Texas Border Business
PHARR – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD’s Chief Financial Officer Janet C. Robles retired after 30 years of service to the school district.
A PSJA ISD alumna, Robles graduated from PSJA High School in 1980 and received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University in 1984. She is a Certified Public Accountant and is also a Registered Texas School Business Administrator.
Although her professional accolades are numerous, it is her role as a mother, wife and daughter that she takes the most pride in.
“You could say PSJA is in my family’s blood,” said Robles. “I have pictures of my grandmother and her brothers – they were some of the first students in PSJA. My grandmother, Gladys Fox Conquest, worked in the tax office under Daniel Boone. We have paperwork in our office that has her signature on it. My Momma, Corinne Conquest, started as a secretary at Carnahan Elementary and then was a teacher for 30 years at PSJA. My Daddy, Keith Conquest, also began his teaching career at PSJA.”
In addition to following in her family’s footsteps, for Robles working in the district and having her own children attend PSJA ISD meant the world.
“Our children, James, Rebecca, Noah, and Micah are fourth generation PSJA graduates,” she said. “The legacy continues with my daughter Rebecca and my daughter-in-law Mandie, both current teachers at PSJA.”
While she may not have served in a school setting during her tenure, Robles took pride in ensuring resources went to students and teachers.
“I tried to make a difference in our school district and community by being a good steward of the resources we had available. I am excited to have been a part of the growth of PSJA ISD. I served under five superintendents and learned so much from each of them,” said Robles. “While I wasn’t in the classroom, I tried to make sure resources went to students – keeping them and our teachers always in mind. I believe in public education, in the great things PSJA is doing, and the educational opportunities that we provide to all students.”
Under Robles leadership as Chief Financial Officer, PSJA ISD has been awarded a Superior “A” Rating from the Texas Education Agency as part of its Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) 18 times with the most recent being this 2020-2021 school year.
According to Robles, it is the memories and moments at PSJA ISD that she will cherish and forever carry with her.
“Thank you for a great 30 years! Yesterday I heard the PSJA school song, and the lyrics really hit home – ‘within these walls our dreams have grown, seeds of many friendships sown, victories and defeats we’ve known, our heritage our school.’ I am humbled to have been able to serve our district, it was a dream come true. I got to live and work in the community I love,” she said.
Continuing in the footsteps of her predecessor, Rebecca Gonzales who has worked with Robles for 25 years, was named the new PSJA ISD Chief Financial Officer during last Monday’s board meeting and she looks forward to continuing the work of her mentor and friend.
“I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to continue to serve my school district now in this capacity,” said Gonzales, who also graduated from PSJA High School in 1989. “I am fortunate to have worked for so many great leaders and alongside amazing colleagues. I learned so much from them and I am blessed to continue the great work happening here at PSJA ISD.”
