During the course of the meeting the City and School Board touched base on issues regarding the entities’ relationship, and how it could be improved in order to run things more efficiently. 

   Mayor Cantu addressed a concern having to do with how the gym facilities are allowed to be used. 

   “The majority of our leagues are district students and they all represent their schools and they have grown by leaps and bounds.”

 Cantu touched base on the issue due to certain setbacks being seen with the agreed terms of use. 

 EPISD Superintendent Gilbert Gonzalez then stated that the school would also like to see the city act in the same manner when the district would like to use a city owned facility such as the ITC center. 

   “Lets cut straight to the chase and not dance around the subject. Let’s be honest with each other,” said Cantu who explained that use of city facilities does come with set fees because of the costs that comes with operating the facility, among other costs.    

   “There’s ways to work around it, and we have no issues looking to do so.”

    Both entities agreed that finding amicable ground on the use of each others’ facilities in some form of exchange, besides funds, would be beneficial to the entire community. 

    School Board Trustee Hilda Martinez stated that she would hope that both entities could come to terms of agreement on the issue. 

   “We need to see how we can help each other,” said Martinez.

   Councilman Luis Sifuentes explained a good example was how the city provides Parks and Recreation services for the benefit of the community.

   “We take a good hit at parks and recreation, but its for the benefit of the student,” said Sifuentes.

   Council Member Rudy Villapando stated that both entities needed to closely look into working out such issues. 

“These are some of the things we need to get together and iron out,” said Villalpando.