02-08-26

Press Release from Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees: Received from Uvalde CISD Trustee Jesse Rizo

Dear Uvalde CISD Parents and Staff,

We understand that the news of Superintendent Ashley Chohlis’s sudden resignation may raise questions and concerns among our community. Please rest assured that the Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees remains united and focused on maintaining stability across our district during this transition.

Our unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and families of Uvalde CISD remains unchanged. We are dedicated to doing everything necessary to ensure that our schools continue to operate smoothly and that our community remains supported. The Board will be meeting with our counsel to explore options and establish a clear pathway forward.

We acknowledge that this may feel like another jolt of instability, but we are determined to ensure that UCISD continues to rise above these challenges. Our commitment to you is to ensure a leadership transition rooted in transparency, mutual respect, and a renewed focus on the classroom. Our priority is to cultivate a culture of collaboration where parents, teachers, and taxpayers feel heard and valued.

Uvalde CISD is strong because of the dedicated individuals who serve it every day, and we will move forward together with transparency, care, and purpose. We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged throughout this process. Updates will be posted regularly on our website and social media to maintain open communication with all stakeholders.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

Respectfully,

UCISD Board of Trustees

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

02-06-26

An internal email from Uvalde CISD Chief of Communications and Human Capital Officer Anne Marie Espinoza which was sent to the District’s teachers and staff regarding the news of Superintendent Ashley Chohlis’ planned departure was leaked appearing on various Facebook pages earlier today.

In the email sent to the District’s Teachers and Staff,  Chohlis says, “I am writing to formally announce my resignation as Superintendent of Uvalde CISD effective April 7, 2026.

Upon learning the news about Chohlis’ resignation, the Uvalde Hesperian sent an email to Espinoza asking the following question

Shortly before noon today, the Uvalde Hesperian received the following Uvalde CISD press release from Espinoza along with a statement saying that parents had also been notified.

Superintendent Ashley Chohlis Announces Resignation

For Immediate Release

Uvalde, TX – Superintendent Ashley Chohlis has announced her resignation from Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD), effective April 7, 2026. After careful consideration, Superintendent Chohlis has decided to pursue new professional opportunities, marking the end of her tenure with UCISD.

During her time as Superintendent, Ashley Chohlis has been instrumental in leading the district toward significant achievements. Under her leadership, UCISD has seen a remarkable improvement in its financial stability, with the district’s fund balance now healthier. Academically, the district has progressed with the introduction of high-quality instructional materials and robust professional development programs for educators. The focus on data-driven instruction has set the trajectory to ensure that the academic needs of all learners are met effectively.

Superintendent Chohlis has also fostered strong community relations, strengthening partnerships that have expanded resources, including food distributions and a no-cost clinic. These initiatives have strengthened the bond between the district and the families it serves. Furthermore, improvements in data collection, analysis, reporting, and action planning have fostered an environment for student learning and growth.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community of Uvalde,” said Chohlis. “None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support and partnership of the brave individuals who bought into the mission for whom I am tremendously thankful. As I prepare to transition from this role, I remain hopeful for the district’s bright future and continued success.”

The district will initiate a search for a new Superintendent to continue the trajectory of excellence established under Ms. Chohlis’ leadership.

Respectfully,

Anne Marie Espinoza

Chief of Communications and Human Capital Officer

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

04-18-25

During the Superintendent’s Report during Monday night’s April 14 Uvalde CISD school board meeting, Superintendent Ashley Chohlis stated that during the next school year, the district will be in a position where they will be concerned with cash flow.

Chohlis cited a list of necessary expenditures including $7 million dollars in necessary roof repairs, $4 million in HVAC controls and lighting upgrades because the District’s energy costs will go up by about 50%, and within the next two years the district will have to address its technology plan which will cost about $1.5 million dollars in addition to old busses which is a majority of the fleet will have to be replaced.

She also mentioned the losses the district may face with students attending schools outside the district as well as loss of funds due to the Texas Legislature School Voucher Plan.  She stated that at 3% of our students choosing to go somewhere else she estimates the loss to be $1.7 million dollars. She went on to say 7% of the students who live in the area who currently do not attend the district

Chohlis mentioned the district does not get reimbursed for athletics and fine arts. She went on to say that a large part of the district’s special ed programs are not reimbursed.

