by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Editor’s note: Two paragraphs of Jesse Rizo were attributed to Cal Lambert in a previous version. The error has been corrected.

    Two new Uvalde CISD Trustees and one reelected as a Trustee will be sworn in to serve at Monday night’s May 13th regular school board meeting at 6 Pm immediately following a special 5:30 Board meeting to go over district finances. 

   Jacklyn Gonzales and  Jesus “Jesse” Rizo will be stepping on the stage as newly elected Trustees and Calvin “Cal” Lambert will be returning to the board after winning his re-election bid. 

  “I am honored to be selected to serve on the UCISD board of trustees. I look forward to being a voice for our students, teachers and community,” Jacklyn Gonzales said. 

 Jesus “Jesse” Rizo submitted the following statement to the Uvalde Hesperian:

  ” I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey—from those who inspired me to run for school board trustee, to the friends who proofread my letters and speeches, and to the mentors who educated me on the processes involved. I’m especially thankful for those who provided encouragement during challenging times.

My initial intention was never to run for political office. Before May 24, 2022, I focused on mentoring students during career days across various schools and volunteering in Batesville during special events. The tragic event on that day changed our lives profoundly, creating a ripple effect across our community and beyond.

After many conversations and observations, I saw numerous opportunities for improvement that needed to be addressed across the board. While I respect the work of officials, council members, and board members, I realized that simply being “nice” wouldn’t be enough in the current circumstances, which led me to reconsider my course.”

After thoughtful reflection and discussions with my wonderful wife, we decided to place my name on the ballot. Going door to door and engaging with people from different backgrounds provided me with a deeper understanding of our community’s strengths and weaknesses. This reinforced my decision to run for board trustee.

  The overwhelming support I received from our UCISD communities tells me that people are eager for change, seeking transparency and accountability at all levels. I am humbled and honored by the many votes I received from within our district and from beyond.

  I look forward to serving as your at-large trustee for both Batesville and Uvalde. