Recognitions
Student Council Update
Daniel Corso, AHHS Student Council President, shared an update with Trustees on Student Council events including upcoming partnerships with Teens in the Driver Seat to promote safe driving, and the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center to sponsor a blood drive in January.
Other Board Action and Presentations
Dr. Jimmie Walker, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and Matthew Streger, Chief Financial Officer, presented a report on Pillar VII of the Community Based Accountability System which is focused on fiscal and operational systems. For the audited fiscal year of 2023-2024, eighty six percent of the AHISD budget is allocated to payroll for staff. Additionally, $22.1 million dollars was sent back to the state in the form of recapture. Finally, AHISD held a public hearing to discuss the FIRST results from the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Trustees approved the 2023-24 Financial Audit completed by Armstrong, Vaughan, and Associates, PC.
As required by state law, a public hearing was held for the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). FIRST is the state’s financial accountability rating system. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes. AHISD received an “Above Standard Achievement” rating based on 2022-23 data.
Trustees heard a request that was previously approved by the Superintendent: a high school student trip to Cheer Team UCA Nationals in February 2025.
Trustees approved the 2025-26 school calendar. The calendar was presented by Dr. Frank Alfaro, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services. The approved calendar is posted to the AHISD website.
Trustees heard a Budget Advisory Council Update presented by Dr. Alfaro. The Council met four times this fall to provide input about the impact potential budget reductions would have if the Board of Trustees needed to reduce the budget by $5 million for the 2025-26 school year if no additional school funding is allocated in the upcoming 89th legislative session.
Sara Flowers from LPA Architects presented to Trustees about Project 2 of School Bond 2023 which includes Cambridge, Woodridge, and the Robbins Athletic Complex.
Trustees approved the procurement of Skyward Software and a truck for the Maintenance Department. They also approved necessary repairs of the Junior School track.
Donations were accepted from: Alamo Heights Mule Team; Howard PTO, AHHS PTSO, Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria, and Alamo Heights Pool Sharks. The accepted donations totaled $105,998.46.
Trustees accepted reports from the Goals and Priorities, Legislative, Building, Budget, Audit, and Assessment and Long-Range Planning committees; and the Alamo Heights School Foundation Board.