The attack by local school districts to “defund” or remove the taxing authority of SouthTexasIndependentSchool District is disappointing. This effort is purposely trying to divert funds out of the RGV in an area (education) that is already financially strained and worse, usually forgotten by state government.
STISD attracts the best and brightest students in the RGV because this district places academics first. Teachers and students collaborate and make learning engaging. Every single business that services the district, Valley-wide, will be negatively impacted if this district ceases to exist. This is bad for our economy. How is STISD’s funding different from collecting taxes for a school district or community college where a taxpayer doesn’t send any students? At a very minimal tax rate. STISD has become a gem of the RGV. It’s something good. Colleges across the nation have partnered with the district, creating special programs for its students because they know the quality of its graduates. They know they will become leaders in our community and around the world. Why would legislatures advocate to remove funding from the highest-ranked school district in the region that has proven itself consistently for years? They are doing education right. As a parent of two Science Academy students, I know firsthand the school has no drama; no fights, no graffiti, no theft, no bullying and no visible drugs. All kids can be themselves. STISD is a choice and even with 50-minute bus rides each way, our kids would not change their choice.
Other districts should self-focus and rise to the occasion to improve their campuses rather than openly tear down a neighboring district.
Legislatures, let’s not advocate to remove money from the Valley in the realm of education but embrace the choices available for our students.
Mercedes Espinosa
McAllen
Republicans
draw defense
Just a few comments in response to letter, “Republicans spur comments” (Jan. 31).
First, the writer goes on and on about how Republicans are dangerous and evil insurrectionists with no solutions to offer for the laundry list of problems she outlines.
The writer obviously is too biased to mention, or admit, that the Democratic Party has more than its share of ruthless and unethical politicians who often put party politics above country and/or the public good. Democrats, thus, can offer no solutions to the problems she outlines because at the present time, their main priority/agenda is to continue to harass and investigate former President Donald Trump and his supporters. Their modus operandi includes intimidation, bullying and of course, the tried and true tactic of labeling/characterizing Republicans as racists, fascists and, as mentioned above, insurrections.
So much for solutions to problems by Democrats who, as the saying goes, have “bigger fish to fry.”
Ben Castillo
Harlingen
