Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
EducationPrecinct 3 Celebrates Teachers This May 7th
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Office of Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 3 Everardo “Ever” Villareal proudly recognizes the dedicated educators who shape the future of our community. Their commitment to guide and inspire students plays a vital role in the continued growth and success of the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationSTC Tapped for National Effort to Modernize Noncredit Career Education
Texas Border Business By Joey Gomez McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College is the only college in Texas to be selected to join a national research initiative aimed at elevating the voices of students enrolled in noncredit workforce programs, while positioning the college as a key contributor in shaping the future of workforce education across the
EducationTexas Doubling Down on Skilled Labor with $17 Million in Educational Grants
Governor Greg Abbott announced that applications are opening for nearly $17 million in state grants to support new, redesigned, or expanded short-term workforce education and training programs geared toward high-demand occupations.
EducationHinojosa and Solis Emphasize Education and Policy in Second Chance Efforts
Texas Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa and Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, President of South Texas College, addressed attendees on April 28, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom during the event “Rebuilding Futures, Advancing Second Chances through Policy, Partnership, and Purpose,” focusing on education, workforce development, and policy approaches for individuals impacted by the justice system.
EducationNew theater facility unveiled at Harlingen middle school
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Educators and students gathered on Wednesday to celebrate the unveiling of a new theater facility. The Blackbox Theater is the newest addition to Gutierrez Middle School, located in the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. The facility marks a new chapter for the school district in its vision to support the fine arts.
EducationRegion One receives grant to support future educators
WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Region One Education Service Center received a grant on Wednesday to financially support future educators in earning and obtaining their teacher certification. The $29,000 grant was awarded to Region One by the city of Weslaco and the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco. "What that's going to do is help remove the
EducationClassroom to Career Journey Begins for STC Students at Annual AEC Day
Students from South Texas College’s Architecture program stepped beyond the classroom recently with a goal to catch a glimpse of their future careers during Architecture Engineering Construction (AEC) Day hosted by Millenium Engineers Group in Pharr.
EducationPSJA ISD Scales P-TECH Programs to Bridge Education and Industry Gaps
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) continues to expand college and career opportunities for students, with multiple campuses earning or advancing in Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) designations for the 2026-2027 school year.
EducationSTC and Hidalgo County Team Up to Launch Rebuilding Futures Program
Texas Border Business By Amanda Sotelo In a historical two-hour convening, South Texas College, Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios, made an epic announcement regarding the college’s Rebuilding Futures initiative, which provides a second chance at an education and career for individuals previously incarcerated. The event “Rebuilding Futures: Advancing Second Chances through