Texas Border Business
The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD Board of Trustees hosted the swearing-in ceremony of recently re-elected board members Jesus “Jesse” Vela, Jesse Zambrano and Jorge Zambrano, and new board member Cynthia Gutierrez, as part of a special called school board meeting held at PSJA Southwest Early College HS Auditorium Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Vela will be starting his 9th year as part of the PSJA School Board, with Jesse and Jorge Zambrano starting their 5th year. Newly elected Trustee Gutierrez is the second woman to serve on the school board in its history. They will all be starting 4-year terms.
Jorge Palacios, who served as President for the 2019-2020 was given a special plaque by PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo during the ceremony to commemorate his tenure.
“Thank you to Trustee Palacios for his leadership this past year as President in what has been one of the most challenging times in our history working through this pandemic,” said Dr. Arredondo. “His unwavering support to ensure the well-being of our students and staff was pivotal as we transitioned to distance learning.”
Palacios also thanked his fellow board members for their support.
“This has been a tough time for all of us,” said Palacios. “We knew we wanted to do what was best for our kids. It has been non-stop, but it is worth it because we are doing really well. I appreciate it all of you, thank you.”
During the meeting the school board also elected new leadership with Jorge Zambrano as President, Jesse Vela as Vice-President, Jorge Palacios as Secretary-Treasurer and Cynthia Gutierrez as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer.
“Thank you PSJA Community, I am here to do what is best for our school district, our students and of course our staff,” said new School Board President Jorge Zambrano. “Everything that we do as a board, is to provide the best education possible for current and future generations.”
