Three new trustees secure spot on Mission CISD school board
The Mission CISD community elected three new board members in the May 2 election — Abby Reyna, Victor O’Caña and Beto Garza.
Reyna will replace incumbent Veronica Mendoza. O’Caña will replace longtime trustee Petra Ramirez, who did not run for re-election. Garza will replace Danny Martinez, whom the board appointed after Minnie Rodgers retired in 2024.
Victor O’Caña, Abby Reyna and Beto Garza celebrate their election victories. | Courtesy photo
PLACE 1
In Place 1, Reyna took 51% of the vote, unseating incumbent Veronica “Betty” Mendoza, who has been an MCISD trustee for 10 nonconsecutive years.
Even after a few days to take in her victory, Reyna said it hasn’t sunk in yet.
“I think that I will probably start to feel different when I can make the first change to benefit the school district and that I know that it’s a win for the students and the teachers. I think that’s probably when it will set in,” she said.
The Place 1 winner has spent the last few years familiarizing herself with Mission CISD affairs, attending board meetings and doing her homework on district finances. With her background as a senior escrow officer, she hopes her financial expertise can help guide the board when managing the district’s budget.
Reyna said she’s most eager to be part of the contract bidding process because she wants to ensure financial responsibility and fairness to vendors throughout the process.
“I don’t want to stick with, ‘Hey, this is the way we’ve had it for the last 10 years, let’s leave it like this,’” she said. “If it is working, then obviously we’re going to leave things as is. But if there is a change and we can possibly save money, that’s my top goal right now. Where can we save the school money?”
Besides taking a closer look at school finances, Reyna said she is also excited about meeting new people in the MCISD community, and she hopes to be a role model for them.
“As we enter this new phase of trustees, we need to be aware that we’re doing this for the students and the teachers. And whatever we say, either to our friends, to social media, to all of those around, there’s always kids listening,” the Place 1 winner said. “I just want to set that example, and I hope everyone else can do the same as well. We need to just be good examples for the kids we’re trying to help.”
PLACE 6
Victor O’Caña took 58% of the vote in his race against Anthony Longoria.
O’Caña did not respond to interview inquiries, but in a pre-election interview, he stated that he ran to be a voice for his community.
The Place 6 winner hopes to use his position to connect with Mission CISD families to build trust and develop open lines of communication.
“I want to make the connection with the community stronger because I think they feel that we don’t care, like we’re in our own little world, in our own little bubble,” O’Caña said. “So if I get on the board, I want to make that change, I want to build a connection to where it’s stronger and they can feel like, ‘Hey, these guys are listening to us.’”
PLACE 7
Beto Garza took home 57% of the vote against opponent Michael De Leon.
The Place 7 winner said he’s thankful to the community for voting him and his slate members into office, and he’s ready to hit the ground running. 
Garza believes his biggest asset to the MCISD board will be his decision-making abilities and familiarity with complex budgets due to his experience as the Peñitas city manager. But he’s most passionate about being in a position to make a difference.
“I’m definitely going to be on the inside trying to learn as much as I can and from the other board members that are already there,” Garza said. “I’m excited about serving and excited about learning a few things and how the school system works and seeing how my opinions and my expertise can help out.”
Going into his first term, the new board member said the Mission CISD community can expect honesty and transparency from his seat.
“I’m here to put in an effort and work hard to be a good board member,” Garza said. “I’m looking forward to being a good servant to the parents, teachers and students of Mission CISD.”
The swearing-in ceremony for the new members is May 12 at the Mission CISD Annex Building.
