Reprint from the Progress Times - April 11, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

 

Concern over vending machine profits causes delay in contract

 

By Kathy Olivarez

Concern over the low profit from vending machines in the La Joya Independent School District prompted a delay in the contract in signing a contract for a vendor for the district in the Thursday, April 3, meeting.

Board member Joe Aguilar was first concerned that the contract had been allowed to lapse. However, during discussion Aguilar became more concerned over the low profit that was being offered by the sole bidder. He questioned whether it would be more profitable to have district personnel stock the machines.

Sylvia Zapata, director of Purchasing, said that the guidelines for products allowed in school vending machines were stringent and it would be best to allow vendors to deal with the problem than have a district person make a mistake that would get the district in trouble.

Superintendent Alda Benavides seconded this opinion and said that new guidelines were even more stringent than those currently in effect.

According to the current contract, higher profit (20 percent) is made from the vending machines in the high schools while no profit is made on the vending machines in the teachers’ lounges of the district. Aguilar objected to there being no profit made from the vending machines in the teacher’s lounges, saying that the profit would be a good source of revenue to finance needed school projects. He asked how much profit was being received from machines in the high school.

Zapata said that in the six months proceeding, $3,000 had been made from vending machines. The only machines for students are the two located at the high school.

Aguilar was unhappy, feeling that profits should be higher, and asked that the matter be tabled for further consideration.

In other action Benavides reported that the student population for the week of March 18 was 26,184, and increase of 841 over the previous year. The student population is down from a high of 26,404.

Concern over the location for the employee banquet being too small to hold all employees prompted discussion among board members. The McAllen Convention Center has been selected for the event at a cost of $17.95 per person with a limit of 1,392 participants. Total cost for the banquet is $32,310.

Board members were concerned that so few of the district personnel could attend but they were told that most personnel did not attend and that the space provided was adequate. Concern was expressed over the cost per person but the administration said the district was not only paying for the meal but also for use of the facilities.

Two students were recognized. Gerardo Gonzalez, a fifth grade student at J.F.K., was honored for achieving the status of Double Millionaire while Celeste Garza, also a fifth grade student at J.F.K., was honored for achieving the status of Triple Millionaire in the Reading Renaissance Reading Program. To become a millionaire, a child must read a million words.

Hector Hugo Trevino was recognized for being the first online graduate of the LJISD.

Several teachers were honored for their enrollment in the Lamar University Academic Partnerships Program. Of the 24 teachers enrolled in the program, 21 percent are taking the Teacher Leadership Program while 79 percent are in School Administration.

Under board approvals the district approved an interlocal cooperation contract for the University of Texas-Pan American Migrant University Summer Experience. Three to six junior and senior migrant students will have an opportunity for credit accrual on-campus while having the experience of living in a dorm. They will attend college readiness seminars, career choices and attend leadership workshops. The cost of the program is $4,965 per student of $29,790.

The district received a grant in the amount of $145,535 for the optional extended school year program designed to help students who need more time to master TAKS objectives to avoid failing for the school year.

Grants for Title I, Part A in the amount of $403,881; Title I Park D in the amount of $346,991; Title I, Part A, for $50,172; Title II, Part D, for $4,113; Title III, Part A, for $38,621; Title IV, Part A, for $5,664; and Title V, Part A, for $2,496 were approved after discussion. They are also related to end-of-the-year programs to help students who need additional assistance.

The site selected for elementary 25 is approximately 300 feet north of the Mile 5 Line and Abram Road intersection. No dates for construction of the school were given.

Colors for the new Lloyd M. Bentsen Elementary (#23) were selected. Primary colors with reds and blues were selected.

The board approved the southwest corner of FM 2221 and Western Road as the location of a transportation substation to serve schools in that area.

The board approved purchase of "The Bienestar Program," which is designed to teach good health habits to children. Senate Bill 520 requires that school district extend a coordinated school health program through eighth grade as part of the "Texas Fitness Now Grant.” The program purchased will focus on nutrition, physical fitness, obesity and prevention of diabetes, which is especially prevalent in the Rio Grande Valley for students in kindergarten through eighth grades. The cost of the program is $53,369.77.

Courses now referred to as government advanced placement will now be known as government honors. This will allow students to receive extra credit for rigorous requirements of the class.