La Joya ISD anticipates more layoffs
The chief staff gave their monthly budget update at the March 12 La Joya ISD school board meeting, and they were clear about what it will take to continue chipping away at the district’s budget deficit — fewer employees. Chief of Human Capital and Talent Development Jaime Miller reminded the board of the 13-year overstaffing…
Read MoreStudents become spotlight of SISD board meetings
Fifth grader Miku Tsusaka begins every school day smiling and waving as she greets those around her. It’s a small act, but she feels like she sets a good example by doing it. “Overall, I just try to communicate with everyone, try to make as much eye contact as I can,” she said. The 10-year-old…
Read MoreLocal trustees discuss public dollars funding private schools
It’s not a legislative year in Texas if private school vouchers aren’t a hot topic of discussion, and this year is no different. School vouchers, school choice and education savings accounts (ESAs) are all terms used to describe the concept of using public tax dollars to fund students not in public schools. Governor Greg Abbott…
Read MoreThree SISD trustees retain seats, look to future
Sharyland ISD canceled their May election after no one threw their hat in the ring to run against the three incumbents. With the stress of the election out the window, the trustees prepare themselves for what lies ahead in this next term. Place 5 Trustee Hector Rivera begins his third term after six years on…
Read MoreStaffing underway for ACE schools at La Joya
Garza and Seguin Elementary will have a complete restart next year under the Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) program, and administration wants to finalize as much staffing as possible by March 17. The ACE model is a rigorous academic improvement program designed to transform low-rated schools into A or B-rated campuses, as determined by the state.…
Read MoreNew member joins La Joya ISD’s chief staff
La Joya ISD welcomed technology and data expert Haissam Mayasi, who joined the superintendent’s cabinet as the chief information officer. Mayasi will manage all things technology at La Joya ISD, everything from the network to devices, analytics and cybersecurity. He joined the district after about 23 years at PSJA ISD, where he was a software…
Read MoreLa Joya ISD talks budget deficit, projects loss of 900 students
The La Joya school district is already planning the budget for the next school year, which includes a projected $10.4 million deficit and loss of about 900 students — meaning La Joya ISD has their work cut out for them to achieve a balanced budget. At the February school board meeting, Chief of Business and…
Read MoreLa Joya could invest additional $1.5 million into ACE schools
For the next three school years, La Joya ISD plans to invest up to an additional $1.5 million into the students and staff of Garza and Seguin elementaries. Last month, the board of managers voted to close Zapata Elementary and divide the students between Garza and Seguin — two campuses that will undergo a rigorous…
Read MoreSorensen aims to increase students on A-rated campuses
La Joya ISD Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorensen said her overall goal is to increase the percentage of students attending A and B campuses by 6% before Aug. 2029. During the Jan. 29 board meeting, the district leader proposed her goal, which she called the North Star Goal for La Joya ISD. A North Star strategy…
Read MoreTexas Citrus Fiesta announces the 89th Royal Court
A new cohort of young women will represent the Texas Citrus Fiesta as members of the 89th Royal Court. The City of Mission celebrated the annual Citrus Fiesta, where area residents honor the local citrus industry. During the gala, TCF named Ximena Lopez Queen Citrianna, Sofia Garza the Princess of Grapefruit Blossom and Aaliyah Sarabia…
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