08:40.399
the 2026 2027 school year, which is now called to order. Miss Dr. Lacata, I will turn it over to you. >> I would like to turn this over to uh our grants department. And

643
04:08:40.399 --> 04:08:56.399
Jamie, I can't tell you how nice it's been to be able to work with you and your department. Um, just the bright spot. When I talk to you, you give me every information I need, making sure we're within state guidelines and making sure that what we're doing is appropriate and the money

644
04:08:56.399 --> 04:09:12.160
we use for grant is spent appropriately so it goes back to the students. So, please, uh, as you will. >> Thank you. Good evening, President Garin, Dr. Lica, and board of managers. My name is Jamie

645
04:09:12.160 --> 04:09:34.960
Rodriguez, and I'm the executive director of grants here at Fort Worth ISD, and I'm here to present the public hearing and public comment on our federal grant applications. >> Nobody signed up. >> Okay.

646
04:09:34.960 --> 04:09:52.640
The purpose of tonight's presentation um is to inform the public that Fort Worth ISD will be submitting several uh federal grant applications and we welcome public input during today's boards meeting. Um and we will also extend the opportunity for um to

647
04:09:52.640 --> 04:10:08.000
receive emails um to our grants email at FWISD. But the rationale behind this is that in accordance with federal regulations, any entity planning to submit a federal grant application must afford a reasonable opportunity for public comment on the application before

648
04:10:08.000 --> 04:10:26.000
it is submitted to TEA for approval. Um this is the list of our federal grant applications. There will be a total of five grant applications we will be submitting uh before June 30th um of this school year. Uh the first one on the list is our ESSA consolidated grant

649
04:10:26.000 --> 04:10:41.680
application. Uh followed by our IDEAB B grant applications. We have a total of three IDEAB B formula, IDEAB preschool, and IDAB dev. These uh three grant applications support the special education program here at Fort Worth ISD.

650
04:10:41.680 --> 04:10:56.560
And then um the last one on this list is Perkins to support the CTE program um here at Fort Worth ISD. These grant applications are due September 3rd. Nonetheless, we apply prior to June 30th to ensure that funding is allocated for

651
04:10:56.560 --> 04:11:13.840
schools and departments by July 1. Um, so the first step that goes with submitting a grant application is TEA will release a notification to school districts letting school districts know that funding is available. And as you can see in this graphic to the right, on

652
04:11:13.840 --> 04:11:31.760
April 29th of 2026, TEA did send out a communication to school districts letting them know that planning amounts were available. And so uh in this communication, the 2627 ESSA amounts were uh given to school districts. um allocations or projected

653
04:11:31.760 --> 04:11:49.840
uh planning amounts for SPED or for IDB and Perkins were not given uh to school districts at the time the presentation was prepared but they're available now on the TA entitlements website and so uh for reference um in this slide

654
04:11:49.840 --> 04:12:06.880
you will see the 2627 planning amounts for ESSA which is $41 million for the district um it in it We don't we have pending amounts for our idea B and Perkins. Um but know that these amounts are not very they're now available and they're not

655
04:12:06.880 --> 04:12:23.760
very different from 2526. Um overall we're seeing a slight decrease in idea B and Perkins. Um but we are seeing a slight increase in our ESSA consolidated grant application. Um our largest grant application is our

656
04:12:23.760 --> 04:12:40.000
ESSA consolidated grant application. And so on here, we're giving everybody a detailed description of the intent and purpose of each program and the allocation amount for each program. And so the first one here is our title one part A where we're receiving $31 million.

657
04:12:40.000 --> 04:12:57.840
Uh follow followed by title one part C uh $25,000. Um title one part D $376,000 and then title two part A at $3.4 million. um title three per A with 2.5 million

658
04:12:57.840 --> 04:13:16.080
and our immigrant subrant with $484,000. Um and title four with 2.2 uh million. Now given that these are federal dollars, every dollar spent needs to align to district needs and align to the

659
04:13:16.080 --> 04:13:33.760
strategic plan for the district. It's important for the public and the board to know that all allocated activities under these federal grant applications will align with the Fort Worth ISD pillars of excellence. Fort Worth ISD will collect public input

660
04:13:33.760 --> 04:13:49.120
during the board meeting and additional feedback may be submitted via email to grants email atfwisd.org by June 12th, 2026. Um we will consider carefully all the feedback uh given and incorporate that

661
04:13:49.120 --> 04:14:06.239
into our grant applications. Um um next steps for us is we will submit the grant applications. Um and any feedback received will be carefully considered. And so we thank you for your time and for your continued support.