She mentioned the district hopes to increase school attendance through program modifications and marketing programs.

Chohlis also mentioned the district will be reducing the number of employment positions.

“If we don’t make tweeks to some of our programs and staffing, it won’t be good,” Chohlis said.

She also stated that the 70% of the increase in funding allotments from the State are designated for teacher raises only and cannot be used for operational and other expenses.

Press Release from the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

and News report by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

08-27-24

WHAT: A $10 million dollar donation toward the completion of the new elementary school in Uvalde CISD was announced at a press conference on Tuesday, August 27. The donor is also issuing a $5 million matching grant to the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation. Every donation made to the “Hope Blooms in Uvalde” campaign will be matched dollar for dollar.

The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation has now raised more than 80 percent of the funds needed to fully fund the completion of the school. Raising the $5 million dollars and receiving the $5 million matching grant will complete the Foundation’s fundraising.

Construction of the school is set to be completed in Fall 2025.

Uvalde Hesperian:

Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohis joined several other Uvalde CISD Administrators and several elementary students at the construction site of the new Uvalde Elementary School for a press conference hosted by the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation’s news conference earlier today. Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation announced that the Kate Marmion Foundation pledged to donate $10 Million Dollars to the completion of the school with an additional $5 Million Dollar Matching Grant. Miller said that a final push for the needed funds to complete the school has begun and the new school is slated to be completed by the fall of 2025.

Following the press conference, Miller gave a tour of the construction site which was busy with numerous workers doing cement work, hoisting steel girders and doing many other types of projects.

Construction tour participants were required to wear hard hats and safety vests during the tour. Miller told the group that the second floor of the school was being prepared for concrete to be poured for the flooring.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Photo: Uvalde CISD Trustee Jacklyn Gonzales speaks to the Uvalde Rotary Club

   Uvalde ISD’s two newly elected board members Jacklyn Gonzales and Jesse Rizo spoke at this week’s Thursday noon Rotary Club of Uvalde meeting  at the Uvalde Country Club where they talked about their experiences as new trustees and also spoke about their respective visions for the district and the challenges the district and the community faces. Superintendent Ashley Chohlis also attended the Rotary Club of Uvalde meeting. 

  Gonzales said that before the election, she was out at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center parking lot near where early voting was occuring where she met and spoke with many people including parents, teachers and other citizens and she was moved by the many stories and comments she heard. She also said as a new board member she has a lot to learn and from the start, she has been asking a lot of questions. 

  Rizo spoke and said before being elected, he spoke to the school board members as a citizen many times. Now that he is on the board he sits with several members on the board who were school classmates.   Both Gonzales and Rizo spoke about the desire to foster more transparency within the district. Rizo stated that two years after the May 24th tragedy, it is an opportunity for rebuilding. 

  After the two took turns speaking, Superintendent Chohlis spoke stating attendance is a big challenge the district is going to have to address. She stated that if students are not in their classroom seats, the school does not get the money it needs. Chohlis went on to say that of all the meetings she has had with people upset with the district, all ended on a positive note. 

  In responding to a question about parents sending their children to attend school at other districts, Cholis said the challenge is not only to learn why these students are not going to Uvalde CISD school but also to .provide opportunities for existing Uvalde CISD students to excel and to get the word out on the great things that are happening with the district.

 One attendee at the meeting said that she strongly considered taking her kids out of Uvalde CISD schools and enrolling them with Knippa ISD, but once she sat down face to face with Chohlis to express her concerns, she decided to keep her kids at Uvalde CISD. 

 Chohlis continued by saying she and the district officials want to create more opportunities for parents and the community to communicate directly with them. It seemed like they all agreed that listening to parents and the community is important.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian; photos by Robinson

  Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis with School Specialty representatives, Rebecca Maldonado and Nicole Roberts along with several others made a surprise visit to Uvalde Elementary Teacher Mercedes Salas late Monday morning to break the news that she had been selected as one of seven teachers for this year”s Crystal Apple Award Celebrating Inspirational Teachers. 

