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
![The image features a close-up view of a person's face, with a blurred background suggesting a public setting. The text overlay encourages viewers to share their voice in the search for a new school superintendent, emphasizing the importance of their feedback in the selection process.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771014954/stisdnet/t2bznu5lmfvofkdbaafn/SurveyGraphic-STISDTASB-Deadline-1080x1080.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771014954/stisdnet/t2bznu5lmfvofkdbaafn/SurveyGraphic-STISDTASB-Deadline-1080x1080.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771014954/stisdnet/t2bznu5lmfvofkdbaafn/SurveyGraphic-STISDTASB-Deadline-1080x1080.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771014954/stisdnet/t2bznu5lmfvofkdbaafn/SurveyGraphic-STISDTASB-Deadline-1080x1080.png","width":1080}])
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.
![Decorative image showing dates for upcoming High School Open Houses available to STISD 8th-graders]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768241001/stisdnet/p1fxmutuxxn5hpmloffj/STISDInDistrictTransfers8thGradeHSSelection.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768241001/stisdnet/p1fxmutuxxn5hpmloffj/STISDInDistrictTransfers8thGradeHSSelection.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768241001/stisdnet/p1fxmutuxxn5hpmloffj/STISDInDistrictTransfers8thGradeHSSelection.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768241001/stisdnet/p1fxmutuxxn5hpmloffj/STISDInDistrictTransfers8thGradeHSSelection.png","width":1080}])
Now Open: High School Selection and In-District Transfers for 2026-2027
The STISD High School Selection process for current STISD 8th-graders and the In-District Transfer process for current STISD 6th-,7th- and 9th-graders wanting to transfer to another campus within STISD for the 2026-2027 school year are now open via Skyward Family Access and will remain open through Thursday, Jan. 22.
![The image shows a happy, smiling family of six people, including two adults and four children, posing together outdoors against a backdrop of trees and a sunny day. The family appears to be the focus of the image, which also includes an invitation for parents to register for an Emergent Bilingual Parent Institute Series event.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765906564/iyzvca6b6afabxvvzges/EnglishSTISDParentSession25-26_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765906564/iyzvca6b6afabxvvzges/EnglishSTISDParentSession25-26_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765906564/iyzvca6b6afabxvvzges/EnglishSTISDParentSession25-26_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765906564/iyzvca6b6afabxvvzges/EnglishSTISDParentSession25-26_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765906564/iyzvca6b6afabxvvzges/EnglishSTISDParentSession25-26_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765906564/iyzvca6b6afabxvvzges/EnglishSTISDParentSession25-26_1.jpg","width":1700}])
Support Your Child’s Growth: Attend an Emergent Bilingual Parent Institute Session in Jan. 2026
Families of emergent bilingual students are invited to attend an in-person session of the Emergent Bilingual Parent Institute Series next month. Three meeting options are available (January 13, 14, or 15 at 9:00 AM at Health Professions in Mercedes, Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, or Preparatory Academy in Edinburg). Parents will learn how to support their child’s linguistic, cognitive and social emotional development at home.