Rivera resigns from MCISD board
After seven years on the Mission CISD school board, Patricia Rivera (Bazaldua) submitted her resignation for “personal reasons,” according to the letter of resignation. Her departure is effective July 23.
“This was not an easy decision for me to make,” she stated in the letter. “I’ve enjoyed being part of an awesome team dedicated to providing top level education to our students.”
Rivera was arrested in September 2014 by Mission police and charged with two counts of theft and one count each of forgery and fraudulent use of identification. Her then-in-laws accused Rivera of using their identity to take out loans and withdraw insurance money in 2012.
The case is scheduled for court Aug. 24.
In May, the former MCISD school board vice president pleaded not guilty to all charges.
As per legal procedure, Rivera’s seat on the board becomes vacant the day the board accepts the resignation or on the eighth day after the date of its receipt by the board, whichever is earlier. Superintendent Ricardo Lopez said a date for discussion has not been set yet.
“We do want to move quickly on it, but I believe that the board wants as many members present to show the unity and that they support her and her decision,” Lopez said.
Once the vacancy occurs, the remaining board members may fill the seat by appointment or wait until the next election, which is in May 2016.
“It’s unfortunate that she had to resign at this point, but sometimes family takes preference over these situations,” the superintendent said. “She had a long run as a board member. We wish her nothing but the best.”
