Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Broadband Planning for Brownsville, TX

August 26, 2020 (Brownsville, TX) – The City of Brownsville, in partnership with seven strategic local stakeholders (Brownsville Public Utilities Board, Port of Brownsville, Texas Southmost College, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, and Brownsville Independent School District) have announced a new campaign to help bring faster internet and better internet access to online Brownsville citizens.

To kick off the data-driven planning initiative, the City of Brownsville is encouraging all residents to take a survey that will help them prioritize areas that need better internet connectivity with greatest urgency.

The survey is now available online at https://brownsvillefiber.servicezones.net.

Citizens and stakeholders will be able to participate using a cell phone, tablet, or computer from any connected location. However, those that can complete the survey from their home or business address are strongly encouraged to do so. For those that can take the survey from home, there is an optional speed test component that will help planners map current accessibility across the community more accurately.

“During these challenging times, access and affordability factors are more important than ever before. As we think about technology advancements in our community, we need to plan with citizen needs prioritized,” Mayor Trey Mendez said. “There is a lot of benefit that comes with high speed internet connectivity. We need to be thinking carefully about how to ensure our citizens have access to telehealth, remote learning, e-commerce, e-government, smart home technology, and other important services that will help our community thrive. I am excited that so many community organizations have stepped up to partner with the city and prioritize this initiative”

In the months ahead, citizen input gathered through this survey will be overlayed with infrastructure data to help planners identify the best paths, partners, and near-term opportunities that can be leveraged for additional infrastructure development. Citizens will have until the end of the calendar year to share their feedback but planning efforts will begin as soon as actionable patterns begin to emerge from the community response.

Friday, September 25, 2020

BISD Requests Additional Four-Week Extension for Distance Learning

Brownsville, Texas – September 25, 2020, – The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) announces today that the district will be requesting from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) an additional four-week extension for distance learning beyond the second four weeks of the 2020 - 2021 instructional calendar.

“We will be informing TEA that BISD will be requesting an additional four-week extension for distance learning,” said Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of Schools of BISD. “We need to include data of confirmed COVID-19 cases to TEA and justify our request since the Rio Grande Valley is still considered a hot spot.”

Administration will be placing an agenda item at the next Board of Trustees Meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2020. The Board of Trustees must take action to authorize this waiver by specific vote. The waiver application must include an indication as to the local public health conditions.

BISD will continue with the current Soft Opening Plan allowing students without internet and/or a technology device to receive face-to-face instruction on campus. During the extended period being requested with this waiver, at least on some on-campus instruction must be provided each day.

For more information, contact the Brownsville Independent School District at 956.548.8000.


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About Brownsville Independent School District: Established in 1915, The Brownsville Independent School District is a public school district whose mission is to graduate students who are prepared to excel in higher education and successfully pursue career opportunities in a changing global society by maximizing resources to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. Recognized for its top-rated performance through the Texas Education Agency, the Brownsville Independent School District is the largest employer in the Rio Grande Valley with 54 schools, 6,458 employees, and 43,028 students. The Brownsville Independent School District provides a broad selection of academic activities and programs for all students that range from Early College High Schools to support programs for students with special needs. Thanks to the support of the local community, the Brownsville Independent School District is The Best Choice with a graduation rate of 93%. For more information, visit www.bisd.us.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

BISD Approves and Adopts Tax Rate for 2020-2021

Brownsville, Texas – September 24, 2020, – The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) announces today that during a Special Called Meeting, the Board of Trustees approved Resolution #021-2020-2021 for the adoption of the 2020-2021 proposed tax rate.

“I want to thank the Board of Trustees for their approval,” said Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of Schools for BISD. “The Business and Finance team has been working hard these past months and it is going to be a relief to our tax payer and to our community members.”

Administration recommended a tax rate of no more than $1.175872 per $100 valuation with a maintenance and operations rate of $1.0254 and a debt service rate of $0.150472. The 2020-2021 combined tax rate is $0.010834 less than the fiscal year 2019-2020.

“Today’s BISD Board of Trustees approval of a property tax reduction is more good news for local taxpayers,” said Minerva Peña, President of the BISD Board of Trustees. “The tax rate, over the past two years, has been reduced nine cents from $1.27 per $100 of property tax valuation to $1.18. In this year of uncertainty, the school district has stepped up again to ease the burden of property taxes.”

“This reduction joins achievements already in place in 2020,” added Peña. “Continued meal services, increased hot spot and device availability, and raises for both teachers and classified employees are strong indications of BISD’s commitment to its students, employees and the citizens of Brownsville.”

For more information, contact the Brownsville Independent School District at 956.548.8000.


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About Brownsville Independent School District: Established in 1915, The Brownsville Independent School District is a public school district whose mission is to graduate students who are prepared to excel in higher education and successfully pursue career opportunities in a changing global society by maximizing resources to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. Recognized for its top-rated performance through the Texas Education Agency, the Brownsville Independent School District is the largest employer in the Rio Grande Valley with 54 schools, 6,458 employees, and 43,028 students. The Brownsville Independent School District provides a broad selection of academic activities and programs for all students that range from Early College High Schools to support programs for students with special needs. Thanks to the support of the local community, the Brownsville Independent School District is The Best Choice with a graduation rate of 93%. For more information, visit www.bisd.us.

Brownsville ISD to host Second Vaccination Clinic on Friday, March 12

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