Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationBipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Help Students Learn to Read
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) have introduced the Improving America’s Literacy Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing literacy education. This legislation allocates federal funding to teach five essential literacy pillars based on the Science of Reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Cruz emphasized the need for evidence-based methods, noting a significant decline in literacy rates among students. Recent NAEP assessments revealed that 33% of eighth graders and 40% of fourth graders are reading below basic levels. The bill aims to redirect funds from outdated methods to proven instructional strategies.
EducationSTC’s Margarita Vanguelova Reflects on Decades of Teaching
Margarita Vanguelova, a Professor Emeritus at South Texas College (STC), reflects on her nearly two-decade career in the Rio Grande Valley. Originally from Bulgaria, she brought international experience in structural engineering to STC in 2007, where she played a pivotal role in developing the Architecture Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) program. Upon her retirement in May 2023, she was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus for her exceptional service. Vanguelova emphasized the importance of adapting the curriculum to meet industry needs and inspired generations of students, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of architecture and engineering education.
EducationLearn About Back-to-School Events in McAllen and Mission ISD
McAllen families can gear up for the school year at the annual "Back to School Bash" hosted by McAllen ISD. This event will take place at McHi High School from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering free school supplies and backpacks, along with information on available programs and services. Parents can also register their children during the event. Meanwhile, Mission ISD will hold its own back-to-school event on Monday, July 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., providing free school supplies while supplies last, along with sports physicals, free haircuts, vaccinations, and other community resources. Both districts encourage families to participate to ease the transition back to school.
EducationBoard adjourns meeting without choosing new Edinburg CISD superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District superintendent position continues to remain open following Saturday's scheduled special-called board meeting. The Board of Trustees met for approximately six hours to discuss superintendent candidates and a possible lone finalist, but adjourned without making a decision. During the meeting, the school board announced that it will
EducationMission CISD, McAllen ISD to hand out school supplies at back-to-school events
Mission Consolidated Independent School District and McAllen Independent School District are organizing back-to-school events on Monday, July 27. The Mission CISD event will take place at the Mission Event Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed. Additional services such as immunizations and haircuts will be available. Meanwhile, the McAllen ISD event will be held at McAllen High School from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering school supplies, free meals, and physicals. Families can also meet district administrators and register students for the upcoming school year. For details, call 956-632-3232.
EducationEdinburg CISD to hold second round of interviews for superintendent position
The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District is still searching for a new superintendent after a recent six-hour special meeting ended without a decision. This meeting was convened following the retirement announcement of former Superintendent Mario H. Salinas in March. The school board has decided to conduct a second round of interviews to find a suitable candidate. Once a finalist is selected, there will be a mandatory waiting period of 21 days before the official hiring can take place.
EducationLos Fresnos CISD names lone finalist for superintendent
The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Joseph Villarreal as the sole finalist for the superintendent position during a special meeting on July 23. This decision followed a nationwide search and feedback from over 600 community members who participated in a survey. Dr. Villarreal, currently the superintendent at Santa Maria ISD, has 25 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in Houston ISD and Harlingen CISD. He holds degrees from New York University and the University of Texas institutions. A 21-day waiting period is required before finalizing his contract.
EducationTexas A & M to host Spanish webinar on New World screwworm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a Spanish-language Zoom webinar on July 30 at 10 a.m. aimed at agricultural workers, focusing on the New World screwworm. The session will cover essential topics such as the insect's life cycle, cattle management, and regulations for moving livestock from affected areas. The New World screwworm is a harmful parasitic fly that can cause severe damage to livestock and wildlife by laying eggs in open wounds. Early detection and response are crucial to mitigate its impact. Interested participants can find more information and register online.
EducationTexas Extends Workforce Pell Grant Application Window to Boost Career Training
Texas has extended the application period for the new Workforce Pell Grant program, allowing more colleges and technical schools to submit eligible short-term training programs. This initiative aims to provide affordable training for high-demand careers in fields such as construction, healthcare, and information technology. Governor Abbott emphasized that the program offers a significant opportunity for Texans to gain industry-recognized credentials, leading to better job prospects and higher wages. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in collaboration with other state agencies, is overseeing the implementation of this program, which requires eligible programs to meet specific federal performance standards.
