In a recent government meeting, board members discussed the approval of a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an external evaluator to assist with federal and state funds, specifically awarding the contract to Zandranek Corporation. The motion, made by Trustee Suarez and seconded by Trustee Quinones, passed unanimously. The board highlighted the importance of securing grant writing expertise, especially after experiencing a significant shortfall in funding from the Department of Justice, which denied a $4 million grant. Members expressed optimism that hiring a professional grant writer could improve their chances of securing more funding in the future.
Additionally, Superintendent Kollers provided an update on an intruder detection audit conducted at UDLA by the Texas Education Agency. The audit revealed no security breaches in phase one, but noted deficiencies in documentation during phase two, specifically regarding the weekly door sweep logs. The logs were completed but not readily accessible during the audit due to staffing changes. The board emphasized the need for better training and cross-training among administrative staff to ensure that critical safety documentation is always available.
The discussions underscored the district's commitment to enhancing safety protocols and improving grant acquisition strategies, reflecting a proactive approach to both funding and security measures.