Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationSenators Unveil Bill Targeting Relief for Military Homeschoolers
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz, Ted Budd, and Ashley Moody have introduced the COMPASS Act, aimed at easing the homeschooling process for military families during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. This legislation allows these families to adhere to the homeschooling laws of their legal home state instead of switching to the new state's regulations, thereby reducing stress and providing educational stability. Cruz emphasized that military families homeschool at nearly double the civilian rate, and the bill aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that can disrupt their children's education. The bill is supported by several organizations, including the Home School Legal Defense Association.
EducationRGV Students Graduate from Prestigious Texas Boys State Program
Over 50 students from the Rio Grande Valley graduated from the American Legion Texas Boys State program in Austin last week. These delegates participated in a week-long event where they campaigned for various political positions, including Governor and Attorney General, and learned about leadership and the political process. Each student was assigned to a city, county, and district, culminating in elections for key offices. The program, which selects participants based on leadership qualities and community involvement, aims to prepare Texas' top high school seniors for future success. Notably, alumni like Bobby Pulido are using their experiences to run for political office.
EducationTexas Tech Welcomes Six PSJA ISD Leaders into Innovative PhD Program
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) has achieved a milestone with six educators accepted into Texas Tech University's PhD program in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Blended and Personalized Learning. This opportunity arose from a partnership linked to the Texas Education Agency’s Blended Learning Grant initiative. The educators, who previously completed a 15-hour graduate certificate, include Jessica Moore, Kimberly Ortega, Karla Rodriguez, Jonathan Chapa Trigo, Valentin Guerra, and Senyda Elizondo. PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias emphasized the program's relevance to the district's goals, enhancing instructional practices and student learning experiences.
EducationPharr EDC Foundation Awards 50 Scholarships to Local Students
The Pharr EDC Foundation awarded 50 scholarships to local high school students during its 2026 Scholarship Award Ceremony on June 1. Victor Perez, president of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, highlighted that the foundation has provided over $1 million in scholarships to more than 500 students in its first five years. Keynote speaker Romeo Cantu shared his journey from the Rio Grande Valley to a successful media career, urging students to embrace their heritage and be proud of their roots. He emphasized the importance of storytelling and encouraged students to remember their families and community as they pursue higher education.
EducationAP Exclusive: The private school choice boom leaves behind many kids in public school
In Fort Worth, Texas, Maria Contreras is exploring private school options for her son Ian, who struggles with focus and learning. As states, including Texas, expand taxpayer-funded scholarships for private education, many public school families remain unaware of these opportunities or lack the means to access them. The new Texas Education Freedom Accounts program allocates around $1 billion to assist families with private schooling costs. However, an analysis shows that most beneficiaries are students already in private or home schools. Ian's family faces challenges in securing a scholarship due to late evaluations for his learning disability, leaving them uncertain about his educational future.
EducationTowards Private Education? Scholarships Encourage Students to Leave Public Schools
The visit to the Catholic school ended, and María Contreras felt an irresistible urge to enroll her 7-year-old son there. But first, a difficult question: 'Could my son be expelled?' she asked the principal in Spanish. The second grader has trouble concentrating, doesn't listen to teachers, and runs around the classroom, she explained. More and more families across the United States are experimenting with private schools as states—and soon the federal government—use tax-funded scholarships to encourage them to leave public schools. Soon, half of American students will be eligible to apply for state funds to finance a private education, with many states offering scholarships even to high-income families. In theory, these programs should provide children with educational opportunities they would not otherwise have. In reality, students already attending private schools or receiving homeschooling are the ones most likely to benefit, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. The reasons are complex. In some cases, families with children in public schools are unaware of these scholarship programs, known as vouchers or education savings accounts. They may lack transportation to take their children to private school. Some worry that their child won't adapt to a stricter disciplinary environment. Sometimes, as is the case in Texas—the most recent state to join the private school choice movement, which already has $10.5 billion—the law is written to benefit families who know how to navigate complex educational systems. Contreras and her husband grew up in a Catholic family in Mexico. They moved to Texas, where he found work as a welder, and eventually obtained their green cards. They were relatively happy sending their three older children to public schools in Fort Worth. However, their youngest son, Ian, faced several challenges. He was reading well below the expected level for his age. In the fall, Contreras asked Ian's teacher to test him for possible learning difficulties, unaware that there was a legally mandated process to request that evaluation. For months, no one assessed her son. And she was not alone. At her son's elementary school—where almost all students come from low-income families, and most are still learning English—learning difficulties have been diagnosed at a surprisingly low rate. Only 4% qualify for special education services, compared to 14% district-wide. Contreras didn't know it then, but without those tests, she would have few options to pay for a new school for Ian.
EducationProgreso ISD Coaches Reprimanded, School Probation Extended After UIL Violations
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has reprimanded four coaches from Progreso ISD and extended the school's probation period. The affected coaches include Raul Rivera (boys basketball), Damian Magallan (boys soccer), Eric Garcia (girls soccer), and Ivan Gonzalez (former athletic director). Each coach received a public reprimand and a two-year probation. Progreso High School was already on probation for two years due to previous violations, which now totals three years after the UIL's recent decision. The violations involved three student-athletes, with two lacking proper participation forms and one misclassified due to a clerical error in 2022.
EducationEPA and NADBank Fund Rio Grande Valley Water Workforce Training Initiative
The Skills for Sustainability (S4S) Water Workforce Training Program has been launched in the Rio Grande Valley, funded by an $80,000 grant from the U.S.-Mexico Border 2025 Program, a collaboration between the EPA and SEMARNAT. The program aims to train 50 water industry workers, including 19 from the McAllen Public Utility Board (PUB), focusing on skills like machinery operation safety and environmental literacy. Additionally, around 30 low-income individuals will receive training to qualify for entry-level positions. The program is set to conclude on December 22, 2026, and aims to enhance workforce readiness in the region.