662
04:14:06.239 --> 04:14:23.920
Um this concludes this presentation and now I will turn it to Dr. Lica. Thank you. Uh, thank you for the presentation. Um, I am going to tell a tale out of school and I'm not here to embarrass you, but two

663
04:14:23.920 --> 04:14:39.279
weeks ago I walked into her office and you will find me in many offices around this room building and I walked in and sat down and she's trembling >> and I said, "What's the matter?" And she goes, "I I've never had a superintendent

664
04:14:39.279 --> 04:14:55.199
come in and ask me questions." And I believe I asked you, "Are we doing this right? Is it being done for kids? Do I need to do anything else to make sure we are abiding by it?" And you stuttered through a yes somehow. And um everything is perfect that she does, by the way. And then I saw her about an hour later

665
04:14:55.199 --> 04:15:12.319
and what was your job after that? Not to be so nervous when you I walk into your office and ask you a question. She is just that good about herself. And we have some superstars around this district and I know it and I can't say thank you enough. Uh, Miss Moss, you have a superstar and I know you are too

666
04:15:12.319 --> 04:15:29.600
um in that department as well. So, we are very thankful for you folks. We really appreciate it. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Lata. Thank you. Have a good evening. I neglected to actually call the this internal public hearing to order and

667
04:15:29.600 --> 04:15:44.960
this uh report on the federal grants was part of that public hearing and the general public is able to sign up to provide comment on the federal grant applications during this uh period of

668
04:15:44.960 --> 04:16:01.760
the meeting. No one has signed up and we will now close the public hearing. Thank you for that presentation. The public hearing is now closed. We now turn to the Dr. Lacata's report. I believe he gave most of his report

669
04:16:01.760 --> 04:16:17.439
earlier in the evening. Dr. Lacata, do you have anything else to add this evening? >> Um, I do got coming. I do have a couple things that we'll respond to uh the board about. Um, especially the park space. Uh it is my understanding that it will stay a park. That is important.

670
04:16:17.439 --> 04:16:34.319
That was one of it. I mean they've been using it for years. Um and that was one of the pieces and uh I did talk to the mayor today about that. So uh about the sale. Um but thank you for that interest because it is a great green space. Um I've driven by it. I've asked for the aerial views be put into it. So I

671
04:16:34.319 --> 04:16:49.760
appreciate that of coming from there because that's that is important and that is everybody's property. It's not just ours. It's part not mine now because I live in Fort Worth. So, um, thank you for that. Um, also, uh,

672
04:16:49.760 --> 04:17:06.319
I I I love the passion of the public and the community. I I I'm asked some of my staff to reach out to some of the folks that spoke tonight to make sure that they have the correct information. Um, sometimes we give the correct information, it doesn't matter. But I

673
04:17:06.319 --> 04:17:21.120
believe many of the folks that come here are really concerned and really want to make a difference. um they hear some things and I we want to make sure that we're giving the accurate information and that's what prompted my speech earlier. But we aren't good. We have so many

674
04:17:21.120 --> 04:17:37.120
people working hard and we're almost close to zero vacancies. We're in the double digits right now for next year. That's unprecedented in this community and we will we will get there. We will also we will also never never and I want

675
04:17:37.120 --> 04:17:54.800
to hear from directly if we are publicly embarrassing a teacher. That is unacceptable. We will I will not have it. I was not at the school that people said I was at. But I've been all of these board

676
04:17:54.800 --> 04:18:11.199
managers have been at schools with us and that is not what we do. We actually talk to the leaders and we ask what's good, what's bad, what can be better, what can we provide, how can we see this. I will not accept a teacher being embarrassed in front of their students

677
04:18:11.199 --> 04:18:27.600
or any other way. And that is not the way we will do it here. We will get great results, but our approach to this is about several different models that have been successful, especially under me and some other places. But we will stand side by side with teachers. Our leaders are the ones that are

678
04:18:27.600 --> 04:18:43.680
responsible for what goes on in the classroom and supporting teachers because that's where it gets done in the classroom. So, I know I'm sure we're going to hear about it for the next few months about teachers getting yelled at and this and that. It's simply not true. And if it is, I need to hear it first in

679
04:18:43.680 --> 04:18:58.080
first thing because we will not accept it. I know it's a running line for a lot of folks, but it's not going to happen under my watch. Teachers are too valuable and they're the ones who make the difference. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Lacata. Next item on the

680
04:18:58.080 --> 04:19:16.800
agenda is the consent agenda. As board president, I'm making the following statement in accordance with board policy BBFA local. This is a reminder to all board members of the legal conflict of interest requirements and disclosure requirements you may have for matters under consideration on the

681
04:19:16.800 --> 04:19:32.720
agenda for this meeting. If required by law, board members shall recuse themselves from all discussion and shall abstain from voting on any matter pertaining to such a disclosure. Board members, we've been provided an opportunity prior to tonight's meeting to submit questions and receive

682
04:19:32.720 --> 04:19:52.680
responses concerning the consent agenda and action items. Are there any questions or comments at this time specific to any of the consent agenda items? Is there a motion to accept the consent consent agenda?

683
04:19:56.000 --> 04:20:21.600
>> Uh, I move to accept the consent agenda. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I second that. >> Have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? We'll now move to voting. has the voting machine is not registering

684
04:20:21.600 --> 04:20:37.920
our votes. >> We can do it by show hand. >> I'll do it by acclamation. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed, please say no. >> Any abstensions?

