Texas Border Business
Mission, Texas- The Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) Board of Trustees has been honored by H-E-B as the recipient of the Outstanding School Board Award as a part of the statewide Excellence In Education Awards program honoring the best in education in Texas. The announcement was made during a special virtual statewide event that included special guest appearances. The members of the Mission CISD Board of Trustees are: Charlie Garcia III, president; Minnie R. Rodgers, vice president; Jerry Zamora, secretary; Petra B. Ramirez, board member; Patricia Y. O’Caña-Olivarez, board member; Dr. Sonia M. Treviño, board member; Veronica “Betty” R. Mendoza, board member.
“This is both gratifying and humbling,” said Charlie Garcia III, board president. “We realize that it takes more than just our team board members to address the challenges of our community. We greatly appreciate the outstanding leadership of our district administration, and Superintendent Dr. Carol G. Perez, along with the support provided by all our Mission CISD employees in meeting the needs of our students. An award like this reflects upon more than just the board members. It reflects upon the efforts of the entire Mission CISD team. Our entire board greatly appreciates the efforts of H-E-B in conducting this awards program and how it highlights the best in our public schools”
“This is such exciting news,” said Dr. Carol G. Perez, superintendent. “The level of commitment of our board members is incredible; and as they provide their governance support, their focus is always on students and staff. I see this every day. It is wonderful that their efforts are being recognized throughout the state in this manner.”
Mission CISD has had several other finalists and two state winners over the past few years in the H-E-B program. In 2017, Rhonda Peña from Bryan Elementary School won the state Lifetime Achievement Award. Rosbel Peña at Alton Memorial Jr. High School also earned that honor in 2014. In 2019, Rita Perez from Pearson Elementary School was named a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2016, Yvette Nevarez from Alton Memorial Jr. High School was a finalist for the Rising Star Award. In 2015 Jesus Razo at Mission Jr. High School was also a finalist for the Rising Star honors.
H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards program in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002 as a positive way to support public education in Texas. It has become the largest monetary program for educators in the state, spotlighting best practices and celebrating the passion and creativity of Texas educators.
A team of judges reviews the applications, narrowing the field to semi-finalist. From that pool, five regional judging panels composed of former winners, administrators, and university and community leaders not affiliated with H-E-B select the finalists. A team of judges conducts a site visit at each school district board finalist. This site visit includes interviews with community members, parents, employees, and campus visits to determine the Outstanding Board Award winner.
Mission CISD will receive a cash prize of $25,000 as a part of winning the Outstanding Board Award. The winners of all the Excellence in Education Awards were announced during a virtual Toast to Texas Teachers organized by the #TeachersCan initiative in celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week, and included surprise appearances from Matthew McConaughey, Eva Longoria, Matt Bonner, and Kendra Scott.
