SAN BENITO — The San Benito school board tonight is expected to welcome its new members.
But, the race sure was a tight one.
On Election Day, May 6, the unofficial vote showed sales representative Mario Silva losing to retired educator M.L. Garcia by three votes for Trustee Place 5.
But when provisional ballots were counted over the weekend, Silva picked up two votes, narrowing the gap to one vote: 1,284 for Garcia and 1,283 for Silva.
The school board is scheduled to canvass the vote and administer the oath of office to newly- elected trustees today.
Another school board race showed City Commissioner Joe D. Gonzalez losing to incumbent Trustee Angel Mendez by 10 votes for Trustee Place 7.
But Gonzalez also picked up two provisional votes yesterday, narrowing the gap to eight: 1,289 for Mendez and 1,281 for Gonzalez.
Once the school board accepts the votes, they will reorganize the board.
Strategic plan update
The board will also listen to an update on the communication and public relations portion of the Re-Imagine 2021 five-year Strategic Plan.
This part of the plan coincides with the district goal to rebrand themselves. With the help of the district’s communications department, they have begun planning and designing a new logo.
According to previous presentations, the district will develop an entire campaign based on the new logo design that embodies the district’s new image, brand and direction.
The campaign will include flyers, posters, email blasts, newspaper blasts, billboards, TV spots, vehicle wraps and public service announcements at local theaters.
Cafeteria upgrades
Lastly, the school board will vote on whether to approve the upgrades to the high school cafeteria.
If approved, the $300,000 renovations are expected to take place during the summer break.
It’s been about 17 years since San Benito High School’s cafeteria was remodeled. The last renovation took place in 2001 and cost the district about $255,000.
The new design will promote school spirit while also giving the cafeteria, which seats more than 500, a modern upgrade.
There will be an award wall and graduation wall. For the serving areas in the hallway, signs will be replaced and the areas revamped. Tiles and lighting also will be updated.
Modern furniture will also be installed.
The remodel, however will not address the outside areas.
WHAT: San Benito CISD board meeting
WHEN: Starts at 6:15 p.m.
WHERE: San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy, 2115 N. Williams Road