EducationFree NWS Inspector Training for Texas Livestock Rolled Out
Governor Greg Abbott has introduced a free online training course aimed at increasing the number of certified New World Screwworm (NWS) inspectors in Texas. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, USDA-APHIS, and other agencies, is essential for maintaining the safety and movement of livestock. The course covers NWS biology, inspection protocols, and certification processes. Eligible participants include licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and various state inspectors. By completing the course and passing the exam, individuals can become certified inspectors authorized to issue movement certificates for livestock. The program is part of Texas's broader strategy to combat NWS effectively.
EducationHarlingen South student heading to 2026 National Speech and Debate Tournament
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —Theatre is about telling stories, but one local student's story may be his most compelling role yet. The lights come up. The curtain opens. And for Javier, that's where the magic begins. Whether it's musical theatre, one-act play, or speech and debate, the Harlingen South junior continues to leave audiences speechless. "I've
Education'A huge milestone': Roma ISD mariachi director speaks on performance at Carnegie Hall
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Roma Independent School District's mariachi program had the opportunity to shine and represent the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday at Carnegie Hall in New York City. "It's a tremendous opportunity for a musician, especially as a student musician, to step foot on one of the world's most prestigious stages," said director
EducationTexas National Bank Executive Sees Bank On INT as Investment in Future Workforce
Rafael Medrano, executive vice president of Texas National Bank, highlighted the Bank On INT internship program as a vital investment in the future workforce of the Rio Grande Valley during its second-year launch on June 5, 2026. The event, held at Edinburg City Council Chambers, included representatives from the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, UTRGV, and local banks. Medrano emphasized the program's benefits for students and employers, providing hands-on experience in the financial sector. He also suggested expanding banking education at UTRGV, while Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa encouraged students to pursue careers in the region.
EducationUTRGV scientist explains how to spot the screwworm fly
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Zavala County, Texas, the site of the first New World screwworm case in decades. This county, located 100 miles southwest of San Antonio, is central to efforts against the pest. Dr. Sarah Maestas from UTRGV explained how to identify the screwworm fly, which resembles a blow fly with a metallic green or blue body and distinctive stripes on its thorax. She emphasized that this pest feeds on live flesh, unlike another screwworm that consumes decaying matter. Residents are urged to report any infestations on wildlife or livestock to the appropriate authorities.
EducationSTC CDL Program Rolls Out OSHA 10, Hazmat Training This Summer
Starting July 1, South Texas College's Commercial Truck License Institute will launch an 18-hour training program that includes OSHA 10 instruction and hazardous materials endorsement preparation. The program aims to enhance workplace safety knowledge for commercial drivers in the transportation, logistics, and industrial sectors. Classes will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout July and August, featuring 10 hours of OSHA coursework and eight hours of Hazmat training. This initiative is open to current CDL holders and those looking to expand their professional credentials, emphasizing the importance of safety in handling hazardous materials.
EducationHead Start and Vanguard Academy Launch New Partnership with June 17 Family Event
The Hidalgo County Head Start Program is excited to announce a new chapter for the 2026-2027 school year, including the renaming of its Camarena campus to Palmview Head Start Academy. This change reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation in early childhood education. In partnership with Vanguard Academy Charter School, the program aims to enhance educational opportunities for local families. A Meet & Greet event will be held on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Vanguard Monet Elementary School, where students will receive a free uniform shirt. This collaboration seeks to inspire a love of learning and prepare children for future success.
EducationTexas Teachers Recognized with $750 Million in Incentive Allotment Awards
Governor Greg Abbott announced the allocation of over $750 million in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds to more than 65,000 teachers across 800 school districts in Texas. This initiative, managed by the Texas Education Agency, has distributed over $1.8 billion since its launch. The TIA aims to retain effective educators and improve student outcomes, with research indicating a 20% increase in retention rates for top teachers. In the 2024-25 school year, 91% of high-performing teachers were retained in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, contributing to improved accountability ratings. Participation in TIA is expected to exceed 1,000 districts by Fall 2026.
EducationHarlingen museum welcomes hundreds of PSJA students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum kicked off its two-day education experience on Wednesday for students with the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District. The two-day experience will welcome more than 300 elementary students from the PSJA Gifted and Talented Program to learn about Harlingen and its history through activities and exhibits.
EducationWeslaco cosmetology school offering free summer program for teens with Down syndrome
The Riva Institute of Cosmetology in Weslaco is introducing a free summer program named "Hands & Faces of Light" for teens and young adults with Down syndrome. The initiative aims to teach beauty skills like skincare, haircare, and nail care under the guidance of professional instructors. Director Elva Alanis emphasized the program's goal of community support and student success. Scheduled for two one-week sessions in July, enrollment will be limited to five participants to ensure personalized attention. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion. For more details, contact the Riva Institute at 956-952-7482.
EducationTexas high schoolers show gains across all subjects on STAAR tests
Texas high school students have shown improvements across all subjects on the STAAR tests, according to results released on Wednesday. The exams, which include Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History, indicate readiness for college or careers. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath attributed these gains to focused teaching and the recent ban on cell phone use in classrooms. Approximately 54% of students passed Algebra I, up from 47% last year, while Biology saw a rise to 71%. English I and II also improved slightly. The changes in testing protocols aim to address concerns about overtesting in Texas schools.