Meet the new Shimotsu Elementary principal
Since she was young, Claudia Garza said she imagined herself as an educator when she grew up. She’s always loved the classroom and working with students. As a child, Garza said she imitated being a teacher at home. She recruited her nieces and nephews to be her students and would teach them lessons, emulating the…
Read MoreSA3 welcomes new principal
Diana Rojas was part of the small staff that started at Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy when the school opened in 2014. She was a counselor then. But almost 10 years later, she returns as the principal, ready to take on the responsibility of campus leader. “I am definitely very excited and humbled for this opportunity,”…
Read MoreHealth insurance premiums rise at Mission CISD
Mission Schools made a big move to reduce its health insurance deficit — an issue looming over the district for two-plus years. But with the plan design changes and increases in employee and employer contributions, district leaders hope this will finally keep MCISD in the black. DEFICIT HISTORY Since 2021, Mission CISD’s self-funded health insurance…
Read MoreMHS basketball court dedicated to legendary coach
The basketball court in the Mission High School Neuhaus Gym will now be known as the Coach Roy Garcia Court — named after the late Rosendo “Roy” Garcia. The former Mission Eagles basketball coach had a reputation for success. He spent 28 years leading the MHS basketball program to victory as the head basketball coach…
Read MoreRestoring Mission CISD’s budget, funding woes
In June, when Mission CISD approved the 2023-24 school year budget, they did so with a 15% reduction to department and campus monies. But administration already found a way to restore that funding. MCISD wanted to focus on employee compensation for the upcoming school year. But for the district to have a balanced budget and…
Read MoreVaping regulations, dress code updates and more at Sharyland
The first day of school is less than a month away, and Sharyland ISD administration is in preparation mode for the 2023-2024 year, which includes the annual updates to the student code of conduct and dress code. LEGAL CHANGES This year, SISD amended the student code of conduct to comply with four bills that state…
Read MoreDrainage projects and ordinance updates in Mission
DRAINAGE The City of Mission has seven ongoing drainage projects in areas engineers deemed high priority due to the time it takes for water to drain following rainfall. After about three years of assessments, planning and construction, four projects are near completion. Of the seven areas, there are five active projects — Stewart A, Esperanza,…
Read MoreVanguard Academy expansion denied
This article ran in the July 14 issue of Progress Times. The Vanguard Academy planned to construct an elementary campus on a vacant lot on Stewart Road. But after receiving significant opposition from residents in the area, Mission City Council denied the request to rezone the tract of land at the July 10 meeting. Vanguard…
Read MoreMission develops new community assistance programs
This article appeared in the July 14 issue of the Progress Times. The Mission Health Department proposed two new initiatives at the July 10 workshop — a community tool-sharing program and a program that could save a life in an emergency. Once Health Director Steven Kotsatos resolves the last few details, the city will make…
Read MoreMission mayor reflects on past year, plans for future
This article appeared in the July 14 issue of the Progress Times. It’s been a year since Mission constituents elected Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza as the leader of their community. And within that year, Gonzalez Garza implemented several initiatives she indicated she would execute during her campaign. But there is still plenty more to do…
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