Laura Avendaño seeks election to LJISD Trustee Place 4

I have always been a person committed to the service of others, because I believe that in order for our community to prosper, we have to work together. My late husband, Jesus “Chuy” Avendaño was a devoted public servant who always encouraged that the right choices be made to benefit our community and our children, a trait, which though should be the premise of great leadership, is often lost when someone takes office.

I am proud to say that this was never the case for my husband; he was a man that led the way, the fight, and proved that true leadership begins with unselfishly serving others before yourself. Throughout the years, I stood alongside my husband in his service as a commissioner for the City of Peñitas and most recently, as a school board member for La Joya ISD. In addition, we both served on various boards, volunteered at local school and city events, and participated in community projects. We are a family committed to the community and are always working with people and local leaders to help ensure that we have the best opportunities for our families.

Since my husband’s passing, I have thought long and hard about his legacy of public service and I have decided that it is now my turn to continue the fight for our communities and schools, that my husband so cared for. I was recently appointed to fill his vacancy on the La Joya ISD School Board representing the cities of Peñitas, Palmview, Sullivan City, and La Joya – an opportunity that I am beyond blessed to take on. There is so much to be done to ensure that our children have the proper education, opportunities, and resources to lead a successful life – beyond high school and college.

Education is the single most important factor in the development of our children’s lives. It is available to all, despite socio-economic backgrounds, cultural differences, and language barriers. Our rich heritage, situated on the border of the Rio Grande, has allowed us to raise our children in an area thriving with richness in heritage and economic opportunity. I will continue to work with all of our families and students to ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed at La Joya ISD.

I hope that you have been able to resonate with my story and come to realize that being accountable, honest, and a true servant of the public is of the utmost importance to my family and I. Help me bring better government to the people and students of  La Joya ISD.