July 20, 2020

A Message from the District - Superintendent Letter to Parents and Staff

Dear Parents and Staff,

The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) is working and collaborating with local and state agencies to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in our area. On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño and the Cameron County Health Authority issued a Joint Emergency Health Control Order delaying in-person, face-to-face public and private school instruction. On Wednesday, July 15, 2020, the BISD Board of Trustees approved a Resolution to support the County Joint Order and requested the City of Brownsville Commissioners’ Court to support delaying in-person, face-to-face instruction.

Furthermore, on Friday, July 17, 2020, the Texas Education Agency authorized school districts to limit on-campus instruction for the first four weeks of school. After the first four weeks, the school district can limit the on-campus instruction for an additional four weeks, as needed, with a board approved waiver.

We have also modified the 2020-2021 School Calendar to delay the first day of class until Tuesday, August 25, 2020. The teachers will begin their contracts on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

Based on the updated information, the following adjustments will go into effect:
A. Schools will remain closed until further notice.
B. Faculty and Staff will be providing distance learning instructional support to ALL students through the following TEA approved instructional models:
1. Synchronous – two-way, real-time, live, instruction between teachers and students, through the computer or other electronic devices or over the phone.
2. Asynchronous – a curricular experience where students engage in the learning materials on their own time, interacting intermittently with the teacher via the computer or other electronic devices or over the phone.
C. District staff will have the flexibility to work from home, from campus, and/or from their respective departments during the distance learning timeline.
D. Essential employees will be asked to report to their respective campus/department area as needed to maintain district operations and services.


The district will provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to provide a safe working environment for essential employees who will be reporting to work.

I want our parents to know that we are committed to provide our students with an exemplary instructional program that will continue to prepare them for college and career readiness. Our principals will be providing further information on the campus procedures for our children’s distance learning participation.

Thank you to everyone in our community for your patience and continued support as we adapt our school system to meet the educational needs of our children. We look forward to a “Strong Start” and stay safe.

Sincerely,
Dr. René Gutiérrez Superintendent of Schools






February 21, 2018

BISD Continues to Ensure the Safety of All Campuses

BISD has received several false reports and threats against our campuses, some from students posting messages on social media. We remind everyone that making false reports and threats against our schools is a very serious offense, with severe consequences including possible criminal charges. BISD continues to take every necessary measure to ensure the safety, security & protection of all our students, schools and staff. To report suspicious activity, please contact the BISD Police Dept. hotline at (956) 982-3085.

February 15, 2018

BISD Middle School & ECHS Regional Science & Engineering Fair Results

Congratulations to all BISD students who participated in the Rio Grande Valley Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at UTRGV. All students who placed in the top three of their division will advance to the next level of competition. BISD has 49 students in the Senior Division and 21 students in the Junior Division who advanced to the State Science & Engineering Fair scheduled for March 23-24, 2018, in San Antonio. Junior Division Results / Senior Division Results

February 11, 2018

Porter ECHS Fine Arts Building Groundbreaking Ceremony Postponed

Due to inclement weather, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Porter ECHS Fine Arts Building originally scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2018, will be postponed. A rescheduled date for the ceremony will be announced soon.

February 9, 2018

BISD Youth Connection Project presents, “Know the Signs”

This presentation for parents and students will provide essential information about the warning signs of depression and suicidal thoughts. It will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Central Administration Building. Click here to view invitation.

February 8, 2018

Porter Early College High School to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony

The BISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Esperanza Zendejas cordially invite the public to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Porter ECHS Fine Arts Building, a Tax Ratification Election (TRE) priority project, on Monday, February 12, 2018, at 10 a.m.

February 7, 2018

February is Career and Technical Education Month

BISD takes great pride in providing educational opportunities to prepare our students for high-wage and high-demand careers. During the month of February, we celebrate the accomplishments of our CTE students, and we thank our dedicated CTE staff. Learn more by visiting the BISD Career and Technical Education website.