The Mission Police Department is the latest agency to use software that collects footage of license plates from cameras within the city. Since the technology became more accessible in recent years, law enforcement bureaus throughout the country began using license plate reader (LPR) programs like the one at Mission PD. But residents in other communities…

Mission CISD had 26 law enforcement officers stationed throughout the campuses for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition, the district employed 37 on-site security guards. But if MCISD wants to keep those same safety expenditures for the upcoming school year, it cannot afford to implement a district police department with its current budget.  Assistant Superintendent…

During her 2022 campaign, Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza asked the community what changes they would like to see, and a recurring answer was mayoral term limits. A year later, after discussing the topic with the rest of the council at the June 12 workshop, the city plans to move forward with the constituents’ request.  “I…

Mission CISD administration made it clear their priority for the 2023-2024 budget is employee compensation — their goal is retention and recruitment. But to make compensation a priority, the district reduced department and campus budgets by 15% for the upcoming school year.  However, Superintendent Dr. Carol G. Perez is confident Mission CISD will be able…

Since Mission CISD demolished the historic Roosevelt Auditorium in early June, Mission community members have been vocal about their disapproval. A handful of residents spoke at meetings for the school board, Mission City Council and the Mission Historical Preservation Commission. But Mission CISD administration has been tight-lipped on the issue — until now.  Progress Times…

In the wake of the demolition of the historic Roosevelt Auditorium, the City of Mission is working to protect its other significant sites before it’s too late. But some community members feel those in charge have already failed the city.  Earlier this month, Mission CISD demolished the 1929 auditorium that was on the National Register…

Cynthia Ybarra Leal broke into a giggle when asked to describe her now-former boss Craig Verley.  “He’s funny. There’s always a joke with Craig,” the Mission CISD public relations specialist said with a smile. “But you know, it has made for a very relaxed atmosphere. We’re all professionals, we all know what it is that…

This article ran in the June 9 issue of the Progress Times.  Irma Flores Lopez remembers the excitement she felt walking to Roosevelt School as a little girl because she knew she was on her way to learn.  The 61-year-old vaguely recalls the Roosevelt School Song that mimicked the tune of “Oh Christmas Tree.” She…

The Mission Fire Department underwent a major overhaul throughout the last two years, and the changes will continue into the foreseeable future, according to Fire Chief Adrian Garcia.  In 2021, the department shifted to a fire-based EMS system. Since then, it acquired three ambulance units, increased staff certification levels, restructured leadership, hired a new chief…

This article originally ran in the Aug. 27, 2021 issue of the Progress Times. The historic Roosevelt Auditorium does not have a demolition date yet, but the project is still headed in that direction. At the Aug. 11 board meeting, the Mission CISD board of trustees approved the $175,000 budget and professional services from Chanin…