March-April 2026 BoardBits
This e-newsletter highlights important news from the March 31 regular meeting of the STISD Board of Directors, the early-April special called Board meetings, and other recent and upcoming district and campus happenings.
STISD announces Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa as Lone Finalist for Superintendent position
The STISD Board of Directors, at its April 7 meeting, named Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa, from Edcouch-Elsa ISD, as lone finalist for superintendent. By law, the Board must now wait 21 days before voting to hire Ochoa to be the new superintendent for STISD. Ochoa is slated to be the successor to superintendent Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., who is retiring on May 31 of this year.
STISD Veteran Spotlight: Mateo Castillo, Jr., Medical Professions
Mateo Castillo, Jr., Technology Support Specialist at STISD Medical Professions, leads the audience in the pledges of allegiance during the March 31 board meeting.
At the March regular Board meeting, STISD continued its practice of honoring the district's Veterans by inviting them to lead the pledges of allegiance. At this meeting we recognized Medical Professions Technology Support Specialist Mateo Castillo.
Mr. Castillo served in the U.S. Army from January 1997 to January 2001 as a Fire Support Specialist with a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT) platoon at Fort Hood, Texas. He attained the rank of Specialist (E-4).
While serving, he received the following awards: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2 awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
Other Board actions
- The Board approved the district's proposal for District Curriculum Design and Enhancement for Teachers.
- The Board approved the addition of the following:
- New Personal Financial Literacy course: The course is required for graduation under HB27 to satisfy the Foundation HS Program Social Studies requirements. It will be available to STISD 9th-12th graders in Fall 2026.
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Four Advancement Via Individual Determination courses: AVID I, AVID II, AVID II, AVID IV. Through the AVID WICOR framework (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading), students will develop essential academic skills, confidence, and habits needed for postsecondary success.
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New courses for the STC DEPSA program
- The Board approved the request for several new professional and non-professional positions and the announcement of vacancies: Teacher (5), Special Education Classroom Aide (1), Secretary/Receptionist, Bus Driver/Custodian (6), Custodian (3).
You're Invited: “Growing Together” Autism Support Conference
📢 We invite you to attend “Growing Together: Nurturing Strengths, Building Connections,” a parent conference on autism taking place April 25, 2026, in Mercedes. Hosted by the South Texas Special Education Tri-County Cooperative, the event will offer practical strategies, community resources, and opportunities to connect with other families and support organizations.
📅 Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
🕒 Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: STISD Teaching and Learning Center, 7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes
Click here to register
Invite a friend: STISD Campus Showcases kick off this weekend 🎉
Our Tour STISD Spring 2026 Campus Showcases kick off this Saturday, April 11, and we’d love your help inviting others to experience what makes STISD so special!
If you have friends, family, or neighbors exploring school options, this is the perfect opportunity for them to: ✨ Tour our campuses ✨ Meet our amazing students, teachers, and administrators ✨ Learn about our programs ✨ Enjoy fun, family-friendly activities
📅 Two Saturdays. Seven campuses. Endless opportunities. April 11 + April 18 | 9 AM–12 PM
🔹 April 11 – Mercedes & San Benito
- Health Professions (Mercedes)
- Science Academy (Mercedes)
- Virtual Academy (Mercedes)
- Rising Scholars Academy (San Benito)
🔹 April 18 – Olmito & Edinburg
- Medical Professions (Olmito)
- Preparatory Academy (Edinburg)
- World Scholars (Edinburg)
These events are free and open to the public, and families can visit one—or all—campuses!
👉 Click here for full details and help us share this opportunity with others!
Thank you for being our best ambassadors and helping us grow the STISD family!
STISD Seniors: Now accepting applications for the 2026 Education Foundation of STISD Scholarships
The Education Foundation of South Texas ISD is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarships.
This year the Foundation will award 18 - $2,000 scholarships total to graduating seniors across the district.
The link to the online application is available within the Education Foundation of STISD 2026 Scholarship Application section on the district website here. A PDF copy of the application can also be accessed at the same link, and hard copies can be picked up at the student's campus counseling office, if preferred.
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 9:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13, no matter the method used.