   According to information from a press release on the award, it states: “Each year, students, parents, administrators, fellow teachers, family, and friends nominate teachers who go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. School Specialty selects 10 finalists from the nominees, and three winners are then selected by public vote. School Specialty received a record 611 nominations this year, nearly doubling last year’s total. This year’s winners will each receive a personalized trophy and a $500 gift certificate from School Speciality for themselves, as well as a $250 School Specialty gift certificate for their school. “

See press release below: 

School Specialty Announces Winners of the 2024 Crystal Apple Awards Celebrating Inspirational Teachers

The winners of the annual contest receive a personalized trophy, a $500 gift certificate to spend at School Specialty, and a $250 gift certificate for their school

(GREENVILLE, Wis.) April 30, 2024 – School Specialty, a leading provider of learning environments and supplies to the pre-K–12 education market, today announced the 2024 winners of its annual Crystal Apple Awards, which celebrate teachers who embody inspiration, leadership, and passion in teaching.

Each year, students, parents, administrators, fellow teachers, family, and friends nominate teachers who go above and beyond to touch the lives of students every day. School Specialty selects 10 finalists from the nominees, and three winners are then selected by public vote. School Specialty received a record 611 nominations this year, nearly doubling last year’s total. This year’s winners will each receive a personalized trophy and a $500 gift certificate from School Speciality for themselves, as well as a $250 School Specialty gift certificate for their school. They are:

• Typhani Russo, from Commonwealth Charter Academy in Harrisburg, PA, is the founder of Bookworms Against Bullies, a nonprofit that inspires students with stories of overcoming bullying;

• Mercedes Salas from Uvalde Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, whose constant love, kindness, and support has impacted so many students; and

• Julie Pfeifer from Abraxas School of Ohio in Mansfield, OH, who has launched a book club, an auto body club, and a 3D printing club as she sought to engage students using their own interests, and written curricula for new courses, allowing students to earn certificates they can use after graduation.

To read the full stories of this year’s winners, visit SchoolSpecialty.com.

“Having witnessed firsthand the immense efforts and lifelong impact educators have on students, I am profoundly honored to be part of the Crystal Apple Awards,” said Sue Ann Highland, PhD, the national education strategist at School Specialty. “Teachers serve as the cornerstone of our education system, wholeheartedly devoting themselves to crafting enriching experiences and safe havens for our students. Recognizing their dedication and exceptional contributions is extremely important, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my role at School Specialty.”

Finalists for the Crystal Apple Awards receive a $100 School Specialty merchandise certificate for themselves and an additional $100 certificate for their school. This year’s finalists are:

• Lisa Longino from Mayfair Elementary in South Euclid, OH;

• Claudette Henson from Creative Environment Day School in Fayetteville, NY;

• Debra Cline from Manatee School For the Arts in Palmetto, FL;

• Holli Herndon from Pleasant Grove Elementary in Inverness, FL;

• Meghan Bodie from Edison Elementary School in Milan, OH;

• Kaylie Morgan from Uwharrie Charter Academy in Star, NC; and

• Michelle Morgan from Nichols Elementary in Huntington, WV.

To learn more about the Crystal Apple Awards, please visit SchoolSpecialty.com.

About School Specialty, LLC
With a 60-year legacy, School Specialty is a leading provider of comprehensive learning environment solutions for the pre-K–12 education marketplace in the U.S. and Canada. This includes essential classroom supplies, furniture and design services, educational technology, sensory spaces featuring Snoezelen®, science curriculum, learning resources, professional development, and more. School Specialty believes every student can flourish in an environment where they are engaged and inspired to learn and grow. In support of this vision to transform more than classrooms, the company applies its unmatched team of subject-matter experts and designs, manufactures, and distributes a broad assortment of name-brand and proprietary products. For more information, go to SchoolSpecialty.com.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

  Jesse Rizo spoke during the public comments portion of the Uvalde CISD Regular School Board meeting asking why his request for the Texas Police Association’s report on the Robb School tragedy be put on the School board agenda was not fulfilled?

