Aug. 26, 2025 BoardBits

U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2025-2026 Best High Schools Rankings, and all four STISD high schools ranked within the top 100 in the state.
 
South Texas ISD Science Academy (Science Academy) in Mercedes ranked 30th, South Texas ISD Medical Professions (Medical Professions) in Olmito ranked 76th, South Texas ISD Health Professions (Health Professions) in Mercedes ranked 84th, and South Texas ISD World Scholars (now World Scholars, and formerly South Texas Business, Education & Technology Academy) in Edinburg ranked 94th. 

Click here to read the full story.

During the Aug. 26 Board meeting, the STISD Board and Administration recognized Vanessa Rivera, STISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director, and Jose Lucio, Medical Professions principal, for their efforts to bring in additional CTE funding.

The week prior, Governor Greg Abbott announced that over $1.1 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grants is being awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to five RGV schools, including STISD Medical Professions in Olmito.

The JET Grants will support CTE training programs by helping schools purchase and install equipment to train students for high-demand occupations. At an awards ceremony, Alberto Trevino, III, TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, presented Ms. Rivera and Mr. Lucio with a check in the amount of $215,184 for a grant to train 50 students as medical assistants in partnership with Texas State Technical College - Harlingen.

At the August regular Board meeting, STISD introduced a new practice of honoring its Veterans at the monthly board meetings by inviting them to lead the pledges of allegiance. The first Veteran recognized for his service was Eric Gutierrez, Science Academy principal. 

Mr. Gutierrez served 8 years in the United States Navy, stationed primarily out of Norfolk Naval Station. He was assigned to the USS Bulkeley and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center. He was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
 
While serving, Mr. Gutierrez received multiple commendations, including:
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Medals, and additional service awards.
 
After completing his military career, Mr. Gutierrez transitioned to a career in education as a high school science teacher, later moving into school administration.

Dr. Tony Lara, STISD Superintendent of Schools, and Niranda Flores, Bilingual Director, reported on STISD's performance in the 2025 A-F Accountability Ratings during the Aug. 26 Board meeting.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 A-F accountability ratings for school systems and campuses throughout the state. For both years, South Texas Independent School District (STISD) received an A rating and overall numerical score of 94. 
 
In the 2025 accountability ratings, STISD’s score claimed the district the highest mark in the Region One area and 25th in school districts throughout the state of Texas. 

Click here to read the full story.

Join us for Meet the Teacher + Open House to be held Sept. 9-11, according to the following schedule:

• 9 (Tuesday): Preparatory Academy (new-to-campus students only), Rising Scholars Academy (new-to-campus students only) + Science Academy (new and returning students)
• 10 (Wednesday): Preparatory Academy (returning students), Rising Scholars Academy (returning students), and Virtual Academy (new and returning students)
  • Virtual Academy's Meet the Teacher/Open House will be held virtually. The link will be emailed to families.
• 11 (Thursday): Health Professions, Medical Professions and World Scholars (new-to-campus and returning students)

Parents/Guardians:

You're invited to attend one of three "Meet the PD" sessions in September. Hosted by the new STISD Police Department, these sessions are an opportunity for parents/guardians from across the district to meet the police officers and learn more about safety and security at STISD. 

You can choose any of the three options that work best for you:

• Sept. 16 @ 6:00 p.m. – Edinburg (Gateway to the World Library: 510 S. Sugar Rd.)
• Sept. 17 @ 6:00 p.m. – Mercedes (Biblioteca Las Americas (BLA): 300 Med High Dr.)
• Sept. 18 @ 6:00 p.m. – Olmito (Medical Professions Student Lounge: 10650 N. Expwy. 77/83)

You’re invited to join us Sept. 16-18 as STISD and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) co-host parent information meetings to present basic information about the Expanded Collegiate Partnership and details regarding the application process for upcoming cohorts. This partnership is available at all four STISD high schools.

The following is the schedule of sessions to be held:

• Sept. 16 @ 6:30 p.m. – Edinburg (Gateway to the World Library: 510 S. Sugar Rd.)
• Sept. 17 @ 6:30 p.m. – Mercedes (Biblioteca Las Americas (BLA): 300 Med High Dr.)
• Sept. 18 @ 6:30 p.m. – Olmito (Medical Professions Student Lounge: 10650 N. Expwy. 77/83)

You do not have to attend the session at your child's high school; rather, you can select whichever session works best for you. Representatives from UTRGV, as well as our own district counselors and staff, will be onsite at each information meeting to answer any questions you might have.

Click to RSVP to event

September is Attendance Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to highlight the critical role that consistent school attendance plays in student success. As we begin the new school year, we recognize that every day in the classroom is an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and access vital support services.

Research shows that chronic absenteeism—missing just 10% of the school year, or about two days a month—can have a severe impact on a child's academic future. This can include struggling with reading by third grade, failing courses in middle school, and being at a higher risk of dropping out of high school. The goal of this month is not to blame, but to raise awareness and foster a culture of attendance and engagement for all students.