Now open - Special Education grant opportunity for families: PDSES
STISD Health + Wellness
April 2026 SEL + Mental Health Newsletter
Big News, Small Paws: Welcome K9 Lea! 🐾
The STISD Police Department is excited to welcome a new four-legged member to the team—K9 Lea! 🐾
Lea, a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, will be patrolling STISD campuses, helping detect illegal narcotics and firearms and keeping our schools safe.
After an extensive application process, STISD PD was awarded Lea through a grant from K9s.org, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to law enforcement agencies at no cost.
We’re proud to have K9 Lea join the STISD family as she helps add an extra layer of safety and security for our entire community.
STISD hosts Annual Migrant Leadership Symposium celebrating student success
The District Migrant Education Program proudly hosted its Annual Migrant Leadership Symposium this month, celebrating the strengths and values that define our migrant families and STISD students.
The event highlighted key qualities such as perseverance, community, integrity, respect, teamwork, and responsibility. Guest speaker Cristina A. Vasquez of Creative Being Counseling & Consulting delivered an inspiring presentation, “Where Are You Standing? Awareness, Motivation & Choice,” encouraging students to reflect on their growth and future paths.
The symposium also included a Migrant Parent Advisory Council meeting, where families reviewed this year’s activities and provided valuable input to help guide planning for the 2026–2027 school year.
During a fellowship meal, senior migrant students were recognized for their achievements and the dedication that led them to this milestone.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our migrant students and their families for choosing STISD and for their continued support as we work together to cultivate the path for the leaders of tomorrow.
Photo Recap: STISD Spring Family Literacy Meeting - "A Parent's Roadmap to College Admissions"
Families filled the room at our Spring Family Literacy Meeting, “A Parent’s Roadmap to College Admissions.”
During a presentation by Thomas Ray Garcia, founder of the College Scholarship Leadership Program, parents and students gained valuable insights and practical strategies to confidently navigate the college admissions process and plan for future success.
Thank you to our STISD Family and Community Engagement Program for hosting this impactful event!
The Road Continues: Two STISD Soccer Teams are State Bound
The STISD Medical Professions Lady Angels and STISD Rising Scholars Academy Lady Rockets have claimed Area Championship titles and now prepare to compete at the Texas Charter School Academic & Athletic League Soccer Tournament.
Baseball & Softball Make Their Debut
We commend our student-athletes for their dedication and for setting a strong foundation during this very first season. We also extend our appreciation to our administration and coaches for their leadership and commitment in launching these athletic programs and making history. This marks an exciting beginning for STISD baseball and softball.
Reminder: Required annual student registration now open through Skyward Family Access
Student registration is required each year for all new and returning STISD students. For the 2026–2027 school year, STISD will continue using an electronic registration process through Skyward.
Registration packets are now available in Skyward Family Access at the following link: https://skyward.iscorp.com/SouthTexasISDTXStuSTS.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to log in and complete their child’s registration as soon as possible using a computer or the Skyward mobile app. Click here for additional information about the registration process, including step-by-step instructions.
Please note that registration must be completed in full before student schedules can be released. Information about summer “Schedule Pick-Up” events will be shared in the coming months.
Families who need assistance accessing Skyward or completing the registration process are encouraged to contact their child’s campus for support.
Inside STISD Video Highlights
STISD | School Cops Episode 1: Traffic Stops with Officer Peña
District Recognized as a 2026 CTAT Career & Technical Education District of Distinction
Holidays & Events
- April is Occupational Therapy Month.
- April 1: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
- April 4: National School Librarian Day
- April 6-10: National Assistant Principal and Dean of Instruction Week
- April 19-25:
- Administrative Professionals Week (Administrative Professionals Day is Wed., April 22.)
- National Library Week
- Public School Volunteer Week
- May 1:
- School Principals Day
- School Lunch Heroes Day
- May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 5: National Teacher Day
- May 6: National School Nurse Day
The 2025-2026 Academic Calendar is posted within the Calendars section on the district website.
Upcoming Events
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South Texas ISD
Back-2-School Kick-Off (HP, MP, WS)
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Health Professions, Medical Professions, World Scholars
South Texas ISD
Meeting of the STISD Board of Directors
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STISD Central Office Teaching and Learning Center (7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes)
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South Texas ISD
Back-2-School Kick-Off - Makeup Session (HP, MP, PA, RSA, SA, VA)
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HP, MP, PA, RSA, SA, VA
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