Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationValley school districts to receive over $161 million in federal funds
More than $161 million in federal funds will be allocated to school districts in South Texas as part of Title I funding for fiscal year 2026, announced Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. A total of $161,327,669 will be distributed among 26 school districts in Texas's 34th Congressional District. Title I aims to enhance educational opportunities for students in economically disadvantaged communities. Funds can be used for hiring and training teachers, purchasing educational materials, and strengthening family engagement programs. Major recipients include Brownsville ISD with approximately $29.9 million and Edinburg CISD with $24.2 million. Gonzalez emphasized the need for resources to support student success.
EducationFollowing COVID surge, San Perlita ISD urges parents to keep sick students home
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After a two-day district-wide shutdown due to a surge in COVID-19 cases and other illnesses, the San Perlita Independent School District is urging parents to keep their sick children home. In a letter sent Friday, San Perlita ISD said children with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or
EducationSTC Dual Credit Graduate Secures Early Success in Information Technology
At just 20 years old, Jacqueline Castillo, a South Texas College (STC) graduate, has achieved significant milestones in Information Technology, including a college certificate, an associate degree, and multiple industry certifications. Her journey began in high school through STC's Dual Credit Programs, where she took a Business Information Management course. Over the past two years, she has earned approximately 70 college credit hours and five industry-recognized certifications, including Cisco credentials. As she prepares to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer and Information Technologies at STC, Castillo is eager to start her career in IT, aiming to work at the college she admires.
EducationLa Joya ISD Extends Dr. Marcey Sorensen’s Leadership to 2031
The La Joya ISD Board has extended Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen's contract until 2031, highlighting confidence in her leadership. Since her appointment in February 2024, Dr. Sorensen has overseen significant improvements in student outcomes and financial stability. The district's accountability rating rose from a C to a B, with 20 campuses improving their scores. Additionally, 371 teachers received incentives, generating $4.69 million this year. La Joya ISD adopted a balanced budget for the second year, providing pay raises and enhancing student resources. The strategic plan, Achieving Excellence Together 2030, aims for continued progress in education and community trust.
EducationSTC Fire Academy Celebrates 15 years of Training Future Firefighters, Expands to Mid-Valley Campus
South Texas College's Fire Academy is celebrating 15 years of training future firefighters in the Rio Grande Valley. To mark this milestone, the academy plans to expand to the STC Mid-Valley Campus in spring 2027, enhancing access to firefighter training for local students. Over the years, nearly 500 students have completed the program, many now serving in fire departments across Texas. The academy combines hands-on training with college coursework, allowing students to earn credits toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for qualified firefighters in the region.
EducationGov. Greg Abbott Praises PSJA ISD’s Academic Success
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently commended Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) for its impressive academic achievements. The district received an A rating with a score of 90 in the 2026 Texas A-F Accountability Ratings, with over 60% of its schools achieving an A grade and all 44 campuses rated A or B. Abbott highlighted PSJA's 82% participation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment, emphasizing that investing in and rewarding effective teachers can enhance student performance. His remarks underscore the district's dedication to educational excellence.
EducationTexas Gov. Greg Abbott Praises PSJA ISD as Leadership and Dedicated Teachers Drive Academic Success
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently commended Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) for its academic achievements, attributing success to the district's investment in quality teachers and student opportunities. Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias reported that 82% of eligible educators have received the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), contributing to a nearly 98% teacher retention rate. All 44 PSJA schools have earned A or B ratings, with 27 achieving an A. Governor Abbott emphasized that PSJA's commitment to excellence, rather than community wealth, drives these results. The district aims to further enhance teacher effectiveness and student readiness for future challenges.
EducationTuition-Free Opportunities: PossAble Dream Hosts Starr County Community Forum Aug. 28th
PossAble Dream Adult High School will hold a community forum on August 28 at 10 AM at the South Texas College Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City. This event aims to introduce local residents to the tuition-free educational opportunities available for adults aged 18 to 50. The school focuses on helping adults earn their high school diplomas and industry certificates, offering personalized instruction and support services. Currently, it serves students from various cities including Pharr, Brownsville, and Weslaco. For more information, contact 877-6441.
EducationOne Year Later: STC JagReconnect Removes Barriers, Provides Pathways to Success
The JagReconnect Program at South Texas College is celebrating its first anniversary, having successfully assisted over 450 students in returning to college. This initiative, part of the Office of Student Reengagement, provides financial support and personalized guidance to students who paused their education. With over 65% of participants persisting in their studies, the program has garnered significant community support and attention from various organizations. Student success stories, like that of Juan Gallardo, highlight the program's transformative impact. Grants exceeding $700,000 from various foundations have further bolstered efforts to help adult learners in the Rio Grande Valley achieve their educational goals.