EducationLos Fresnos CISD names lone finalist for superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees named a lone finalist for superintendent during a board meeting on Thursday. According to a news release, Joseph Villarreal was selected after a nationwide search and extensive community input. The selection comes after more than 600 community members participated in a
EducationThe PossAble Dream Receives $150,000 State Grant for Vocational Equipment and Training
The PossAble Dream Adult High School in Pharr, Texas, has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to enhance vocational training for adult learners. The funding will benefit 22 students pursuing HVAC certifications through South Texas College and medical assistant certifications through Rio Grande Valley College. Commissioner Alberto Treviño III highlighted the importance of collaboration among educators and employers in supporting students' career goals. The school, which opened in August 2025, offers tuition-free education for adults aged 18 to 50, focusing on high-demand fields while providing essential support services to help students succeed.
EducationLIST: Back-to-school giveaway events across the Valley
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Summer is almost wrapping up, and students are getting ready to go back to school. Several events happening soon will gift school supplies to help students start the new school year prepared. ValleyCentral has gathered a list of those events: Brownsville Police Department Blanquita's Mexican Restaurant in Harlingen Gladys Porter Zoo
EducationNo-Cost Meals Announced for All IDEA Public Schools Students
IDEA Public Schools will implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026-27 school year, providing free breakfast and lunch to all students across its campuses in the Rio Grande Valley. This initiative eliminates the need for families to submit meal applications for free or reduced-price meals. Fernando Aguilar, Senior VP of the Child Nutrition Program, emphasized that access to nutritious meals supports students' learning and growth. The 26 qualifying campuses include locations in Alamo, Brownsville, Edinburg, McAllen, and more. Families do not need to take any action to benefit from this program.
EducationSTC Director Earns Top National Honor with Lifetime Certification
Lynell Williams, director of the South Texas College Centers for Learning Excellence, has received a Level 4 Lifetime Certification from the International College Learning Center Association. This prestigious certification recognizes her nearly 30 years of excellence in student learning support services. Williams documented her professional achievements and developed a training plan for her staff as part of the certification process. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for her team and aims to inspire them to pursue similar certifications. Her leadership has ensured that all CLE tutors are certified and receive ongoing training to support STC students effectively.
EducationMission Residents Encouraged to Apply for MEDA Scholarship
Residents of Mission are encouraged to apply for the Mission Economic Development Authority (MEDA) scholarship, which has supported over 1,113 South Texas College (STC) students since its inception in 2013, distributing more than $2 million in funding. The priority application deadline is July 31, and eligible students can receive up to $3,200 annually. Gustavo Garcia from STC's Student Financial Services noted that they have already received 559 applications, with new submissions arriving daily. The scholarship is particularly beneficial for students in nursing, technology, and bachelor’s programs. For more details, visit the STC website.
EducationDr. Jonathan B. Flores Earns Top International Management Credential
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, City Manager of Pharr, Texas, has been awarded the Credentialed Manager designation by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He is among over 1,700 professionals recognized through ICMA's Voluntary Credentialing Program. To qualify, candidates must have extensive experience in local government management, relevant educational credentials, and a commitment to ethical standards and lifelong learning. With 25 years of experience, including 8 in executive roles, Dr. Flores expressed gratitude for the support from his mentors and the Pharr community. He has also contributed to various organizations, including the Texas Police Chief’s Association and the Texas City Manager’s Association.
EducationTexas A&M McAllen Higher Education Center Names Inaugural Student Affairs Director
Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen has appointed Samantha Castellanos, a 2010 graduate, as its first director of student affairs, starting July 20, 2026. Previously the assistant director at McAllen, Castellanos has over a decade of experience at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, focusing on student support. In her new role, she will enhance campus resources, oversee student programs, and promote engagement. Castellanos is committed to fostering student success and collaboration within the community. She holds a bachelor's degree in technology management from Texas A&M and a master's in higher education administration from Sam Houston State University.
EducationMission CISD Volunteers Prepare Over 1,000 Backpacks for Back-to-School Bash
Mission CISD volunteers gathered to pack over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Back-to-School Bash. The event, which involved staff, teachers, and community members, aims to ensure families are ready for the new school year. In addition to free supplies, the bash will offer services like immunizations, physicals, and haircuts. Scheduled for July 27, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, the event encourages families to utilize these resources as they gear up for the school year ahead.
EducationBrownsville ISD approves contract for new superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Independent School District Board of Trustees officially named its new superintendent during a meeting on Friday. The school district approved an employment contract for Timothy E. Cuff following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period. Cuff was named the lone finalist in late June. "On behalf of the Board of Trustees,