685
04:20:37.920 --> 04:21:09.760
The motion passes. 90 >> items removed from the consent agenda. Do we have any items removed from the consent agenda? We don't. The next action item is consider and take possible action on the

686
04:21:09.760 --> 04:21:27.439
superintendent's contract. Is there a motion concerning this item? We have a motion. >> A motion. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Have a motion and a second. Is there any

687
04:21:27.439 --> 04:21:44.080
discussion? >> I've got a comment. >> Mr. Prio. >> Yeah. I'd just like um to say as as most of you know here, the board of managers was appointed at the same time essentially as uh as Dr. Lacata. And the

688
04:21:44.080 --> 04:22:00.080
one thing we all have in common is we are very very focused on on student outcomes. Uh and we hear a lot of other motives and and I can guarantee you that that is our sole focus. Uh this vote I

689
04:22:00.080 --> 04:22:15.920
see tonight is really a ratification on what's the best thing for the students of Fort Worth ISD. And I wholly and strongly believe that ratifying this contract and the changes and efforts

690
04:22:15.920 --> 04:22:33.359
that Dr. Lacata and his team are making will have strongly positive uh out uh impacts on the students of Fort Worth ISD. And so I just want to thank you Dr. Lacata. I want to thank your team. I know you're working very very hard. I want to thank all the teachers in the

691
04:22:33.359 --> 04:22:52.399
district for all their efforts uh with that respect and I fully support uh ratifying this contract. >> Thank thank you Mr. Po. Dean Aier >> I would just say again obviously again we know the context again as uh Mr. PLO described the I appreciate that we had a

692
04:22:52.399 --> 04:23:08.279
little bit of time at least to kind of reflect and look at some of the other the record and the and the terms of other superintendent contracts the uh to kind of get some comparative analysis and evaluate and and be able to give to make a thoughtful decision about this.

693
04:23:09.680 --> 04:23:26.880
>> Thank you Mr. AI. Any other discussion? You know, the procedure when we have a state intervention, the state law that was passed in 2015 authorizes that superintendent, pardon me, the

694
04:23:26.880 --> 04:23:45.199
Texas Commissioner Education to appoint the superintendent as well as appoint the board. And the superintendent, pardon me, I'm getting my titles, the commissioner pre-negotiates the contract. um that's standard for the

695
04:23:45.199 --> 04:23:59.840
interventions but the contract does then come to the board for ratification. We have had nearly two months to work with Dr. Lacata. All nine of us have worked closely with

696
04:23:59.840 --> 04:24:16.800
him over these nine months. His contract comes to us with the recommendation of the TEA, the TEA commissioner. But beyond that, we've worked with him for two months. We have been with him

697
04:24:16.800 --> 04:24:33.680
day in and day out. So, we're not having to guess whether or not this contract is good for kids or whether Dr. Lacata is good for kids. Dr. Lacata is good for kids. And tonight we'll we'll vote on the

698
04:24:33.680 --> 04:24:49.120
contract. I don't can't tell you how everyone will vote. Uh but I tell you I I strongly support Dr. Lacata, the leadership he's brought to this district, kids first agenda he's brought to this district district and the

699
04:24:49.120 --> 04:25:11.399
determination to change adult behavior to benefit kids. And that's hard. That's darn hard. So now any further discussion? If if not, I'll move to a vote. All in favor, please vote I.

700
04:25:12.399 --> 04:25:30.319
Any opposed vote no. Anybody abstain? The motion passes by vote of nine votes to zero. Thank you. Congratulations, Dr. Look at it.

701
04:25:30.319 --> 04:25:46.720
>> Thank you, board. And as we know, the work has begun, but it's just starting. And we have a lot to do for our children. And we cannot be second or 2% into it. We cannot be 3% into it or 38% or 24,914 children who can't read on grade level.

702
04:25:46.720 --> 04:26:15.040
That has got to change. So, decisions will be based on changing that. Pardon me. Move to item E on the agenda. Approve non-renewal of certain term contract employees pursuant to chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code. Is there

703
04:26:15.040 --> 04:26:32.239
a motion concerning this item? >> There is. I move to approve the non-renewal of the term contract of Edwin Murphy pursuant to chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code. >> Do we have a second? >> A second. >> We have a second. Is there any

704
04:26:32.239 --> 04:26:52.720
discussion? Hearing none, we'll now move to voting. The motion passes by a vote of 94 and zero against. We'll now move to item F on the agenda. Approve school

705
04:26:52.720 --> 04:27:11.680
library advisory council recommendation list. Is there a motion concerning this item? >> I move to approve the school library advisory council recommendation list. >> Do we have a second? >> I second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there

706
04:27:11.680 --> 04:27:26.960
any discussion? Uh I have a question actually or a point of clarification. From what I understand, this is um coming down from the Texas legislature and that we the school district is required to

707
04:27:26.960 --> 04:27:42.720
uh have a school library advisory council. Then that council does work and presents us with in theory a community representation for what they feel is appropriate for the library.

