Texas Border Business
Thank you for allowing me to quickly introduce myself! I was born and raised in McAllen. I am one of five daughters of Abdala (Lalo) and Alma Kalifa. My husband, Marcos Lopez, and I and our three children (two current McAllen ISD students and one graduate) live in OldeTowne, McAllen. I graduated from McAllen Memorial HS, received my bachelor’s degree in business HR at Texas A&M University in College Station and my master’s in business administration from the University of Texas-Pan American. I served on the McAllen ISD Board of Trustees from 2011-2015. I have continued to serve my community through the following organizations:
City of McAllen • Planning and Zoning – Current Advisory Board Member
Friends of IB Lamar Academy • Parent Organization – President ’21-’23
The Texas Lyceum • Alumni Member
March of Dimes • Walk for Babies Past Event Chair
American Cancer Society • Cattle Baron’s Ball Past Event Chair
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health • Past Board Member
I have been a Texas real estate broker for 20 years and a property tax consultant, along with my husband, at our small business, 956 Property Tax Consultants in McAllen.
I am running for school board to help advocate for responsible budgeting and funding that supports student success and teacher/auxiliary/staff retention. My priority is to safeguard every tax dollar and make sure it is invested wisely. This ensures accountability and enhances transparency.
Our district is facing major challenges: annual loss of student enrollment, high employee turnover, and a budget deficit in the millions that is currently covered only by one-time ESSER funds that expire in 2024.
It is imperative that we ensure all children have access to a quality education. As the daughter of a small business owner, I share the pride and commitment of continuing our city’s legacy. As a small business owner now myself, as well as a taxpayer and life-long resident of McAllen, I am aware that quality public education is an economic tool that allows strong neighborhoods to thrive, builds cohesive communities, and allows our city to compete globally when attracting and retaining new businesses and families. Great schools are critical for a prosperous community and a sustainable economy.
McAllen ISD is the largest employer in the City of McAllen. It is vital that we foster community engagement, which is only possible when our board of trustees welcomes honest and open feedback and involvement from our families and employees. I am grateful for your engagement in this most vital of decisions for the future of our city–voting in the McAllen ISD School Board Election.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the children of our community and to our beautiful McAllen.
Please visit Erica de la Garza-Lopez for McAllen ISD Trustee Pl 4. I look forward to meeting you and earning your vote.
