E. Larry Cantu: Los Fresnos

Service to STISD is a family affair for board member E. Larry Cantu of Los Fresnos, who joined the STISD board of directors in May of 2004. To-date, Cantu has served on the board for 17 years.

Prior to him joining the board, his uncle, Erwin W. Scott, Jr. (Scottie), a founding STISD board member, served the district until his passing in 2002. 

Cantu pursued his higher education at The University of Texas at Austin. Since that time, he has worked in different roles within the railroad industry. 

From 1979 to 1982, Cantu worked in operations for the Union Pacific Railroad. He then served as president and chief operating officer (COO) of the Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railroad from 1982 to 2001. Since 2001, he has been the senior customer success manager for General Electric Transportation. 

Cantu and his wife, Rhonda Kay (Strader), have one son and triplet grandchildren (two girls and one boy). 

Cantu prioritizes service. He is director of the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo, a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church Choir (guitar), past director of American Short Line & Regional Railroads of America, past member of the Los Fresnos Lions Club, past board member of the Rio Grande Council Boy Scouts of America, past board member of United Way of Southern Cameron County, past Boy Scout Master Troop 61. He also served on the Los Fresnos CISD board of directors for 12 years, where he received recognition as a member of an honor board. 

According to Cantu, the most important part of being on the STISD board is the students. He shares, “I want the best possible education students can receive that is equal to or better than any other school district in the nation. I want our students to have the best facilities, teachers and staff working to help them succeed.” He is proudest of the level of accomplishments of STISD students, and he takes pride in the fact that STISD is considered one of the best school districts not only in the state, but in the nation. 

Cantu hopes the district can continue providing high-quality education to the students of the Rio Grande Valley. He hopes we “continue to excel in providing the best education students can receive and continue to offer a curriculum that challenges and motivates our students. I want to make sure our kids have the latest ideas, technology and opportunities that can be afforded post-secondary students.”