July/August 2024 BoardBits

Decorative image: E-newsletter cover image

This e-newsletter highlights important news from the July 30 and August 27 regular meetings of the STISD Board of Directors, Back-to-School season, and other recent and upcoming district and campus happenings.


 

New member of the STISD Board of Directors takes oath of office

STISD welcomed Oscar Salinas of Edinburg to its Board of Directors during the meeting on Tuesday, July 30.

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez attended the meeting to administer his oath of office. Cortez appointed Salinas (Hidalgo County At-Large) to fill the seat of former board member Javier Farias, who resigned from the board this summer.

The STISD Board of Directors is comprised of 24 members from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties.

New Hidalgo County board member taking oath of office

Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez administers the Oath of Office to new Hidalgo County board member Oscar Salinas.

Hidalgo County Judge administers oath of office to new Hidalgo County board member

Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez introduces new Hidalgo County board member Oscar Salinas.

Board accepts Certification of Unopposed Candidates for Election to STISD School Board

During the Aug. 27 meeting, the Board accepted the Certification (Election Code 2.052) of Unopposed Candidates for election to the office of South
Texas ISD School Board Directors and approved a Resolution declaring each unopposed candidate, as per certification, elected to the office of School Board of
Directors, ordering the cancelation of election, and authorizing an issuance of election to each candidate (Election Code 2.053). The following individuals were unopposed:

  1. Sylvia S. Lopez, Cameron County Precinct 2
  2. David Briones, Cameron County Precinct 4
  3. Zachary I. Zamora, Hidalgo County Precinct 3
  4. Andrea E. Loya, Willacy County Precinct 3

 

2024-2025 'Welcome Back' District Convocation - Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge

STISD held its 2024-2025 District Convocation on Monday, Aug. 12, to officially welcome all faculty and staff for the new school year.

The theme this year was "Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge," reflecting the name of the special performance by students who participated in the Inaugural STISD Fine Arts Academy this summer.

STISD Inaugural Fine Arts Academy presents "Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge"

STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22
STISD students perform %22Harry Potter and the Magic of Knowledge%22

Learn more about the Inaugural Fine Arts Academy + View the full-length production


 

STISD Recognizes Service Award Recipients for 2023-2024 School Year

STISD recognized the 2023-2024 service award recipients with 20 years or more with the district during the district "welcome back" convocation on Aug. 12.

Service award recipients reaching the 5, 10, and 15-year milestones will be recognized separately at each campus and/or department.

Click here for a list of this year's recipients

Pictured below: Some of the 2023-2024 service award recipients presented with tokens of appreciation from Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., Superintendent of Schools.

STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation
STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation
STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation
STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation
STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation
STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation
STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation
STISD superintendent presents service award to district staff member during convocation

 

Introducing new members of the Superintendent's Cabinet: Chief of Security Operations and Executive Director for Special Programs

Brenda De La Garza Headshot
Headshot photo of STISD Chief of Police Steven Cortez

 

STISD Board of Directors + Administration recognize four STISD campuses and district community for earning spots on the Educational Results Partnership 2023 Honor Roll

STISD campus principals and board vice president receive certificates for campuses and district communities earning spot in 2023 ERP Honor Roll

Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Cynthia Chairez, Principal at World Scholars; Dr. Reynaldo Rodriguez, Principal at Rising Scholars; Marco Zamora, Principal at Preparatory Academy; Dr. Michele Guajardo, Principal at Health Professions; Dr. Sylvia Sanchez Garza, Vice President of the STISD Board of Directors; and Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent of Schools.


 

Board Approves 2024-2025 District and Campus Improvement Plans

During the July 30 board meeting, the STISD Board of Directors approved the 2024-2025 District Improvement Plan (DIP) and 2024-2025 Campus Improvement Plans, which are developed annually in alignment with state and federal requirements.

Although the campus plans are all unique to the individual needs of the campuses, all plans tie back to the district plan, which focuses on 7 primary goals. The following are the goals that form the core of the DIP:

  • Goal 1: By June 2025, the district will develop plans to grow and expand the organizational infrastructure and programs to better serve the students and community of the tri-county area.
  • Goal 2: By June 2025, the district will develop and implement an effective communication process to engage and inform all relevant parties involved in the education and well-being of students, ensuring clear and consistent flow of information.
  • Goal 3: By the end of June 2025, STISD will enrich formative assessment practices to increase student engagement and achievement in all grade levels by implementing and refining a comprehensive formative assessment system through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
  • Goal 4: By June 2025, STISD will enhance the comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program that addresses the needs of students in all grade levels and results in a measurable improvement in students' SEL competencies.
  • Goal 5: By June 2025, STISD will implement a comprehensive and sustainable initiative to enhance student global readiness, ensuring that our students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to thrive in an interconnected world.
  • Goal 6: By June 2025, STISD will elevate instructional excellence and student learning outcomes through a comprehensive, dynamic, and sustainable professional development program.
  • Goal 7: By the end of 2025, STISD will develop a plan of action that will support the recruitment, development and retention of highly qualified teachers and staff to increase the percentage of teachers with more than five years of experience.

The Campus and District Improvement Plans will be posted on the district website at www.stisd.net.


 

Congrats, STISD Athletics! + RSA wins this year's TCSAAL Texas Cup

A huge congratulations goes out to our South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy (RSA) for earning the Middle School Premier Texas Charter School Academic & Athletic League (TCSAAL) Texas Cup for 2023-2024! 👏🏻

More STISD rankings: 
Middle school: 
🏅 RSA -1st in state 
🏅 South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy 2nd in state 

High schools state overall:
🏅 South Texas ISD Health Professions - 6th place in state
🏅 South Texas ISD Science Academy - 10th in state

 

STISD athletic coordinators accept the Middle School Premier Texas Charter School Academic and Athletic League (TCSAAL) Texas Cup for 2023-2024 on behalf of RSA

 

Reminder: Free meals for ALL students during 2024-2025 School Year

Variety of food in cafeteria - free student meals for 2024-2025

For the first time in district history, all STISD students will eat free during the 2024-2025 School Year. The district is approved to participate in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) for the year, which will allow all STISD students to eat both breakfast and lunch for free.