708
04:27:42.720 --> 04:27:58.800
And we do this because this is coming from the Texas legislature. Is that that's correct? >> That is correct. And we do have some uh latitude in there. Um Mr. Chowdery, would you like to expand on that, please? >> Yes. So, we are required to have a

709
04:27:58.800 --> 04:28:16.319
slack. Um the previous board uh appointed members. >> Can you speak into the microphone, Mr. Ch? We are required to have a school library advisory council just like we are required to have a shack which is a school health advisory council. So this is the library version of that that just

710
04:28:16.319 --> 04:28:32.000
passed not too long ago. This is our first iteration of it. So the previous board appointed the existing members and uh come July 1st we will uh bring also another refresh on the opportunity to appoint new members as well. So, our

711
04:28:32.000 --> 04:28:48.640
school librarians, right, go through a process with their schools to be able to expand their libraries. And there's guidelines and state laws and regulations and ISBN numbers going back to the ReadAct. Um, and then once they decide on what books they want to purchase, they work with our library

712
04:28:48.640 --> 04:29:04.080
media services director and team in my office. They recommend those books to us. We then bring those books to the Slack, which reviews them as well. They're published for 30 days and so you're going to just see them

713
04:29:04.080 --> 04:29:18.960
continuously throughout the year and then once the Slack approves them they come to you for consideration. Then once you approve them then they go to the schools and they can purchase them and so that is the structure that is new. Um

714
04:29:18.960 --> 04:29:36.399
so it's not a fast ordering process right um but it is a Texas style ordering process >> that is helpful. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions or discussion? We'll now move to voting. All in favor

715
04:29:36.399 --> 04:29:53.040
vote yes. Any opposed vote no. The motion we have one not voting at this point. We have nine yeses, zero nos. The motion passes.

716
04:29:53.040 --> 04:30:09.319
Item G on the agenda is approved resolution declaring certain real estate holding of fourth independent school district as surplus and no longer necessary for the operation of the school district excluding mineral interest. Is there a motion concerning this item?

717
04:30:10.399 --> 04:30:27.040
We have a motion. Have a motion by Mr. Po. >> Sure. I move for the resolution of certain real estate uh sorry declaring certain real estate holdings for Independent School District as surplus and no longer necessary for the operation of the school district excluding minerals.

718
04:30:27.040 --> 04:30:43.760
>> Thank you Mr. Pila. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> We have a second. >> And Mr. Chairman, if I may have a comment or some questions and and I asked for this clarification when we were reviewing the agenda, but can we speak to what these properties are currently being used for? Are they serving campuses in any auxiliary

719
04:30:43.760 --> 04:31:00.800
capacity? Uh are they are they raw land, park land, are there buildings on there? Just generally speak to the analysis that we went through to make sure and be comfortable that this is property that is truly surplus. >> I I appreciate that question because those questions were also what I asked as well when we first brought this into

720
04:31:00.800 --> 04:31:15.760
cabinet. This is very important that the public knows this and that's why it's been pulled to make sure that we speak about it. Uh, Miss Spencer, would you like to elaborate on some of those questions and if you need him to u itemize those or chunk them as we use in educational terms?

721
04:31:15.760 --> 04:31:32.159
>> Yes, sir. I'm happy to do that. Uh, the Meadow Bookbrook property is completely um it's approximately 2.8 acres. It's completely utilized um as park space now exclusively by the city. There are no school buildings um adjacent to that

722
04:31:32.159 --> 04:31:49.040
property and the district is not currently using that property at all in any capacity. Uh the Camp Buouie property, Sanguinette Park, we heard earlier today the importance of that park to this community. Many people do not recognize that that property is owned by Fort Worth ISD. Many think it

723
04:31:49.040 --> 04:32:03.600
is already owned by the city of city Cedar Hill. It does sit, excuse me, Fort Worth. I don't know where Cedar Hill came from. um uh by uh the city of Fort Worth. Um with that said, it does sit

724
04:32:03.600 --> 04:32:21.040
adjacent to um the current campus of Boulevard Heights um where many of our special needs students are served. Uh those students do um periodically access the park and the green space. um it is not part of their everyday curriculum

725
04:32:21.040 --> 04:32:36.000
that it is utilized, but they do access that periodically. Um through partnership with the city of Fort Worth, that will continue and they will still have access to that space on a regular basis for their use.

726
04:32:36.000 --> 04:32:54.040
>> Thank you. Any further discussion? If no further discussion, I call for a vote. All in favor, vote yes. Any opposed? Vote no. The motion passes by vote of 9 to zero.

727
04:32:54.880 --> 04:33:08.959
Agenda item H. Approve letter of intent for sale of block 61, lots 7 through 14 and lots 21 through 34 located at El Campo Avenue and Colinwood Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76107.

728
04:33:08.959 --> 04:33:30.080
Is there a motion concerning this item? I make a motion to approve the letter of intent for sale for block 61, lots 7 through 14 and lots 21 through 34 located at Elcampo Avenue and Colinwood Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76107.

729
04:33:30.080 --> 04:33:48.240
>> Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? similar question to the uh surplus designation, but um can we speak to just what we've done to ensure that the sales price is a market valuation uh price?

730
04:33:48.240 --> 04:34:06.400
>> Yes. Uh Miss Spencer, >> we do have a fair market um appraisal for the Camp Buouie P um site in its entirety. Um this piece of property uh represents more than fair market value uh for the park area itself um based on

731
04:34:06.400 --> 04:34:24.320
the overall value of the site. Um in the Meadow Brook property specifically in look when we entered into um discussions regarding this property in 2025. Uh comps were acquired. We were purchasing property in that area. We also evaluated

732
04:34:24.320 --> 04:34:44.719
sales um and this um offer aligned with those sales and those um purchases at that particular time. >> Just a follow-up question. Um in looking at the letter of intent at the very end, this is like a question a lawyer would

733
04:34:44.719 --> 04:35:01.439
ask. I'm sorry about this. Uh it says that the letter must be signed or counter signed by October 30th, 2025. >> Has that been amended? >> Uh we can amend that. Um this has been in the works for quite some time. The

734
04:35:01.439 --> 04:35:15.680
city remains very interested in the purchase of this property. Uh we can amend that, but it is still in good standing um with the city. >> Thank you. Can I ask uh council, our council,

735
04:35:15.680 --> 04:35:33.320
either board or my council, can we add uh a scrivener's error or something of that sort after the vote has taken place to confirm that this is still available and is still um board action and approved? >> Yes, sir.

