June 2023 BoardBits

Decorative image: BoardBits cover

This e-newsletter highlights important news from the June 27 regular meeting of the STISD Board of Directors, as well as other recent and upcoming district and campus happenings.

STISD welcomes two new members to the Board of Directors: Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa and Dr. Noel Garza

Hidalgo County judge swears in two new members to STISD Board of Directors

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez, left, congratulates new STISD board members Dr. Noel Garza and Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa after administering their oath of office during the June 27, 2023 board meeting.

STISD welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors during the meeting on Tuesday, June 27, as Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez administered the oath of office to his two recent appointments.

Cortez appointed Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa of Weslaco to the unexpired term of Hidalgo County Commissioners' Precinct 1, filling the elected term of Dr. Ricardo Ochoa.

He appointed Dr. Noel Garza of Mission to the unexpired term of Hidalgo County At-Large position, filling the term of the late Norberto “Beto” Salinas, who passed away last month.

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

Click here to read the full story


 

Board presents proclamation in memory and honor of board member Norberto "Beto" Salinas

STISD Board President and Superintendent honor family of former board member for years of service

STISD Board President and Superintendent present a proclamation and clock on behalf of the board to the family of the late Norberto "Beto" Salinas, who served on the board since November 2022.

The STISD Board of Directors and administration presented a proclamation and clock on behalf of the district to the family members of the late Norberto "Beto" Salinas, of Mission, who served on the board from Nov. 2022 until his passing in May 2023.

The proclamation recognized Salinas for his loyalty, compassion, and work on behalf of our students and the larger RGV. As an integral part of STISD’s team of 25 since his appointment to the board, Salinas demonstrated his support of quality education, commitment to fiscal responsibility, and dedication to the people of the communities served.

It also recognized his extensive history of civic involvement in the region, including his service to STISD, which reflects a life of purpose and sacrifice for the greater good.

The district and audience members in attendance also got to hear from Joel Cerda, a close friend of Salinas and current Sharyland ISD Trustee, and Salinas' son, who both recounted memories and personal anecdotes.


 

Board recognizes Dr. Ricardo Ochoa for years of service as a board member

STISD Board President and Superintendent honor former board member for years of service

Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Sandra Ochoa, newly-appointed member of the STISD Board of Directors; Dr. Ricardo Ochoa, former member of the STISD Board of Directors; Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President; and Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent.

The STISD Board of Directors recognized former board member Dr. Ricardo Ochoa during the June 27 board meeting for his time and service to the district.

Dr. Ochoa, from Weslaco, was elected to the position for Hidalgo County Commissioners' Precinct 1 in November 2020, and he served on the board for two years.

A token of appreciation was presented by STISD Board President Henry LeVrier and STISD Superintendent Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr.


 

Board recognizes retirees with 25 years or more with STISD for their service

Congratulations, STISD Retirees, and thank you for your service!

Dale Coalson
Science Academy Teacher
34 years with STISD

Board president and superintendent present retiree with plaque

From left to right: Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent; Dale Coalson, now retired Science Academy teacher; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President

John Laney, Jr.
Health Professions Teacher
26 years with STISD

Board president and superintendent present retiree with plaque

From left to right: Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent; John Laney, Jr., now retired Health Professions teacher; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President

Michael Pozuc
Health Professions Teacher
27 years with STISD

Board president and superintendent present retiree with plaque

From left to right: Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent; Michael Pozuc, now retired Health Professions teacher; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President

Not pictured: Retirees Yingching Jeter and Roberta Abdallah were also recognized for their years of service.


 

Introducing STISD's new Executive Director for Student Support: Marcos Flores

Mr. Flores standing by lockers in hallway

The STISD Board of Directors approved the hiring of Marcos Flores as the new Executive Director for Student Support.

Flores has most recently served STISD as principal at Health Professions in Mercedes. Prior to his position as Health Professions principal, he was an assistant principal at World Scholars (previously South Texas Business, Education, & Technology Academy, or BETA) in Edinburg. He taught there prior to becoming an assistant principal.

 


 

Reminders: Upcoming Holidays and District Events

  • The district will be closed for non-contract vacation days July 3-14.
     
  • On Monday, May 29, STISD kicked off its summer schedule, which includes:
    • Monday – Thursday:
      • 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
      • 12:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
      • Closed for lunch: 12:00-12:45 p.m.
    • Friday: Closed
       
  • Summer hours will end on July 21, 2023.

 

  • Mandatory Student Registration/Schedule Pick-up:

Student Registration/Schedule Pick-up will occur in-person on campus on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, July 26: Registration for 6th, 9th, and 10th grade levels

  • Thursday, July 27: Registration for 7th, 11th, and 12th grade levels

  • Friday, July 28: Registration for 8th and those unable to attend scheduled date

Exact registration times will be provided by the campuses.

Campuses have e-mailed parents/guardians the registration packets, so please check your e-mail for the information. Parents may email the packet to the campus secretary or other designee before registration or bring it to registration on-campus on the designated dates.

Click here for additional information and registration packets

  • First Day of Instruction for the 2023-2024 School Year: Monday, August 7, 2023

 

Please complete questionnaire by Friday, July 7: STISD bus pick-up/drop-off location for 23-24

Needing bus transportation in 2023-2024? Take survey by July 7 to let us know.

 

STISD now accepting Free & Reduced Lunch Applications for 2023-2024 School Year

Each school year, each STISD family must complete and submit an application for free and reduced-price meals, and be approved, to qualify for these rates. 

The application for the 2023-2024 School Year is included as part of the campus registration packets emailed to parents the week of June 19.

They are also available below in both English and Spanish:

Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals - English
Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals - Spanish

Instructions to apply - English
Instructions to apply - Spanish

Click here to see the Income Eligibility Guidelines for 2023-2024


 

June 2023 Student in Frame: Preparatory Academy's Crystal Wang

STISD June Student in Frame
STISD June Student in Frame

 

Inside STISD Video Highlights

RSA's Katherine Castañeda Recognized by The University of Texas at Austin

Science Academy Named PLTW Distinguished School for Fifth Consecutive Year

June 2023 Summer Camps Highlight


 

Faculty/Staff News


 

Other Board Actions

  • The STISD Board of Directors approved STISD Virtual Academy applying for the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) full-online waiver to become a full-time TXVSN online school for the 2023-2024 school year and upcoming years.
  • The board selected International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) to assist STISD with the development of a new 5-year Strategic Plan to lead the district through 2023-2028. The current plan is set to expire, so the district will work to develop the new plan this year, soliciting feedback from all STISD stakeholders. The STISD family will create a revised vision and plan for the future.
  • Dr. Nereyda Trevino, STISD Chief Academic Officer, reported to the board on the district's plans focused on health and safety. She reported that all STISD nurses completed the Instructor Training for CPR Certification during professional development this summer. She shared that the district's goal this school year is for all STISD staff to become CPR trained and certified.

 

Tell your friends and family: STISD is hiring for 2023-2024!

Take the next step in your career. Work with South Texas ISD.

Board Receives Report on STAAR EOC Scores: STISD Surpasses Region + State

Spring 2023 STAAR EOC Exams

Dr. Nereyda Trevino, Chief Academic Officer for STISD, presented to the Board of Directors on the preliminary STAAR EOC Scores district wide, and gave them a report on the STISD STAAR EOC Results for Spring 2023. Included in the report was a comparison of STISD's results in relation to Region One and the state. STISD's scores surpassed the region and state in all areas.


 

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