(Courtesy photo)
By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS
The family of former SBCISD school board president Michael Vargas confirmed the death of the 37-year-old San Benito High School graduate in various social media posts last week.
Vargas graduated from San Benito High School before moving on to Brown University and turning his focus to education and community activism. While the news of his passing last Thursday was a shock to most, the immediate outpouring of the positive impact Vargas had on numerous people was a small point of comfort for friends and family of the former SBCISD leader.
“When you see how many people talk about the impact he had on them, it’s really something special for our family,” said brother Joe Vargas. “To us, he was always an outgoing and caring person, but you just don’t understand the impact a family member can have on the outside world until something like this happens.”
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brown, Vargas enrolled at the University of Missouri to obtain a Master’s degree in secondary education. The San Benito native went on to work as a Public Affairs director with the City of Pharr after his work with Teach for America as a school accountability manager. Vargas was elected to the SBCISD School Board of Trustees in 2015 and was named President in 2017. While in office, Vargas oversaw significant changes in the district, including pushing for a performing arts studio and several other projects related to a high money bond election.
Vargas’ tenure on the school board was marred with controversy however when he was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. While the district administration and fellow board members supported the embattled board president, a group of concerned taxpayers, which including former district educator Janie Lopez, who ultimately took a place on the board before being elected to the State House of Representatives, petitioned to have Vargas removed from the board in accordance with district policy.
Vargas attempted another run at a school board seat last spring, but was defeated by current board member Frutoso Gomez during the May 2023 Election.
Those who worked closely with Vargas, however, are quick to note his ambition and personal love for advancing education was an inspiring trait few others possessed.
“He was someone who really cared about our kids and the district as a whole,” said current SBCISD Board Vice President Dr. Ariel Cruz. “He wanted to make a difference, and he did exactly that in my life before he even knew who I was. He was a kid from my neighborhood, and was going off to an Ivy League school. I was amazed by his accomplishments and was inspired by them.”
In addition to San Benito community leaders, family members noted that they received a call from the current Mayor of St. Louis who offered her condolences. A social media post from Mayor Tishaura Jones seemed to confirm this as she wrote: “This isn’t fair. You were supposed to come back to St. Louis and work with me to change the city that you adopted when you were completing your Teach for America residency. You were my first field organizer and became my friend and brother.
While the cause of death is unclear, friends and family were quick to thank the community for their support over the last week.
“I was in awe to see the multitude of people that showed up to his service for no other reason but to show the love and respect they had for Michael,” said family friend Andrea Gonzalez. “The impact he had on so many people was overwhelming and touching. We’re so grateful for the impact he had on everyone.”
After a brief service on Wednesday, Vargas was laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito with close to 100 people in attendance.
“I’ll always love my little brother,” said Gilbert Vargas. “He will be truly missed, but not forgotten. He left a legacy behind that people will always remember.”
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