Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationSTC Honors Student Who Found His Passion Late in Life
Francisco Javier Mejia, who discovered his passion for education later in life, will be honored posthumously at STC's Commencement Ceremonies at the Bert Ogden Arena. Mejia, who passed away on New Year's Eve at 51, was pursuing an associate degree in Kinesiology. His family, including his eldest son Xavier, will accept the degree on his behalf. Despite a successful career at Bert Ogden BMW, Mejia aspired to be a coach, dedicating his time to youth sports. He also enjoyed cooking traditional Mexican dishes. His family remembers him for his generosity and hope to continue his legacy of service and love.
EducationAuditions Open for South Texas New Play Festival, May 12 & 13
Auditions for the 5th Annual South Texas New Play Festival will take place on May 12 and 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the STC Cooper Center for Performing Arts in McAllen. The festival features new plays from local and international playwrights, with last year's event showcasing three selected works from 30 submissions. This year, the workshop production will be 'Miriam’s Song,' which tells the story of three Cuban American siblings navigating personal struggles. Auditions are open to community members aged 18 and over. The production will be performed live on June 26 and 27. For details, contact 956-872-2301 or stctheatredept@gmail.com.
EducationMcAllen ISD Superintendent earns award through support of Fine Arts
Dr. René Gutiérrez, the Superintendent of McAllen ISD, received the TMEA Distinguished Administrator Award on May 4, 2026, for his unwavering support of Fine Arts programs. The award was presented during the McAllen ISD Choral Festival at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Fine Arts Director Debra Loya highlighted Dr. Gutiérrez's role in advocating for Fine Arts as a core component of the district. His leadership contributed to the recent passage of a $335 million bond, which allocates $35 million for Fine Arts facilities. McAllen ISD has also achieved 44 UIL Sweepstakes awards and was recognized as a Best Community for Music Education for the 14th year in a row.
EducationMonte Alto ISD conservator appointed after intentional grade errors, attorney says
Monte Alto ISD has appointed a conservator following revelations of intentional grade discrepancies affecting students from 2019 to 2023. Legal counsel Eden Ramirez indicated that incorrect grades were deliberately entered, particularly in credit recovery programs. The high school was identified as the source of these errors. Although there was speculation about whether students were improperly passed, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) did not finalize an investigation due to a settlement with the conservator, Dr. Sylvia Ibarra. She will monitor academic progress and will be compensated $250 per hour for her services. The district's ratings fluctuated from B to C in recent years.
EducationHow One STC Graduate Discovered a Calling in Teaching
Maria De La Mora, a 23-year-old graduate from South Texas College, is earning her Associate of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. Her journey is marked by resilience, having faced severe medical challenges from birth, including multiple surgeries. De La Mora began her education in special education and later transitioned to general education, inspired by the support of compassionate teachers. She aims to become a special education teacher assistant to help others. As she prepares for graduation on May 8 and 9, her story exemplifies perseverance and the transformative power of education, inspiring future students and graduates alike.
EducationMcAllen ISD highlights community effort to pass bond, next steps
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — New and improved learning environments are officially on the horizon for McAllen Independent School District students. Over the weekend, voters approved a $335 million bond to modernize campuses, increase security features, and enhance career and technical education and fine arts facilities in this district. While all campuses in this district will see
EducationMission EDC Hosts Sharyland ISD’s Inaugural INCubatoredu Pitch Competition at the CEED
On May 1, Sharyland ISD held its first INCubatoredu Pitch Competition at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED), organized in collaboration with Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC). This program, led by Monica L. Kaufmann, aims to provide students with hands-on entrepreneurship education. Teams from Sharyland High School and Sharyland Pioneer High School presented innovative business ideas, with AIRE and Thermobox advancing to the next round. A panel of local experts evaluated the pitches, offering valuable feedback. Finalists will be announced by May 22, with a chance to compete nationally.
EducationMonte Alto ISD town hall spotlights new conservator agreement
MONTE ALTO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Monte Alto Independent School District held a town hall meeting on Monday evening to discuss the appointment of a state-approved conservator for the district. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) appointed Sylvia Ibarra as a conservator for Monte Alto ISD to monitor academic progress. The decision to appoint Ibarra comes after
EducationPSJA Educator Recognized Among Texas’ Best
Carolina De Anda-Treviño, a teacher at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), has been honored as the 2026 Rising Star in the Elementary category by the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The announcement was made on May 4, 2026, in Houston. This award recognizes teachers with under ten years of experience, and De Anda-Treviño received a $5,000 personal award along with a $5,000 grant for her school. She teaches fifth-grade Gifted and Talented Dual Language students, focusing on academic rigor and cultural relevance. PSJA ISD also celebrated being a finalist in the Large School District category.
