Area News
Countdown to zero, Mission CISD recovers dropout students
Mission CISD started the school year with 445 potential dropout students. But by Sept. 27, the district recovered 418, making the dropout rate less than 1%. “Our ultimate goal is to bring every single child back, but less than 1% is key,” Family and Community Engagement Migrant Coordinator Nancy Villarreal said. “We really do…
Read MoreSuit alleges man’s rights violated in Mission jail
A federal lawsuit filed in August claims that the city of Mission violated the rights of a man with mental disabilities after the city’s jail released him with such bad injuries he had to be intubated and admitted into a hospital’s intensive care unit. At about 10:30 in the morning one December day in…
Read MoreSharyland Athletics First Lady
Laura Cavazos named First Female Assistant Athletic Director Last week, Sharyland ISD announced that Coach Laura Cavazos has been appointed as Assistant Athletic Director, marking a significant milestone in the district’s history. This appointment not only highlights the growing presence of women in leadership roles within athletics but also reflects the achievements of…
Read MoreAgua SUD board to swear in one old, two new members
The Agua Special Utility District is planning on swearing in three board directors this fall, two of whom are new to the board and one who isn’t. All of those changes are slightly nuanced. The familiar face on the board is Adriana Villarreal. Villarreal filed to run for a seat on…
Read MoreCity Council Bumps Tax Rate, Public Questions Expenditures
[email protected] The Mission City Council, plagued with financial insecurities over the last 12 months, voted unanimously to increase the property tax rate at a meeting held on September 16. Councilman Jose “Beto” Vela made the motion to raise the city property tax rate by three cents per $100 valuation, and Councilman Ruben Plata seconded the…
Read MoreSanitation Audit Shows Not Everyone Pays for City Services
[email protected] The Mission Audit Committee heard firsthand on Wednesday that at least 174 residences and businesses are not paying for city services such as water, sewer or trash pick-up because the proper billing rates were removed from the accounts. The city’s Director of Sanitation, Roel Mendiola, told the recently formed audit committee charged with…
Read MoreLJISD Chief of Staff seeks to improve communication, implement TEA strategies
La Joya ISD’s new Chief of Staff anticipates creating district transparency by introducing new communication and parent engagement plans and utilizing Texas Education Agency strategies. Entering the school year as LJISD’s Chief of Staff, Joseph Niedziela operates alongside Superintendent Marcey Sorensen and other cabinet leaders to accomplish district goals for student benefit. “My…
Read MoreMr. Samm retires
After 10 years with the City of Alton and a lifetime of event planning, Samm Mercado hung up his hat. The 60-year-old celebrated his last day Sept. 20 before heading into retirement. Affectionately known as Mr. Samm, Mercado has been a source of inspiration and a friend to all. Professionally, he has been the mastermind…
Read MoreReward offered over Peñitas hit-and-run
The family of a woman killed earlier this month in a suspected hit-and-run collision in Peñitas is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the investigation. At about 8:25 p.m. on Sept. 4, the Peñitas Police Department responded to the 3400 block of Tom Gill Road, a little north of…
Read MoreLJISD business and administration chief looks to show transparency in district spending
Mirgitt Crespo, incoming La Joya ISD chief of business and administration services, is working to create a zero-based budget, educate the community on school finances, and create department transparency. The role of Chief of Business and Administrative Services, which Crespo has held since April, oversees the business and financial operation of the school district…
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