February 2026 BoardBits

• The Board approved the request for several new professional positions and the announcement of vacancies: Accountant (1), Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Co-Op (1), Educational Diagnostician Co-Op (1), Special Education Instructional Specialist – Co-Op (1), School Psychologist – Co-Op (1)
• The STISD Board of Directors held a public hearing on the 2025 Federal Report Card and Texas Academic Performance Report. Click here to access the reports through the Accountability and Needs Assessment section of the district website
• The Board took a record vote in accordance with SB11 from the 89th Legislative Session, voting not to designate time each school day for a period of prayer and reading of religious texts.

   

In mid-February, STISD hosted a two-day NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) event at the Central Administration Teaching & Learning Center in Mercedes and at STISD Medical Professions in Olmito.

Through the NASA HUNCH program, students design and develop prototypes with the potential to be used in space—an incredible, real-world opportunity.

Day 1: Students from Medical Professions competed against another Rio Grande Valley school in the HUNCH Culinary Challenge, creating a meal designed to nourish astronauts on space missions. Thank you to our panel of chefs, business owners, culinary experts, nutritionists and educators for their thoughtful feedback and support. We look forward to seeing if our team advances to compete at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Day 2: Students from Health Professions, Medical Professions and Science Academy presented their projects to NASA engineers during the region’s Critical Design Review. Using the feedback received, students will refine their work and submit final designs for a chance to advance to the Final Design Review at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in April.

At STISD, our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs connect students with businesses across the Rio Grande Valley, giving them real-world experience while still in high school. From health sciences and culinary arts to cybersecurity, welding, business, and beyond, our students are preparing for high-demand careers—and industry partners play a vital role in that journey.

Hear directly from some of our valued partners about the impact of this collaboration and why investing in students today strengthens our workforce tomorrow.

We invite businesses and organizations to join us in shaping the next generation of professionals. Whether by hosting interns, speaking to students, offering facility tours, or sharing your expertise, your partnership helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success. Be part of the momentum. Inspire future leaders. Partner with STISD.

Click here to complete STISD's Partner in Education Form

• March 2-6 is National School Social Worker Week and Texas Educational Diagnostician Week. Thank you for all you do!
• March 2-6 is also Texas Public Schools Week.
• The third quarter ends on Friday, March 13.
• March 16-20 is Spring Break. Classes resume on Monday, March 23.
• Friday, April 3, is Good Friday (Weather Day).

The 2025-2026 Academic Calendar is posted within the Calendars section on the district website.