Special Called Meeting - September 2, 2026

The United Independent School District Board of Trustees held a special called meeting on September 2, 2026. The board approved 2025–26 year-end budget amendments adding $6.5 million for health insurance claims and $5 million for payroll accruals. Officials estimated the resulting unassigned fund balance at $28.5 million, including a $3 million loan, or about 24 days of operating expenses. Trustees discussed rising medical costs and employee education about using primary-care and urgent-care services rather than standalone emergency rooms. Administration said an insurance-consultant RFQ was underway, with proposals expected to be opened the following week; no consultant selection was made. Public commenters raised concerns about projected deficits, fund balance, and the absence of an efficiency audit or fiscal plan.

The board also heard presentations from three firms responding to RFP 2026-019 for Financial Advisory Services. Members discussed the firms’ experience, fees, credit-rating and forecasting support, and the district’s financial outlook. Scores of 76, 89, and 87 were reported, and a motion was made and seconded to select Estrada Hinojosa, prompting disagreement about the scoring and selection process. The board did not vote: the meeting lost quorum before the motion could be decided, so no contract award was made. Members noted that the existing advisory contract was not due to expire until 2028.