Mission CISD parent challenges incumbent for Place 1 trustee
Abby Reyna seeks to unseat Veronica “Betty” Mendoza on the Mission CISD Board of Trustees in the May 2 election.
ABBY REYNA
Abby Reyna
The Place 1 challenger is a mother of two MCISD students and a senior escrow officer by profession.
Reyna ran for a spot on the school board in 2024 because she wanted to be a voice for students. Since then, she remained involved in district happenings — attending functions for her children, participating in board meetings and viewing archived footage to educate herself.
And as she immersed herself in MCISD affairs, Reyna realized her financial expertise might be just what the board needs.
“This time around, it’s more about being on the lookout for being financially conservative for the school district, and being more involved as to why things are done and voted on in a particular way,” the Place 1 candidate said. “I manage a title company, and I’m financially responsible for its employees for the profitability for the account and the branch. Maybe I can be an asset to the board in looking at those things closely for them because we want everything to be profitable, especially when our kids are involved.”
Reyna also strongly encourages other Mission CISD families to get more involved in the school district to hold the trustees accountable. If elected, she plans to make a concerted effort to reach out to parents who haven’t been exposed to board meetings. They could be the difference makers, she said.
“When I started this a couple of years ago, I was a little upset about something that had happened with one of my kids at school, and then it just opened the door for me to meet people. And now, what’s changed is that I am more involved, I do ask questions now,” Reyna explained. “My platform now is still as a mother who just says, ‘Hey, I’m not a politician, I’m just a mom who wants to be involved.’ And if Mission wants to see change…you’ve got new blood and new eyes who are willing to put themselves out there to try to make that difference.”
The Place 1 challenger had nothing ill to say about the current board but feels that a new era of trustees could be good for the district.
“At the end of the day, I thank past and current board members,” Reyna said. “But if there’s one thing I can say it’s, ‘Thank you, but maybe it’s time to pass the baton.’”
VERONICA ‘BETTY’ R. MENDOZA
Veronica “Betty” R. Mendoza
The incumbent has served 10 nonconsecutive years on the MCISD school board and intends to continue if constituents allow. Her late father was a city councilman, and community service runs in her blood, she said.
Mendoza is a freshly retired educator with four grandchildren in the district. She believes that her experience in education helps her better understand Mission CISD students and teachers. It shapes how she leads and drives her decision-making.
As an educator in La Joya ISD and then at Region One, Mendoza specialized in helping at-risk students continue their education. She aims to maintain that energy for students at Mission CISD.
“I want to continue strengthening the opportunities and supports our students receive,” the incumbent said. “I feel that over the last two years, we’ve made progress not only in the students’ sense of belonging but in safety and academic pathways. I want to keep building a district where every student feels seen, every family feels heard and every staff member feels valued.”
Mendoza shared an anecdote about a former at-risk student who is graduating from a welding program this year after dropping out in eighth grade. She explained that having a small part in student success has been one of her proudest accomplishments as an educator and a board member.
Now that she’s retired, the Missionite said she’ll miss being part of those student victories, but she’s excited to dedicate more time to the school district and community she loves.
“When you hear their stories, and then you see them graduate, it’s the most beautiful thing. That’s what I’m going to miss,” the Place 1 trustee said. “But we’re going to continue doing that for our students. My grandchildren are here, and every child matters. And I believe in every one of our students, so that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”
She continued.
“I want people to know that they should vote for me because I’m not finished,” Mendoza said. “I still want to be part of MCISD and all of our bright, resilient students and our dedicated staff. I believe in them, and I’m going to continue believing in them.”
Three seats are up for election on the Mission CISD Board of Trustees — Place 1, Place 6 and Place 7.
Early voting begins April 20 and runs until April 28. Polling locations will close April 21 and April 26. Election Day is May 2.
