By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
06-24-25
The Uvalde CISD School Board met Monday night, June 23rd for a special meeting covering the state of the district’s finances. Uvalde CFO Pam Bendele presented information on the current status of the district’s bank account following the last day of the school for the 2025 Spring Semester.
Frustrations were obvious on the face of Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis and the expressions of other board members remained mostly serious.
Chohlis voiced frustrations about not being able to put money back for needed repairs and purchases of school buses, many of which, according to the superintendent, are over 10 years old.
The school board meeting also consisted of discussions about the newly passed HB2 also called the school finance bill signed into law during the 2025 Spring Legislative Session. According to Chohlis, the law does provide some additional money for public schools, but the additional monies were seen as a drop in the bucket.
“If we cannot pay our bills in a year of two, nobody will be coming to save us.” Superintendent Ashley Chohlis said.
During the district’s Budget report presented by CFO Pam Bendele, Chohlis listened, appearing to have a serious, somber look on her face.
During the citizen comments portion of the meeting, Diana Olvedo-Karau suggested the district sell the 13 houses it acquired in 2023 under the direction of former Superintendent Gary Patterson in an effort to recruit teachers.
“We cannot live on the liquidated assets,” Chohlis said.
“When we don’t have enough money to pay bills, we have to do something.” Chohlis said
The issue of lack of attendance was also discussed by board members and it was indicated the district would be taking more aggressive steps to address truancy during the next school year.
Chohlis mentioned a situation where a parent was contacted about not attending school, and the parent stated the student chose to sleep in.