736
04:35:34.719 --> 04:35:59.119
>> All right. Any further discussion? We'll now move to voting. Outcome of the vote, nine votes for, zero against. The motion passes. Item I on the agenda, approved purchase and sale agreement for the sale of

737
04:35:59.119 --> 04:36:18.320
property of block 46, lots 1 through 14, Tarant County, known as 2800 Metobrook Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 7613. Is there a motion concerning this item? >> I motion to approve uh purchase and sale

738
04:36:18.320 --> 04:36:34.561
agreement uh for the sale property of blocks of block 46 lot 1 through 14 Taran County, Texas, known as 2800 Metobrook Drive, Forward, Texas 76103. >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second.

739
04:36:34.561 --> 04:36:57.600
>> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? I'm aware that we've received a letter from citizens in that community and endorsing this sale and any additional information or further

740
04:36:57.600 --> 04:37:15.119
discussion. Okay, we'll now move to voting. All in favor, vote yes. Any oppose? Vote no. The vote passes by vote of 94 and zero against.

741
04:37:15.119 --> 04:37:30.400
Now to item J on the agenda. Approve purchase of Apple computers for CTE Labs. Is there a motion concerning this item? >> I will make a motion to approve the purchase of Apple computers for CTE Labs.

742
04:37:30.400 --> 04:37:48.561
>> We have a motion. Do we have a second? I'll second. I have a motion and a second. And is there any discussion? Dr. Lacatic, could could you talk about the this purchase and uh the purpose of it and uh also

743
04:37:48.561 --> 04:38:04.160
the importance of CTE labs now and and going forward >> this matter? >> I would be happy to because this is a a common occurrence that's happening around the country right now. We received so much money during CO and we purchased so many uh technology items

744
04:38:04.160 --> 04:38:20.400
with that money that was much needed. We appreciated it, but we're at the end of the line for those uh those machines and those equipment pieces. As you know, uh CTE is near and dear to me. It's um pretty much my realm. I won't use the

745
04:38:20.400 --> 04:38:38.639
word aura. Uh but it is part of what I believe will make the difference. We have to change reading and math scores first. We know that. Get our students to read. But the bigger picture as I call the forest is also giving students a pathway once they begin to read and love

746
04:38:38.639 --> 04:38:53.760
education. A pathway that at the end of the day when they graduate they have an opportunity to choose going to university college or choose to go to technical college or go into the career workforce. That's their decision, not ours. We train every child and teach

747
04:38:53.760 --> 04:39:09.680
every child to have those options. This is for high-powered um TV, audio, visual what is um can moves faster than we can imagine. And these these computers are made for that specific and I if you need more

748
04:39:09.680 --> 04:39:25.359
technical uh Dr. Church is here to get a little more deeper into the geeky stuff, but these are the machines that are used in that form. Can you just give us two two two two minutes real quick because this is important because we're going to be expanding on this considerably. >> Yes, sir. Dr. Licotta, these are devices

749
04:39:25.359 --> 04:39:42.160
that are meant for labs. So, the they're going to be fixed in place. They're going to be highquality computers uh that kids can sit down at and it gives us a focus space to uh to have the students learn on Mac specific software and hardware

750
04:39:42.160 --> 04:39:57.520
>> which will also lead to industry certifications for these students. Yes sir. Okay. >> Any further discussion? If not, let's now move to voting. All in favor, vote yes. Any oppose, vote no.

751
04:39:57.520 --> 04:40:14.560
We have nine yeses, zero nos. The motion passes. Item K on the agenda. Approve delegation of authority to the superintendent or designate to obtain quotes, select vendor, negotiate and execute contracts to purchase teacher laptops and

752
04:40:14.560 --> 04:40:31.440
interactive panels. Is there a motion concerning this item? >> I move to approve the delegation of authority to the superintendent or designate to obtain quotes, select vendor, negotiate, and execute contract to purchase teacher laptops and interactive panels.

