La Joya ISD cancels superintendent’s golf tournament

The La Joya ISD board voted on February 28 to cancel the 2024 Superintendent’s Scholarship Golf Classic, at least in part because of ethical concerns.

This year’s tournament would have been the 18th annual golf classic.

“Ultimately, the decision reflects a strategic evaluation of the effectiveness of past fundraising methods and a commitment to activities that align more closely with the educational goals and values of this district,” CFO Ben Garza said of administration’s recommendation to end the fundraiser last month.

Garza said the district felt resources could be allocated more effectively and fundraising could be done more efficiently.

He also said administration based its recommendation on ”ethical considerations regarding soliciting vendors for sponsorship with potential conflicts of interest and transparency issues.”

Superintendent Marcey Sorensen said after last month’s meeting that the decision to cancel the tournament was based on theoretical ethical concerns rather than the discovery of any actual violations.

“Perception,” she said. “Want to just make sure that everything we do moving forward is clear, transparent and that we are not operating under any perception of unethical business relationships, transactions.

The decision differs significantly with how the La Joya ISD’s previous leadership felt about the tournament.

In April of 2023, former superintendent Heriberto “Beto” Gonzalez — in perhaps his very first public appearance as interim for that role — hailed last year’s tournament as a success that raised almost $97,000 for students.

“This golf course builds student development. It builds dreams,” he said during last year’s tournament.