La Joya ISD considers cutting unfunded transportation services
The La Joya school district may eliminate some of its bus services due to operational and financial inefficiencies rooted in the corrupt practices of previous administrations. The transportation department is in the midst of a long-overdue upgrade, which includes revamping the 20-year-old routing system, deploying new technology and training employees in new practices. A recent…
Read MoreSharyland adopts policy allowing prayer time in school
In a 5-0 vote, the Sharyland ISD Board of Trustees approved a resolution allowing a designated period of prayer and reading of religious text during the instructional day. The newly signed Texas Senate Bill 11 requires all school districts to opt in or out of creating an optional designated prayer time for students, provided they…
Read MorePay discrepancies and possible sabotage found at La Joya ISD
The La Joya school district found a history of questionable compensation practices from the previous administration, including seemingly deliberate obstruction of pay increases and limited documentation to provide an explanation. For the past two years, the chief staff has been working to correct more than a decade of financial issues. Although external auditors reported improved…
Read MoreLJISD board reorganizes officers, welcomes new member
The La Joya ISD Board of Managers underwent a few changes this month, although they remain in place as a unit through 2028. At the Feb. 11 meeting, the board unanimously voted in favor of reorganizing its officers. Julian Alvarez III remains president, while Alyssa Peña takes on the role of vice president. Celso Gomez…
Read MoreState intervention to continue at La Joya ISD through 2028
La Joya ISD will remain under the authority of the board of managers for two more years, according to Commissioner of Education Mike Morath. The state appointed the board of managers and Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen Feb. 1, 2024, following years of corruption in the district and among trustees. The board replacements rendered elected school…
Read MoreSharyland trustees approve bond election for May ballot
The Sharyland community will have the opportunity to vote on a $250 million bond in the May 2 election, which, if passed, could result in a tax increase of more than 19 cents. SISD would allocate bond funds for facility upgrades across all campuses, security modernization, technology enhancements and the construction of an aquatic center.…
Read MoreSISD trustees honor teachers for school board appreciation month
The Sharyland ISD Board of Trustees gifted two teachers from each campus with one cooperative teaching day — a day to catch up on their extra responsibilities, while a substitute covers the work inside the classroom. Principals use their own process to select the two teachers. Then each winner chooses one day in the work…
Read MoreLa Joya to close 5 low-performing schools, reinvest $27.2 million
La Joya ISD will close four D-rated campuses and one C-rated campus next year, allowing the district to reinvest $27.2 million into other areas. The board of managers unanimously voted in favor of permanently closing Benavides (D), Peña (D) and Leo (D) elementaries in the 2026-27 school year, along with Ann Richards Middle School (C).…
Read MoreSharyland school board talks potential bond election, tax increase
The Sharyland ISD board of trustees still hasn’t finalized the multi-million dollar bond for the May election ballot — a move that could raise taxes by more than 19 cents if voters approve. In November, the Sharyland ISD facility planning committee recommended the district put a $250 million bond on the ballot to fund longstanding…
Read MoreCommunity surveys to drive decisions at La Joya ISD
The La Joya ISD administration announced an annual climate and culture survey that will help the district move forward through its strategic plan for the next four and a half years. The district will launch the first survey in English and Spanish later this semester, distributing it to students, staff, families and community members. Students…
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