Donna ISD touted its new acting superintendent’s experience and tenure with the district on Wednesday, revealing additional details regarding when a permanent position will be addressed.
The district’s board appointed Rebecca Castaneda acting superintendent on July 27. She took over from acting superintendent Anthony Sorola, who was tapped for the position in mid-June after Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez’s departure.
A news release Wednesday said Castaneda is assistant superintendent for elementary leadership, and that she’s held a variety of titles over the last 25 years, including teacher, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, principal, executive director for elementary overseeing principals, the gifted and talented program, library services and director of federal programs.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Donna ISD Board of Trustees for the trust and confidence they have placed in me to serve as Acting Superintendent of Schools,” she wrote in the release. “While my appointment is temporary, I want the Donna ISD community to know that as long as I’m here, I will serve the district to the best of my abilities and always put our students first as we move forward in making decisions.”
Board President Maricela Valdez said last week that the district will likely find a full-time superintendent as soon as next month, meaning Castaneda’s time as acting superintendent could be brief. Despite that, she’s likely to stay busy, overseeing the beginning of the school year and return to all in-person instruction.
“The safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff are our biggest priority,” Castaneda said. “With the guidance from TEA, CDC, and local health authorities, we have been collaborating with campus administration and working diligently behind the scenes for everyone’s safe return to school.”
As acting superintendent, Castaneda now has the task of transitioning all students back to 100% in-person instruction, five days a week. Her immediate goal is to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all students and staff.
Castaneda wrote that the return of students is exciting, noting that there are challenges brought on by the pandemic the district still has to face. Namely, learning gaps and students’ social and emotional welfare.
“I am confident that we will thrive through the challenges that lie ahead,” she wrote. “For now, I can’t wait to see all our students interacting with our teachers in the classroom. It’s been a long time coming.”
