ECISD details HVAC fixes, enrollment slide; DEI compliance vote pulled

Arnoldo Mata
Edinburg, TX – Edinburg CISD trustees on Tuesday zeroed in on how the district is handling HVAC repairs and where student counts stand as the first state reporting window closes, while quietly pulling a planned vote on a diversity, equity and inclusion compliance resolution.

HVAC repair process explained

Julie Perez, the district’s director of maintenance and operations, outlined how a 16-person HVAC team services 45 instructional facilities that house roughly 1,800 units, including 49 chillers and 284 wall-mounted systems in 142 portables. She said HVAC generates about 140 work orders a week — “about 17 per two-man crew.”

“In reality, some of these jobs take more than a day, and there’s always urgency and pressure when entire campuses or testing sites are affected,” Perez told trustees. She added that while 89% of HVAC work orders were closed between July 28 and Sept. 19, the small crew size and lack of building controls at 16 campuses continue to pose challenges.

“Sixteen campuses still don’t have building controls, so we can’t diagnose those systems remotely,” Perez said. “Proposing upgrades there would save time and let us respond faster.”

Perez said her department is preparing to issue iPads for on-site documentation and to require daily closure of work orders by foremen. “Closing work orders daily will keep us more efficient and better prepared for the next day,” she said. Other initiatives include staggered late shifts every other month for preventive maintenance and portable cooling units to bridge gaps while permanent repairs are made.

Student enrollment down

On enrollment, PIEMS and Pupil Accounting Director Freddy Martinez reported the district had 32,489 students as of Friday, Sept. 19 — down 862 from last year at the same point. Elementary enrollment was 16,143 (down 433), middle schools 6,507 (down 89) and high schools 9,839 (down 340).

“As of the 24th day, our district had 32,489 students — a net difference of minus 862 compared to last year,” Martinez said. He added that 163 students who left last year have returned with migrant status.

“Our teams are diligently working to bring students back to Edinburg CISD before Friday’s school start window closes,” Martinez said. “We’re providing maximum effort and maximum support at the campuses to make sure we do our best.”

During public comment, a representative of Edinburg AFT emphasized that strong fine arts programs help the district recruit and retain families, arguing the offerings bolster attendance and academics. Trustees also observed a moment of silence for former principal and Edinburg city council member Arnold Benavides and for a student from Cavazos Elementary.

DEI resolution pulled

Under Item 8.A, “Approval of Resolution Number 2026-03 … Certifying Compliance with DEI Provisions,” Superintendent Mario A. Salinas announced the item was pulled at the school district attorney’s request. No explanation for the request was given. The resolution is a state-required document.

Other action

Trustees approved the consent agenda and then unanimously adopted all remaining Action Agenda items (B–J), including:

• A letter of proposal with RGV Vocational Staffing.
• An agreement related to industry-based certification exams.
• Region One ESC library services and a Region One consortium renewal.
• Purchases tied to Advanced Placement.
• Various instructional purchasing and competitive proposals.

After executive session

Following a closed session, the board reported no action was taken privately. In open session, trustees approved the hiring of Carolina Ramirez as librarian for Memorial Middle School, as recommended by the administration. The board also voted to approve the employment of other professional applicants as discussed in closed session. No action was taken regarding the librarian position at Truman Elementary.

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