Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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 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,
EducationFree school supplies, haircuts, health screenings at back-to-school expo
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With back-to-school season just around the corner, Driscoll Health is partnering with dozens of sponsors, including the RGV Vipers, to get thousands of Valley families ready for the coming school year. On Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., all Valley families are invited to the Bert Ogden Area, where they will have a
EducationDo You Have a Federal Student Loan or Plan to Apply for One? Learn About the New Changes
Changes to federal student loans in the United States, expected to affect millions of borrowers, went into effect on July 1. These changes, part of President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' mark the end of certain repayment plans and new limits on graduate student loans. With the termination of President Joe Biden's SAVE plan, these changes are likely to result in increased payment amounts for millions of borrowers. 'What is concerning is the affordability of monthly payments. I believe many will experience a significant increase in their payments, forcing them to stretch their budgets or simply not be able to make them,' said Michele Zampini, associate vice president of The Institute for College Access & Success, a nonprofit advocacy group working to make higher education more affordable. Approximately 9 million Americans have been delinquent on their federal student loans since June, according to the Department of Education. Hundreds of thousands more are overdue on payments and at risk of defaulting this year. Earlier this month, Education Department officials indicated that borrowers enrolled in automatic payment will be eligible for a 1% reduction in the interest rate starting July 1. However, those already using this system receive a 0.25% discount, meaning the new reduction only represents a 0.75% decrease. For all borrowers, the rate reduction will be temporary and will last until June 2028. If you received a student loan, here are some key points to know: The SAVE plan is ending. The SAVE plan (an acronym for Saving on a Valuable Education) was a repayment option with some of the most lenient terms ever offered by the government. Shortly after its launch, it was challenged in court, leaving millions of student loan borrowers in limbo. Earlier this year, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the SAVE plan, which has now ended. There are about 7.5 million borrowers in the SAVE plan, and servicers have already begun sending them official notices, said Lindsay Vail Clark, a senior borrower advocate at Savi, a student debt assistance platform. Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan will be notified that they have 90 days to enroll in another income-driven repayment plan. Vail Clark recommends that borrowers start checking their options as soon as possible, as processing delays are likely. If they do not enroll in another plan before the 90-day deadline, the Department of Education will automatically enroll them in one of the standard options, she added. However, there is no specific deadline for all borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan to find another plan, as notices will be sent continuously, Zampini noted. Changes to graduate loan limits. Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' changed the amounts that graduate students can borrow for various programs, but his administration recently updated that plan, according to a judge's order. Under the new regulation, programs classified as professional degrees face federal student loan limits of $200,000, while other graduate programs have a limit of $100,000. Previously, graduate students could obtain federal loans that covered the full cost of their degree. For now, the updated government plan restores eligibility for graduate students in nursing, physical therapy, and other fields to obtain higher amounts of federal student loans. The initial rule had kept them at lower limits. Changes to Parent PLUS loans. Parent PLUS loans have had fewer repayment options, but these are now being further reduced, Zampini noted. The new limits on Parent PLUS loans restrict them to $20,000 per student and $65,000 per family. Additionally, Parent PLUS borrowers who apply for new loans starting July 1 will not have access to any income-driven repayment plan, only to a new standard graduated repayment plan. 'From now on, they will only have the standard repayment option, and there will be no exception or safety net to adjust it based on income, if they have low income or experience income fluctuations or any other type of hardship,' Zampini warned. Parent PLUS borrowers who consolidated their loans into a direct consolidation loan before July 1 can pay them through the income-contingent repayment plan until June 30, 2028. After that date, borrowers will be transitioned to the income-driven repayment plan. Enrollment in income-driven repayment plans. Current borrowers can apply for the following income-driven repayment plans: income-based repayment plan, pay-as-you-earn plan, and income-contingent repayment plan. The payment amount under income-driven repayment plans is a percentage of the borrower's discretionary income, and the percentage varies by plan. However, students who take out loans starting in July will only be able to enroll in one income-driven repayment plan: the payment assistance plan. Borrowers can also use the graduated standard plan, a repayment plan with a fixed amount that ensures loans are paid off within 10 to 25 years. You can find out which repayment plan might suit