  According to Riza, an article appeared recently in the Uvalde Leader-News about the newspaper’s public information request for the Texas Police Associations report was not released by the District. Uvalde CISD Board President Rizo a synopsis of the report was given by the Superintendent Gary Patterson to the District’s trustees  held in November 2022.

 “I was disturbed by the fact that he  (Superintendent Patterson) refused to release it. We’ve been asking for this for a very long time,”Rizo said. 

 Rizo said he contacted Trustee Javier Florez asking that the report be placed on the April school board agenda and to email his request to all the individual board members. Rizo said he was told by Florez to contact Mikka Sanchez to ask her to send his request to all the school board trustees, Rizo said he emailed his request to Sanchez on April 7th, 2024. 

 “On 4/12, on Friday I looked at the agenda, there wasn’t anything related to what I wanted added to the agenda,” Rizo said.  He went on to say the day of the school board meeting, the report  was not on the agenda. He said called Sanchez and was told that his email was only sent to President Fernandez and Superintendent Chohlis. According to Rizo, when he asked Sanhez why his  request was only sent to Fernandez and Chohlis, he stated he was told that those were the ones that make the decisions.

 Rizo stated he did find out that the report would be part of the superintendent’s report.

“But it concerns me too because it could have been anything, it could have been a sexual harassment case, it could have been anything and for it was basically to be told you don’t matter. The only people that make the decision are gonna be Ferandez and Superintendent is mind boggling to be honest with you. I can’t understand that at all,” Riso said.

Riso did mention that Superintendent Chohlis just recently released the report. 

 Uvalde CISD Board President Fernandez responded saying, ” That report was sent October 2022 and Mr. Patterson did give  a synopsis in November of 2022 of what that report said. so that why we decided 

to put it in the superintendent’s report just so she could touch on it but we didn’t feel it necessary to be put on an agenda item again being we had in on an agenda item in  2022 so that’s why we did it that way.”

 Superintendent Ashley Chohlis  brought the matter of the report up in her report:

  “I’d like to address the Texas School District Police Chiefs Association Report which the local paper reported on in the last month. To be clear, the report which was commissioned by the district came out in October of  2022 which waa a year and a half ago. At that time, there were sweeping changes in the district regarding the police force and district leadership. Additionally UCISD PD has since implemented a policy and procedure manual.

  As a note, UCISD released a redacted version of the report in an effort  to protect students and staff from bad actors. As a board and as a district leadership,we’re committed to utilizing each and every report that has come out in the past two years, to better protect our students and staff. We continue to seek the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the safety of our school community.

  The board was given a synopsis of the report back in November, that’s my understanding: in November of 2022 is when Mr, Patterson gave the board a synopsis of the report. So the report was not released at that point in time, That was Mr. Patterson’s call.

  Based on the fact that so many other reports have come out since then to include the DOJ report, I did not feel like it was in our best interest not to release the report,” Cholis said, She went on to say, “We did release it.”

  On Wednesday, April 17th, the Uvalde Hesperian sent an email to district officials asking how a digital copy of the report could be obtained. The district responded to the Uvalde Hesperian’s email stating a public information request would need to be submitted to the District. 

  Ashley Chohlis has 28 years of experience in education and is currently serving as the superintendent of Poth Independent School District, a rural district. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relationships from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in educational administration from Texas A&M-Kinsgville. In 2014, she completed the superintendent certification program with the University of Texas at Tyler.

  In a statement, Ashley Chohlis expressed her excitement for serving alongside the exceptional educators already working hard for Uvalde CISD. She thanked the board of trustees and the community for their confidence and faith in her to take on this remarkable opportunity. Ashley has been married to Shaon for 19 years and has four children, an adult son Dillon, twin daughters, Callaghan and Berkley, seniors at East Central’s CAST Lead High School, and a son, Canyon, who is in ninth grade.

  Luis Fernandez, President of the Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees, shared his gratitude towards Mr. Patterson for leading their district for over a year. He thanked him for his leadership and experience during their transition period. He expressed his confidence in Ashley Chohlis, saying she is committed to providing the best possible education for the students in Uvalde CISD. Fernandez believes that Ashley Chohlis will bring her passion and dedication to the role and make a positive impact on the education system in our district.