Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
April 17, 2025- The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) held its third membership meeting of April 2025 with a public candidate forum for the McAllen Independent School District (MISD) Board of Trustees, Place 7. The event occurred at the Rio Bank venue at 701 E. Expressway 83 in McAllen.
MCL President Judith Flores Saldivar opened the meeting with welcoming remarks and an introduction to the program. The candidate forum, organized by MCL’s Government Affairs Committee with guidance from the board, was designed to inform members and the public about individuals running in the upcoming school board election. The early vote process is underway, with the general election on May 3, 2025.
Robert Carreon, a candidate for Place 3, introduced himself as an education professional with a history of teaching and educational leadership. Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, Carreon moved to McAllen in 2004 and has worked with Teach For America since 2006. He currently serves on the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) board, Leadership McAllen Class 29, and the McAllen ISD School Health Advisory Committee. His campaign focuses on student outcomes, staff satisfaction, enrollment stabilization, parent engagement, and budget efficiency.
Also running for Place 3, Allena Cano described herself as a McAllen ISD graduate and parent of three students in the district. Cano is an attorney and owner of Cano FamCo, holding degrees from Texas Christian University, UT Arlington, and Duke Law. She emphasized transparency, accountability, and policy compliance as her priorities and directed resources to educators and facilities. Cano noted her deep roots in the McAllen community and her experience in business, athletics, and law.
For Place 7, Roberto Haddad presented his background as Vice President and Counsel at DHR Health. A McAllen Memorial High School graduate, St. Edward’s University, and Georgetown Law, Haddad highlighted his 17 years of experience in business, law, and public policy. He resides in McAllen with his husband and two children. His stated goal is to advocate for strong public schools and to serve as a liaison between the district and the community.
Also seeking Place 7, Rojelio Aleman II is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Aleman, an MISD graduate, is active in several civic organizations, including Keep McAllen Beautiful and Holy Spirit Church. He is pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership and is committed to supporting special needs students and enhancing civic engagement within schools.
Tiffany Ramos, also a candidate for Place 7, works in the pharmaceutical and medical benefits sector, with four years of experience managing nationwide insurance plans. A McAllen ISD graduate and parent of two MISD students, Ramos prioritizes special education, staff compensation, and implementation of a comprehensive farm-to-school nutrition program. She emphasized the importance of student well-being, family support resources, and financial oversight related to pharmaceutical benefits.
The McAllen Citizens League, established in 1952, is a non-sectarian and non-partisan organization that provides members with information on civic, educational, governmental, cultural, and community affairs. Membership dues are $20 annually and can be paid at any MCL meeting.
