McALLEN — A new contender filing to run for the McAllen school board late last week brought the total number of candidates to four, and means voters will see at least one contested race on the ballot May 1.
The new candidate is Gilda M. Garcia, who will run against fellow newcomer Sofia M. Peña for Place 6.
Larry Esparza is stepping down from the Place 6 post after opting to launch a bid for a McAllen City Commission seat.
Other candidates include Place 1 and 7 incumbents Debbie Crane Aliseda and Sam Saldivar Jr. So far they are both running unopposed, although prospective candidates have almost a week left to file.
Garcia, who is currently self-employed, began her career as an educator 26 years ago.
A news release she issued points to collaboration with community members and school stakeholders to achieve success for all student populations.
“Through her friendly, outgoing and adaptable approach along with her open and clear communication style, she offers her problem solving and planning skills to a school district that champions its students, teachers, staff and leaders,” it reads.
Citing her passion, knowledge, energy, integrity and work ethic, the release names academic effectiveness as Garcia’s priority for her prospective term.
“Her goal is to join you in maximizing the effectiveness of various academic programs by ensuring that they continue to address the needs of (McAllen ISD) students and community members towards logically approaching educational issues and devising forward-thinking resolutions to promote student advancement,” it reads.
Garcia will face Peña for the seat, who currently serves as the executive director of the Capable Kids Foundation, a McAllen nonprofit that aims to improve the quality of life for families and individuals living with disabilities in the Rio Grande Valley.
Noting that she comes from a family of public service, Peña touts her experience in education as part of her qualifications.
“I have extensive experience in education having spent many years in higher education with a concentration in K-12,” she wrote. “I was instrumental in the development of the Early College High Schools program in our region through my years at South Texas College and continue to be an advocate for dual credit and college for all.”
Advocating for people with disabilities will be among her priorities as trustee if elected, Peña said.
“I am seeking to provide my experienced perspective on the school board and promise to be prepared and make decisions that are honest, fair, and for the greater good of the McAllen ISD community,” she wrote.
Potential candidates have until Feb. 12 to file their applications, which are available at 2200 Tamarack Ave., Portable 69.
McAllen ISD has created a webpage with information on the election and the candidates, available at www.mcallenisd.org/page/2021-school-board-elections.
