McAllen News, McAllen TX News, bond election, school facilities
Arnoldo Mata
McAllen, TX - The McAllen ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved an order calling a $335 million bond election during its Feb. 10 regular meeting, following a months-long planning process involving district staff and community members.
Bond election order approved
Trustees voted 6-0 to approve the order calling the bond election and to make provisions for a joint election with other participating political subdivisions. One trustee temporarily lost connection during the vote, and the board later clarified the motion passed with six votes in favor.
Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez told trustees the proposed order would allow the district to proceed with placing the bond proposition before voters in accordance with Texas law.
Trustee Roberto Haddad said the proposal follows a “10 month long process” involving community members, principals, administrators and teachers to identify district needs. He noted it has been about 20 years since the district last issued a bond and said campuses have “significant needs across the district.”
Haddad said the $335 million proposal would fund maintenance and improvements at every campus, including fine arts spaces, cafeterias, roofs and HVAC systems, with a focus on equity.
Another trustee thanked members of the district’s facilities planning committee and said schools represent “a commitment of a community towards the future.” The board president also stated the bond could move forward “with no tax rate increase,” referencing prior voter approval of a tax ratification election that helped position the district to propose the bond.
The board also recognized representatives from Pfluger Architects, financial advisors from Estrada Hinojosa, and bond counsel for their work on the proposal. District officials said the next step will be to inform the community about the bond over the coming weeks.
Public comment focuses on student nutrition
Earlier in the meeting, three physicians and a parent addressed the board during public comment to raise concerns about breakfast offerings at district campuses.
Herschel Patel asked trustees to remove certain high-sugar items from school breakfast menus, stating, “Dessert, not breakfast. Dessert.” He said sugary foods contribute to health issues and can affect students’ focus and behavior.
Dr. Sebastian Cuevas, an emergency physician and parent, cited childhood obesity rates and urged the board to review and strengthen cafeteria criteria to reduce added sugars and processed foods.
Dr. Liliana Rios, a nephrologist, also spoke about increasing rates of fatty liver disease and other chronic conditions among young people and asked the district to consider changes to promote healthier eating habits.
Calendar and other actions
Trustees later approved the 2026-27 academic calendar in a 6-0 vote. District officials said the selected calendar provides three weeks for winter break and includes additional professional learning days for teachers.
The board also approved a memorandum of understanding for college preparatory math and English courses, a January budget amendment, and an agreement with the I Love You Guys Foundation for a standard response protocol and reunification method.
Additionally, trustees approved minutes from prior meetings and tabled discussion on nominating a candidate to the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors until a future meeting.