Community News

For the fifth year in a row, Sharyland ISD lowered the tax rate for residents. And for the second year in a row, the board of trustees approved a defeasance to pay off district debt sooner.  At the Aug. 28 meeting, the board of trustees approved a $0.9575 tax rate per $100 valuation for the…

Last year, Sharyland ISD provided free meals to the students at five campuses throughout the school year. It was the first time in district history that any Sharyland school qualified for free in-house meals. This year, the district expanded the program to eight campuses.  The no-cost meals are available through a federal program called Community…

For the first time since 2017, Mission CISD did not lower its tax rate. However, with a new state tax relief bill, homeowners could still see a decrease in the taxes they pay to the school district. Residents will have the opportunity to vote for the tax relief in November, and more state aid for…

McAllen Temple Opens to the Public for Free Tours Open house runs from August 25 through September 9 By Jim Brunson McALLEN – For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the long-awaited day of having a temple in the Rio Grande Valley has finally arrived. While there are many meetinghouses throughout…

The City of Mission entered Elizabeth Perez’s property and mowed down the native plant life that took years to grow. She said she was angry and had sleepless nights following the incident.  “I felt violated, I felt trespassed upon. It was like somebody coming into your space and robbing you,” the Missionite said.  Perez is…

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…

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,”…

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…

Fire marshal promoted to the top spot Edinburg, Texas – The City of Edinburg has selected Omar Garza as its new Fire Chief. With a career spanning nearly three decades in fire service, Chief Garza brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovation to his new leadership role. Chief Garza’s journey in the fire service…