Board approves partnership with Complex Community Federal Credit Union to open Odessa High student branch

The Ector County Independent School District board voted April 21 to authorize contract negotiations to award RFP 26-15 to Complex Community Federal Credit Union to establish a financial-institution branch at Odessa High School aimed at student financial literacy and workforce experiences.

Staff who led the RFP process said the solicitation emphasized a rigorous competitive process and student employment and education outcomes; only one respondent — Complex Community Federal Credit Union — answered the RFP. “All of these services and all of the construction ... is gonna be, at no cost to our district,” the presenter said, explaining the partner will bear construction and program costs and will provide paid student internships and financial‑literacy offerings aligned to TEA programs of study.

Trustees moved and seconded the award and approved staff's recommendation by hand vote. Staff told trustees they will return with a memorandum of understanding detailing the scope of student hiring, internship counts, and program delivery for board approval.

Board members praised the partnership in the public discussion and noted the connection to Permian High students who recently qualified for state and national finance competitions; the memorandum of understanding will provide the committee and board with the operational details and legal terms before a final contract is executed.