753
04:40:31.440 --> 04:40:48.958
>> We have a motion. Do we have a second? I'll second. Have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? If not, we'll now move to voting. All in favor, vote yes. Our machine is jammed again. I'd ask for

754
04:40:48.958 --> 04:41:06.160
a oral vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Any opposed say no. Any abstaining? The motion passes by vote of nine to zero. L. Approve delegation of authority to the superintendent or designate to

755
04:41:06.160 --> 04:41:24.958
obtain quote, select vendor, negotiate, and execute contract to purchase student Chromebook devices. Is there a motion concerning this item? >> Do we have a motion? >> Yes. I make a motion to approve delegation of authority to the superintendent or designate to obtain

756
04:41:24.958 --> 04:41:43.200
quotes, select vendor, negotiate, and execute contracts to purchase student Chromebook devices. >> We have a motion. And do we have a second? >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? If there's no discussion, we now move to

757
04:41:43.200 --> 04:42:01.680
voting. All in favor, vote yes. Any oppose, vote no. We have nine yeses, zero nos. The motion passes. Item number M on the agenda, consider and possible action to approve the renaming of Cesar Chavez Elementary

758
04:42:01.680 --> 04:42:19.360
School. Is there a motion concerning this item? >> I so move. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? >> Mr. President, I would like to make a

759
04:42:19.360 --> 04:42:34.400
comment if >> uh >> Mr. Garen, I I apologize for the interruption. If we may, I believe there's another motion that needs to be made. So, we would we have a motion on the table right now. I apologize, Mr.

760
04:42:34.400 --> 04:42:52.080
Goindo. Thank you. I'm sorry. Um, based on information that was shared today during public comment, I don't believe that it's appropriate to move forward with this vote. And so I would um present an alternative motion. I would move that we table this item until our next board meeting, which would be on

761
04:42:52.080 --> 04:43:09.040
June 9th, to allow the administration to gather additional information that they could provide to us so that we could move forward with the vote at that time. >> Any further discussion? >> So at this point, um following Robert's

762
04:43:09.040 --> 04:43:24.638
rules, we have a motion. >> Miss Rona, I can't hear you. Could you speak? >> Yes, sir. At this point, we have a motion, the original motion and a second. Now, we have an alternate motion, there needs to be a second before that can be considered an

763
04:43:24.638 --> 04:43:38.958
alternate motion. I want to be clear, though, when the board if the board if there's a second and the board votes, you're only voting to make the alternate motion the main motion. you still have

764
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to vote again to actually pass or for the motion to pass or fail. And I apologize it gets very convoluted, but that is the process. So, we have an alternate motion. Now, you'll need to see if there's a second. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second

765
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for Miss Bha's motion? >> I will second Mr. Deha's motion. We have a motion and a second to table this action until the next >> until our next meeting June 9th. >> Next meeting. Uh is there any

766
04:44:11.360 --> 04:44:32.798
discussion? We'll now move to voting on Miss Perdea's alternate motion. All in favor, vote yes. And you're voting to make the alternate motion the main motion.

767
04:44:32.798 --> 04:44:48.798
>> We're voting for the alternate. We're voting for Miss Preda's motion, which is the alternate motion to the main motion. All in favor, please vote. I >> I >> Any opposed? >> No. >> No.

768
04:44:48.798 --> 04:45:04.000
>> We don't have a voting. Any opposed? Vote. No. >> No. No. >> So, I heard uh Mr. Galindo say no and Miss Lewis say no.

769
04:45:04.000 --> 04:45:22.958
>> Well, I'd like to ask for a roll call vote. >> Yes, sir. >> In the absence, unless we can get the machine up. Um, okay. Roll call vote. Mr. Seagal. >> You vote I. Miss George. >> Yes.

770
04:45:22.958 --> 04:45:41.480
>> Votes I. I >> I >> Mr. Aier >> I >> Mr. Po >> I >> Mr. Glendo >> no >> Miss >> Lewis um I vote no

771
04:45:42.080 --> 04:45:58.080
>> count of those votes. >> So you have six four and three against. So the alternate motion becomes the main motion. Now, you need to vote on the motion to table to the June 9th meeting

772
04:45:58.080 --> 04:46:14.320
so that the administration can provide additional information before the board's consideration. >> Okay. Can we have some discussion? Mr. Belo, I just would love Rosa if you could provide some more background regarding

773
04:46:14.320 --> 04:46:29.280
your alternate motion. >> Yes. Discussion, would you? >> Yes. Um so it it was brought to our attention that the name that was presented by the principal is um Esperansza which um it it is a fictional

774
04:46:29.280 --> 04:46:46.638
character and under board local board policy um it states that it all school must be named after let me pull up the policy real quick recognized pioneers of Fort Worth, the state of Texas or the United States

775
04:46:46.638 --> 04:47:03.280
persons who have obtained gain prominence locally, state um statewide or nationally based on contributions to the public in recognized fields such as education, science, medicine, law, art, government, business, justice, civil rights, human rights, or military achievements. I don't believe that um we

776
04:47:03.280 --> 04:47:18.560
would be able to approve this because it's not consistent with local board policy and so we would either have to suspend or have the principal present an alternate name. Well, let me further discussion. The

777
04:47:18.560 --> 04:47:34.240
word Espironza, >> the word Esparonza means hope. >> Hope. >> We're naming an elementary school hope. >> That's not a fictional character. >> Yeah. >> I I just I'm curious. I I wasn't there like what what did the community say

778
04:47:34.240 --> 04:47:50.000
about the renaming of a school? >> Can I ask perhaps um Mr. Kchner to describe the process that we went to and this name came to us through a community

779
04:47:50.000 --> 04:48:07.840
process and comes to us with the recommendation of the students, parents and principal of the school. Could you talk? >> Yes, sir. Through the superintendent, >> Dr. Kushner, chief of staff. >> Dr. Kushner, if you could go through