EducationFederal Investigation Opened into Smith College Over Alleged Title IX Violations
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has launched an investigation into Smith College, a prominent all-women's institution, regarding potential Title IX violations. The inquiry focuses on the college's policy of admitting biological men and allowing them access to women-only facilities such as dormitories and bathrooms. Title IX permits single-sex colleges but specifies that this applies based on biological sex, not gender identity. Critics argue that admitting biological males undermines the college's commitment to providing a female-only environment, raising issues of privacy and fairness under federal law.
EducationTexas Boys State Delegates Receive Graduation Stoles and American Legion Medallions
At the annual Graduation Banquet held at Weslaco City Hall, Texas Boys State Delegates sponsored by the RGV Boys State Alumni Group received their American Legion Texas Boys State Medallions and graduation stoles. The event featured presentations from local officials, including Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez and Texas State Representative Armando Martinez. Graduates included Cash Cazares, Joaquin Gonzalez, Gabriel Martinez, Gavin McIntyre, and Skyler Howell. Certificates of recognition were also awarded by various dignitaries, including Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. The program aims to educate high school students about government operations and civic responsibilities.
EducationRio Grande Valley teachers receive H-E-B Excellence in Education awards
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two Rio Grande Valley teachers were recognized as statewide winners for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards held on Sunday. The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards honor and recognize public school professionals for their dedication and commitment. According to the release, both educators were awarded in two different categories. In the
EducationMcAllen ISD Voters Approve $335 Million Bond Program
Voters in the McAllen Independent School District (ISD) approved a $335 million bond program during the May 2 election. This funding will be allocated to modernizing school facilities, enhancing Career and Technical Education, improving safety measures, and upgrading fine arts facilities. The bond, known as Proposition A, addresses five key areas, including new secured entrances, classroom expansions, and infrastructure improvements like HVAC and drainage systems. Superintendent Dr. René Gutiérrez expressed gratitude to the community for their support, emphasizing the importance of this investment for student opportunities. The district will now begin detailed planning and implementation of the projects.
EducationVoters Approve $335 Million Bond for McAllen ISD
Voters in the McAllen Independent School District (McAllen ISD) approved a $335 million bond during the May 2 election, according to unofficial results from Hidalgo County. The bond, known as Proposition A, received 3,213 votes in favor and 2,633 against, reflecting a 55% approval rate. The funds will be allocated to five key areas: modernization of facilities, school security improvements, expansion of technical and vocational programs, and enhancements to fine arts facilities. Projects include expansions for technical education programs at three high schools, secure campus entrances, new arts spaces, and infrastructure upgrades such as HVAC systems, roofs, lighting, and drainage.
EducationMcAllen ISD voters approve $335 million bond for schools and safety upgrades
Voters in the McAllen Independent School District approved a $335 million bond during the May 2 election, with 3,213 votes in favor and 2,633 against. The funds will be used to modernize school campuses, enhance career programs, and improve safety measures throughout the district. Planned improvements include expansions for Career and Technical Education at all high schools, secure entrances, upgraded safety systems, new fine arts facilities, and classroom additions to minimize the use of portable buildings. The bond program was created following a comprehensive assessment involving district leadership and staff, and the district will now begin detailed design and construction planning.
EducationVoters reject Sharyland ISD propositions, unofficial results show
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sharyland Independent School District voters rejected all three propositions on Saturday night, according to unofficial results. Unofficial results show that 39.41% of votes were in favor of Proposition A, while 60.59% were against. For Proposition B, unofficial results show 38.92% of votes were in favor, while 61.08% are against. For Proposition C,
EducationMcAllen ISD voters approve $335 million bond
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Unofficial election results show a majority of votes in favor of a $335 million school bond for the McAllen Independent School District. A total of 3,213 voters voted in favor, while 2,633 voters voted against Proposition A. “This result reflects the confidence our community has placed in McAllen ISD and its schools,”
EducationWeslaco EDC Invests $29,000 in Teacher Pipeline
The Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco (EDCW) contributed $29,000 to the Region One Education Service Center (ESC) Teacher Alternative Certification Program to support up to six aspiring teachers in the Weslaco area.
EducationPSJA ISD’s Early Childhood Conference, May 2nd
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) will host its 9th Annual Early Childhood Conference on Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 7:30 am at PSJA Early College High School in San Juan.