A trustee raised concerns at the United Independent School District board meeting about the timing and transparency of monthly disbursement reports and sought clearer preapproval authority for event spending.

Trustee Michelle Levin told colleagues she had raised questions in the prior meeting about apparent differences in audio-visual bills for a convocation event (noting amounts referenced in the discussion) and said the finance spreadsheet had not yet been provided: "It's been a week, and I know it's not on finance. We haven't received the spreadsheet. So that's a little concerning to me."

Levin proposed a sub-motion to give the superintendent authority to approve spending for events like convocation and future ceremonies so trustees would have advance notice of expenditures. Superintendent Gerardo Cruz and district staff responded that the approval process and limits already are in place, and staff said the requested spreadsheet would be included in a forthcoming packet. The superintendent's office and the finance department told trustees they rely on existing procurement practices and vendor selection processes.

The consent agenda, which included monthly disbursements, passed after a motion and second; the transcript records no recorded opposition. A separate minutes amendment for April 16, 2025, was also discussed and approved after staff explained the original minutes misstated board action on a bank depository RFP, and the minutes were corrected to reflect that the item had been approved.

Why it matters: Trustees exercising oversight of district spending and timely access to disbursement details are central to fiduciary transparency. The exchange indicates at least one trustee wanted additional advance notice of event spending; staff maintains the current authority and reporting procedures meet policy requirements.

What the meeting record shows: A trustee asked for a spreadsheet and proposed a sub-motion for prior approval authority. Administration replied that the authority and reporting are already in place and the requested information will be provided in the Friday packet. The consent agenda (including disbursements) was approved by voice vote.

Next steps: The transcript records staff commitment to provide the requested spreadsheet; any formal change to superintendent spending authority would require a separate agenda item or policy action at a future meeting.