780
04:48:07.840 --> 04:48:23.280
explicitly like you did the other day with me about the exact process. >> Absolutely. On April 20th, after the subcommittee of this board met to outline a process for the renaming con to consider the renaming for Caesar

781
04:48:23.280 --> 04:48:39.760
Chavez Elementary on April 20th, we went to the school to the community to present the data from the thought exchange that had been sent out to the community. We presented the data to that school community to the students that participated, teachers, parents, and any

782
04:48:39.760 --> 04:48:54.798
other community members that attended. Following that meeting, we presented the top 15 names from the thought exchange to the principal. at that time. She then took the data to the school sitebased

783
04:48:54.798 --> 04:49:11.200
decision-making team and ran the a vote of to of the 15 top names locally. From that process, they whittleled it down to 10 names, then three, then one.

784
04:49:11.200 --> 04:49:28.798
So after that was completed, they finalized a I'm calling it a vote, but it was a cotification through their sitebased decision-making team and the principal did make the recommendation of Espironza Elementary. However, with the

785
04:49:28.798 --> 04:49:44.718
the motion that's on the floor before us through the board member board member Verdea, we can absolutely go back to the principal, gather additional information and with administration either come back with the same recommendation or provide an an alternate recommendation for the

786
04:49:44.718 --> 04:50:01.120
name change for the school. >> I'd like to ask some clarification and perhaps this comes from the lawyer, but I well let me read the recommendation from the principal. It doesn't identify the espironza as a proper noun. Said, "Dr. Lacata and board

787
04:50:01.120 --> 04:50:18.240
of managers, I principal Monica Ordas am submitting this recommendation in accordance with the timeline and actions set forth by the board of managers subcommittee on naming regarding the renaming of Cesar Chavez Elementary School. Our sitebased decisionmaking committee met in accordance with the

788
04:50:18.240 --> 04:50:34.240
outlined process, reviewed the results of the school and community survey. We're making a formal recommendation to rename our school Espironza Elementary. Please accept this as our final recommendation sincerely Monica or DAS.

789
04:50:34.240 --> 04:50:51.200
Is there may this is is there something in our local board policy that prevents the school from being named Espironza? So to be clear, the policy CW indicates that school or facilities shall be named

790
04:50:51.200 --> 04:51:08.160
for one of the following recognized pioneers of Fort Worth, the state of Texas, or the United States. Persons who have attained prominence locally, statewide, or nationally based on contributions to the public and recognized fields such as education, science, medicine, law, art, government,

791
04:51:08.160 --> 04:51:23.200
business, justice, civil rights, human rights, or military achievement. appropriate local, state, or national historical places, the street on which the school or facility is located, the subdivision surrounding it, or other

792
04:51:23.200 --> 04:51:38.400
descriptive geographical location. Given that criteria and not having the specific information other than the recommendation that it be espansa, uh it would be difficult for uh the

793
04:51:38.400 --> 04:51:57.600
board to pass it as is. May I ask follow-up question? >> Yes. >> Uh it seems like and I think obviously it's been a recommendation by the principal if there's a way is there a precedent for other we've got young women's leadership academy, we have young men's leadership

794
04:51:57.600 --> 04:52:14.958
academy. Are those presidential avenues to you know for this to fit under the board policy or >> I'm not sure if at that time I would we have to do research if at that time this was the policy that was governing those decisions of those boards at that time.

795
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Also the board has the option to suspend specific criteria within a policy. So, I would have to check if the board moved to suspend their uh criteria in order to name those schools as such. Uh, and I do apologize, but I don't have that

796
04:52:31.840 --> 04:52:50.080
information without further study. That is an option that the board also has tonight. Um, but that would be another motion that would have to be made. >> Any further discussion? >> Mr. President had question is when we presented I say we the committee

797
04:52:50.080 --> 04:53:05.680
subcommittee which included Miss Bera we met with she wasn't there but when we went to that school and we presented them with this idea of how we would be their name would be selected

798
04:53:05.680 --> 04:53:23.280
this board through our committee made a representation to that community that they would select the name I think that has to be honored and and I and I and I I I think and correct me if I'm wrong that the criteria for selecting the name

799
04:53:23.280 --> 04:53:37.680
was given to this committee that that eventually gave us the name recommendation to suggest that I think that they did this purposefully and I think they read those criteria that we gave them and

800
04:53:37.680 --> 04:53:55.120
they came up with a name which again is not a fictional character. It is simply an expression of hope. Very appropriate, I think, for our times. Very appropriate for the work we're doing in the school district is that they're saying they have hope and that what we're doing is

801
04:53:55.120 --> 04:54:12.400
going to help their community. We made a representation to them that we would honor the name they gave us and I think we need to stand by that. >> May I um Mr. Galindo, I agree with you 100%. And to move forward with this

802
04:54:12.400 --> 04:54:29.920
tonight, we do have the option of suspending the local board policy for just this naming and then we could move forward with the vote. Let me ask Miss Ren Con at this point if someone would like to make a motion to

803
04:54:29.920 --> 04:54:46.160
tell me the order. If we wanted to proceed in that manner, would we start with suspending the board policy and then entertain another motion and and vote? >> So, right right now you have a motion

804
04:54:46.160 --> 04:55:02.320
that has um been voted into the main motion and you're at the discussion point. So, there would need to be another alternate motion and we go through the same process. Um, you could make a motion to

805
04:55:02.320 --> 04:55:18.080
suspend the application of the policy solely for with respect to this naming and consider uh and con to consider and support the recommendation from the school sitebased decisionmaking committee.