EducationPSJA ISD Educators Share Innovative Strategies During 2026 Best Practices Conference
On August 19, 2026, over 1,200 educators from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD gathered for the annual Best Practices Conference. The event, held at multiple schools, featured more than 300 sessions led by teachers aimed at enhancing instructional techniques and collaboration. Topics included social-emotional learning, technology integration, and student engagement. This unique format allowed educators to share successful strategies and learn from one another, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Carolina Cavazos, a Pre-K 3 teacher, praised the organization and the practical ideas she gained to enhance her classroom experience for students.
EducationThree threats by students reported at La Joya ISD this week
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — La Joya Independent School District is addressing three separate incidents at one of its elementary schools and middle schools. Officials at the district sent out a letter to the families of students at Tabasco Elementary to report that on Friday, August 21, a teacher found a box cutter/utility knife in a
EducationBrownsville & Rio Grande International Railway Brings Rail Safety Education to Local Schools
The Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway (BRG), part of OmniTRAX, is introducing rail safety education in local elementary schools through Operation Lifesaver. This initiative addresses the significant issue of pedestrian trespassing on active railroads, which leads to many fatalities and injuries. With the upcoming See Tracks? Think Train® Week scheduled for September 21-27, BRG encourages schools to apply for free classroom training by contacting Andrea Meneses by September 15, 2026. BRG President Shariff Gonnella emphasized the importance of teaching children safe practices around railroads, as over 95% of railroad fatalities are linked to pedestrian incidents.
EducationSTC Launches Substitute Teacher Program to Boost Starr County Schools
South Texas College (STC) has launched a substitute teacher program at its Starr County Campus to help individuals gain the necessary training and experience for K-12 schools. The 12-hour course, costing $84, covers classroom management, instructional support, and legal responsibilities. It is open to those with a high school diploma or GED who can communicate in English. Participants will also observe three classes. The program aims to address the shortage of qualified substitute teachers while providing local employment opportunities. Classes are scheduled for September 12-13 and October 24-25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
EducationNo Phones, More Focus: How Texas Classrooms Transformed Over One Year
Texas schools have seen significant changes in classroom dynamics following the implementation of House Bill 1481, which prohibits personal communication devices during school hours. Teachers, like Rachel Bailey from College Station ISD, report that students are more engaged and social, often opting for card games or conversations instead of phones. While initial anxiety about the ban was noted, it has led to improved focus and academic performance. However, experts warn that parents need to monitor evening screen time to maintain these benefits. Governor Abbott has proposed further restrictions on technology use in classrooms, building on the success of this policy.
EducationPSJA ISD to host PSJA College & Career Tailgate at PSJA Stadium, Aug. 28th
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) will hold its annual PSJA College & Career Tailgate on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:15 PM at PSJA Stadium in Pharr. This free event aims to encourage students to pursue higher education and career opportunities. Attendees can connect with university representatives and learn about programs in welding, cosmetology, and culinary arts, as well as meet with U.S. military representatives. The event will also feature music, games, and food, creating a festive atmosphere before the football game between PSJA Southwest Early College High School and PSJA Memorial Early College High School.
EducationDr. Angela Dominguez Officially Appointed as Edinburg CISD Superintendent
Dr. Angela Dominguez has been officially appointed as the Superintendent of Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (CISD), with her tenure starting on September 1, 2026. The Board of Trustees approved her contract on August 25, 2026, after naming her the sole finalist on August 3, 2026. Previously, Dr. Dominguez served as Superintendent at Donna ISD, where she significantly improved student achievement and was recognized as the Region One Superintendent of the Year. With over thirty years in education, she has held various leadership roles and holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The Board expressed confidence in her leadership abilities.
EducationEdinburg CISD approves contract for new superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees approved an employment contract for its new superintendent, Angela Dominguez. Dominguez was officially named Superintendent of Schools for Edinburg CISD on Tuesday during a school board meeting. The school board named Dominguez as the lone finalist at the beginning of the month.
EducationSan Perlita schools to reopen after COVID surge — but some parents remain concerned
SAN PERLITA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — San Perlita Independent School District is preparing to reopen its campuses Thursday after a two-day closure prompted by a reported surge in COVID-19 and other illnesses. The district temporarily closed schools Monday and Tuesday as a precaution, giving maintenance and custodial crews time to thoroughly clean and disinfect classrooms, restrooms,
EducationLa Joya ISD invests $2.7M to purchase new school buses
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The La Joya Independent School District announced it has invested $2.7 million to purchase 18 new school buses. La Joya ISD said the investment aligns with its Achieving Excellence Together 2030 strategic plan supporting student learning and long-term district success. Approximately $2,794,600 will be used to purchase 12 new 77-passenger school buses