you best by logging into the Department of Education's loan simulator. If you want public service loan forgiveness. There are no changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, despite a plan from the Trump administration announced last year to change eligibility requirements for participating nonprofit organizations. The policy sought to disqualify nonprofit workers if their work was deemed to have a 'substantial illegal purpose.' The Trump administration asserted that it was necessary to prevent taxpayer money from going to lawbreakers, while critics argue that it turns the program into a tool for political retaliation. Two federal judges recently overturned the new rules, one day before they were set to take effect. If your student loans are in default. Federal student loan collections remain suspended. The Trump administration previously announced this year that it is postponing plans to garnish wages of student loan borrowers who default on their payments. Federal student loan debtors can have their wages garnished and their federal tax refunds withheld if they default on their loans. Borrowers are considered in default when they are at least 270 days late on payments. If your student loans are in default, you can contact your loan holder to request a loan rehabilitation program. Through this program, borrowers enroll in a reduced payment plan, and after making five successful payments, wage garnishment ends. Borrowers can find more information about loan rehabilitation here. If you want to consolidate your loan. The online application for loan consolidation is available at studentaid.gov/loan-consolidation. If you have multiple federal student loans, you can combine them into a single loan with a fixed interest rate and one monthly payment. The consolidation process typically takes about 60 days to complete. You can only consolidate your loans once. This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. A Telemundo Digital editor reviewed the translation.
EducationIDEA Public Schools teacher loses job due to DACA renewal delay
A teacher from the Rio Grande Valley lost her job at IDEA Public Schools after her DACA status expired while awaiting renewal. The termination letter was issued on June 30, 2026, due to lapsed work authorization. The teacher, who prefers to remain anonymous, submitted her renewal application in January but has yet to receive a response after seven months. IDEA Public Schools stated they adhere to federal law requiring valid employment authorization. They acknowledged the impact of immigration delays on individuals and families. The teacher, originally from Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, expressed her fears about leaving home without valid status.
EducationIDEA Public Schools teacher loses job due to delay in DACA renewal
A teacher from the Rio Grande Valley lost her job at IDEA Public Schools after her DACA status expired before her renewal was processed. The termination letter was issued on June 30, 2026, citing lapsed work authorization. The teacher, who prefers to remain anonymous, submitted her renewal application in January, but after seven months, she is still waiting. IDEA Public Schools stated they adhere to federal law regarding employment authorization and acknowledged the impact of immigration delays. The teacher, originally from Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, expressed concern about her immigration status and the fear of leaving her home.
EducationFree Hygiene & Personal Care Resources Now Available for Students at Every STC Campus
South Texas College (STC) has launched the Jaguar Self-Care Den at all campuses in Hidalgo and Starr counties, providing free hygiene products to students facing financial difficulties. This initiative, an extension of the STC Student Food Pantry, aims to meet essential needs that can hinder academic success. Since its inception in summer 2024, the program has offered items like shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. Coordinators report a positive response from students, emphasizing the importance of these resources. Eligible students can access personal care items once per semester, with additional help available for emergencies. For more information, contact STC Student Affairs at 956-872-3535.
EducationTexas Southmost College to Launch Medical Aesthetics Certificate Program
Texas Southmost College is set to introduce a Medical Aesthetics Injector Certificate program in August, aimed at licensed healthcare professionals. The program includes a 16-hour in-person course covering neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and advanced injection techniques. Participants will learn about facial anatomy, patient assessment, and safe injection practices, with hands-on training using live models. Lead instructor Cynthia Diaz, who has over a decade of experience in medical aesthetics, emphasizes the importance of proper training to ensure patient safety. An information session for interested students will be held on July 30 at the college's ITEC Center Art Gallery.
EducationSTC Summer Camp Paves the Way for Future Robotics Engineers
South Texas College's Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) has launched a free Lego SPIKE Prime summer camp for students entering grades six to twelve. The camp, funded by a Texas Workforce Commission grant, allows participants like 12-year-old Emma Garza from Edinburg to explore robotics and engineering. Students engage in hands-on activities using Lego kits to build models and learn coding, motors, and sensors. Camp instructor Gary Lee Nunez emphasizes making robotics accessible and encouraging creativity. CATA Director Leonel Garcia highlights the camp's role in introducing students to careers in engineering and technology.