806
04:55:18.080 --> 04:55:34.638
>> All right. Would anyone like to make a motion to that effect? Um, President Garren, I would like to make a motion to temporarily suspend this policy for this purpose of renaming the school in honor of the the families

807
04:55:34.638 --> 04:55:50.000
in the community that we um acknowledged their wishes and we listened to their wishes. So, I would make that motion. >> We have a motion. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any

808
04:55:50.000 --> 04:56:08.400
discussion? Um, I would just say just changing policy like this very suddenly. The only acceptable reason is because we made a commitment to the community. They told us exactly what they wanted and we should honor um that

809
04:56:08.400 --> 04:56:25.440
that participation. And so I can I can feel comfortable with that because I want us to keep our word to those parents and those children. Any further discussion or comments? Okay. Now, Miss Renone, make sure we

810
04:56:25.440 --> 04:56:40.638
have this in order. So, now we have a motion to suspend >> the policy. >> The application of the board policy CW local criteria. Did >> you say that latter? The policy. So, Miss Lewis, if I may um restate your

811
04:56:40.638 --> 04:56:57.920
motion or clarify and you give me the okay whether this is what I captured that you move that the board suspend the application of board policy CW local for names solely with respect to the Cesar Chavez Elementary School renaming and

812
04:56:57.920 --> 04:57:13.360
support the recommendation from the school's sitebased decisionmaking committee. Is that correct? Is that a correct restatement of your >> Yes, that is a correct statement. >> Thank you, Miss Liz. The board would be voting to now again to make this

813
04:57:13.360 --> 04:57:36.160
alternate motion the main motion. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. All in favor I. Any oppose? Vote no. The motion passes nine to zero.

814
04:57:36.160 --> 04:57:52.878
Now >> that is your main motion, Mr. Garin. Now you vote to see whether that passes or not. >> The action passes or not? >> We return to the main motion. >> Well, your main motion is now to move

815
04:57:52.878 --> 04:58:10.320
that the board suspend the application. Actually, so that became the main motion. Yes. And now you have to still vote. >> Okay. So, we pass it. We have a motion. >> I don't want to restate it. >> That was I can't remember who made it. Who made

816
04:58:10.320 --> 04:58:26.080
the motion to consider and possible action to approve the renaming of Cesar Chavez Elementary School? >> That was Miss Lewis. >> Mr. Lindo. And we had a second. I >> think it was Courtney >> by Courtney Lewis.

817
04:58:26.080 --> 04:58:42.878
>> Is there any discussion? So for those that are needing to take notes in our staff, I just want to be clear. So it was Mr. Galindo that made the motion and Miss Lewis that made the second. I do apologize, Mr. Galindo. I should have asked you if that was the

818
04:58:42.878 --> 04:58:57.440
correct restatement. >> I beg your pardon, Miss Renone. I couldn't understand what you said at the end. >> I should have asked Mr. Galindo if that was the restatement of his motion. I do apologize. >> That is a statement of my motion.

819
04:58:57.440 --> 04:59:15.440
>> Okay. All right, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? No further discussion. We'll now move to voting. All in favor, vote I. Any opposed? Vote no.

820
04:59:15.440 --> 04:59:40.240
The motion. >> We have seven voting. Nine voting. The motion passes 9 to zero. This concludes the items on the agenda for tonight's meeting. I'd like to close by saying thank you to the community for

821
04:59:40.240 --> 04:59:56.798
participating. I want to special thank you to the families and the students and the teachers and the neighbors of now Espironza Elementary for participating in such an enthusiastic way and excited that we're able to honor their wishes

822
04:59:56.798 --> 05:00:13.920
and all those students can go over the years ahead walk by that school and say I named that school. That'll be pretty proud thing to be able to say. Um Dr. Lacata asked to be recognized. we will begin um the transformation of

823
05:00:13.920 --> 05:00:28.798
that school. Miss Spencer and I have already spoken about it. We're ahead of the game on that. We need students to see a new bright opening. Um as you know, if you've been by the property, the sign sits way out front. We're looking to get a new a new marquee. And I believe it's zoned to where we could

824
05:00:28.798 --> 05:00:44.160
actually put a lighted marquee with a digital read on it, which would be even nicer. City's a little tight on that, but we are already in the works. And I believe you already have a plan ready to go to give it some a new facelift so so students feel new. I also want to thank the two gentlemen in those fancy hats

825
05:00:44.160 --> 05:01:01.280
out there for protecting everybody, not just in the room, but every day you guys go to work. Appreciate what you do. I got to see some of your uh fellow workmates uh yesterday and such. But thank you every day for what you do. We appreciate it. >> We thank the guy without the hat, too.

826
05:01:01.280 --> 05:02:03.200
>> Where's your hat? >> All right. As there's no further business, it is 9:50 p.m. and this meeting is adjourned. Heat. Heat. Heat.