By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Substantial changes occurred within the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District’s Board of Trustees following recent elections.
During the board’s most recent meeting, two newly elected trustees and as many incumbents expressed how highly they regard SBCISD students, staff, and administrators, and the awesome responsibility of continuing to act on their behalf.
Their comments were made before a standing-room-only crowd at a regular SBCISD board meeting on May 13 in the John F. Barron Administration Building.
Trustees Orlando Lopez (Place 4) and Rudy Corona (Place 5) retained their board seats.
Incoming trustees Celina Gonzales (Place 6) and Roel Abrego (Place 7) were elected to their positions.
In their remarks, each trustee also thanked their supporters who voted on May 2, but the focus stayed on students.
“I’m here for our community; my motto is students first, and I’m going to focus on it,” Trustee Gonzales said before taking a seat. “I will serve with integrity, dedication, and commitment.”
Trustee Abrego echoed her remarks, standing before a capacity crowd, saying, “We’re here, ready to work. My motto is the same: students first. I really want to make changes and keep the district growing.”
Trustee Corona said the board will continue to do what is best for San Benito CISD.
Cameron County Clerk Sylvia Garza Perez administered the oath to Trustee Gonzalez.
Trustees Abrego, Corona, and Lopez were sworn in by Cameron County Justice of the Peace David Garza.
Changes were also made among the board officers.
After Trustee Dr. Ariel Cruz-Vela’s yearlong service, Trustee Lopez was appointed by a 5-2 vote to serve as the new board president.
Israel Villarreal III is the new board vice president, following a 5-2 vote that replaced Crystal Hernandez, who was appointed a year ago.
Finally, Gonzalez is serving as board secretary after being unanimously appointed. Trustee Corona previously served.
Before being appointed, Board President Lopez said that being elected a fourth time has been a blessing.
“It has truly been a blessing to serve each and every one of you daily in this beautiful community,” Trustee Lopez said. “We’re going to continue moving this community in a positive direction. As you can see, we have a great group of board members, and I will be extremely happy to work with each of you.”
He lauded the past efforts of the top two board officers, Trustees Cruz-Vela and Hernandez.
The election results were as follows: Place 4, incumbent Lopez didn’t have any challengers.
Place 5, incumbent Corona (1,194 votes) defeated challenger Abel “Sonny” Fonseca (991 votes).
Place 6, challenger Gonzales (1,368 votes) defeated incumbent Alex Reyna (644 votes) and challenger Linda Garza (182 votes);
Place 7. challenger Abrego (1,161 votes) defeated incumbent Frutoso M. Gomez, Jr. (1,016 votes).
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