Teacher of the Year
Congratulations, STISD District Teacher of the Year: Arnold Cortez of Preparatory Academy
STISD is proud to announce this year's District Teacher of the Year, Arnold Cortez of STISD Preparatory Academy.
Mr. Cortez has taught at Preparatory Academy since 2011, where he has focused on creating a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and develop critical digital skills. He believes in the power of technology to enhance education, and he integrates a variety of digital tools and resources into his classroom to promote creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Mr. Cortez combines his strong Arts education foundation with a deep commitment to fostering technological literacy in his students. He utilizes a creative approach in teaching and has a unique ability to connect to his students, who he says are his greatest motivation.
Outside the classroom, Mr. Cortez is committed to continued professional development and service to his hometown community. A servant leader, Cortez has served as a School Board Trustee of Lyford CISD since 2013.
Congratulations, Mr. Cortez! Thank you for all you do.
STISD introduces the 2025 South Texas ISD Campus Teachers of the Year
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Survey: Share Your Voice in the Search for Our Next Superintendent
The South Texas ISD Board of Directors is partnering with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to conduct the search for the district’s next superintendent of schools. As part of this process, we are seeking community input to help shape the leadership profile of the superintendent who will guide South Texas ISD’s continued growth and success in the years ahead.
![The image shows a newsletter titled "Career and Postsecondary Readiness Newsletter" with a blurred background of colorful tassels and fabric.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770996815/stisdnet/cbun04mionosgaevcrbd/CareerandPostsecondaryReadinessNewsletter-Graphic-1080x1080.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770996815/stisdnet/cbun04mionosgaevcrbd/CareerandPostsecondaryReadinessNewsletter-Graphic-1080x1080.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770996815/stisdnet/cbun04mionosgaevcrbd/CareerandPostsecondaryReadinessNewsletter-Graphic-1080x1080.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770996815/stisdnet/cbun04mionosgaevcrbd/CareerandPostsecondaryReadinessNewsletter-Graphic-1080x1080.png","width":1080}])
Career and Postsecondary Readiness Newsletter: 2025-2026 Volume 3
Welcome to Volume III of South Texas ISD’s Career and Postsecondary Readiness Newsletter for 2025–2026!
We’re excited to keep the momentum going with fresh updates, useful resources, and new opportunities to help every student stay on track toward college, career, and beyond.
![The image shows two young men sitting at a desk, focused on their computer screens. The background features a large "Enroll" text and the date "Jan. 24", suggesting this is an enrollment or registration event.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769092479/stisdnet/rtaeviiojhcupb57fgsg/Enroll-3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769092479/stisdnet/rtaeviiojhcupb57fgsg/Enroll-3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769092479/stisdnet/rtaeviiojhcupb57fgsg/Enroll-3.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769092479/stisdnet/rtaeviiojhcupb57fgsg/Enroll-3.png","width":1080}])
STISD New-to-District Enrollment for 2026-27 Opens at 9 am Saturday, Jan. 24
STISD will open enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
Enrollment forms must be completed online at www.stisd.net. STISD is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public school district, and students residing in Cameron, Hidalgo or Willacy counties are eligible to enroll.
STISD offers families an innovative educational option through seven magnet schools across the Rio Grande Valley: two middle schools, four high schools, and one virtual campus serving both middle and high school students.