Students will be served breakfast in their first-period classrooms from 8:00-8:20 a.m. each day.

For additional information, please contact the Child Nutrition department at 956.514.4230.

Click here for more information about the STISD Nutrition Department

 

 


 

Board receives Report on 2024 A-F Accountability Ratings

STISD and campuses earn all A ratings again in Texas Accountability System.

During the Aug. 27 board meeting, STISD Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nereyda Trevino reported to the STISD Board of Directors on the 2024 A-F Accountability Ratings.

Although the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is temporarily barred from issuing the ratings, the Curriculum & Instruction Department was able to calculate the scores for the district and campuses using available data and the 2024 Accountability Manual. The following are the district and campus scores:

  • STISD: 94
  • Science Academy: 97
  • Preparatory Academy: 95
  • Rising Scholars: 94
  • Medical Professions: 93
  • Virtual Academy: 93
  • Health Professions: 92
  • World Scholars: 91

 

 


 

Parents/Guardians: Join us for information meetings Sept. 3-5 to learn about the STISD/UTRGV Expanded Collegiate Partnership

These information sessions are for parents/guardians of 10th, 11th and 12th graders at Health Professions, Medical Professions, Science Academy and World Scholars.

STISD + UTRGV Collegiate Partnership informational meeting

You’re invited to join us Sept. 3-5 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. 3 @ 6-7 p.m. – Edinburg (Gateway to the World Library: 510 S. Sugar Rd., Edinburg)
  • Sept. 4 @ 6-7 p.m. – Mercedes (Biblioteca Las Americas (BLA) 300 Med High Dr., Mercedes)
  • Sept. 5 @ 6-7 p.m. – Olmito (Medical Professions Student Lounge: 10650 N. Expwy 77/83, Olmito)

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.

Please RSVP to event


 

STISD Health + Wellness

STISD Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Newsletters: Back to School

SEL and Mental Health Newsletter - Welcome back to school!

 

Faculty/Staff News


 

Inside STISD Video Highlights

Back to School for the 2024-25 School Year

Students Attend Advanced Clinical Research Institute at DHR


 

World Scholars CTE Practicum Students Intern with the City of Edinburg

STISD Hosts Senior Summit for Upcoming Class of 2025


 

Alumni Spotlight: Nancy Nerio, BETA (now World Scholars) Class of 2009

Nancy Nerio graduated from South Texas Business, Education & Technology Academy (BETA) - now South Texas ISD World Scholars - in 2009. She attended Texas State University, where she eventually landed a position as an undergraduate admissions counselor. As a Rio Grande Valley (RGV) native, she loves serving her community and being able to help future Texas State graduates across the RGV.

STISD alumna headshot

 

Other Board actions

August 27 Meeting:

  • STISD held a Public Budget Hearing for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The STISD Board of Directors voted to adopt the General Fund, Child Nutrition, and Debt Service Budgets for the 2024-2025 school year.
  • The Board voted to adopt the tax rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Administration is proposing to keep the tax rate at $.0492 per $100 valuation.
    • As required by state statute, the Board made the motion and passed the resolution containing specific words to imply we are increasing our tax rate; however there is actually no increase in the tax rate. The resolution reads, "... the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of .0492, which is effectively a 1.60 percent increase in the tax rate."
  • The Board voted to hire Gomez, Mendez, Saenz, Inc. as the architect of record for the 2024-2025 Capital Projects.
  • The STISD Board of Directors voted to designate the district's remaining eight nonbusiness days for the purposes of Public Information Act Request responses for calendar year 2024. The board will vote on the nonbusiness days for 2025 once the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar is approved.
  • The Board voted to approve the following capital improvement projects for the 2024-2025 school year: New Rising Scholars Academy, Exterior Restrooms at Mercedes Athletic Fields, and Medical Profession New Audio Video/Intercom System.
  • The Board approved updated STISD Virtual Academy Course Offerings for the 2024-2025 school year which reflect courses offered as part of the dual credit online partnership with STC.

 

Upcoming Events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Sunday, October 27
Monday, October 28
STISD Parent Connection: Supporting Your Child's Emotional Health: Session 1
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STISD Teaching and Learning Center, 7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes, TX 78570
Tuesday, October 29
Wednesday, October 30
Thursday, October 31
Friday, November 1
Saturday, November 2
Sunday, November 3
Monday, November 4
Tuesday, November 5
Wednesday, November 6
Thursday, November 7
Subscribe to Alerts Parent Presentation: "Project iGuardian" by Homeland Security Investigations
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STISD Teaching and Learning Center, 7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes, TX 78570
Friday, November 8
Saturday, November 9
Sunday, November 10
Monday, November 11
Tuesday, November 12
Wednesday, November 13
Subscribe to Alerts STISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) Parent Meeting
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STISD Teaching and Learning Center, 7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes, TX 78570
Thursday, November 14
Saturday, November 16
Sunday, November 17
Monday, November 18
Subscribe to Alerts STISD Parent Connection: Supporting Your Child's Emotional Health: Session 2
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STISD Teaching and Learning Center, 7001 E. Expressway 83, Mercedes, TX 78570
Tuesday, November 19
Wednesday, November 20
Thursday, November 21
Friday, November 22
Saturday, November 23

Calendar & Category Legend:

  • South Texas ISD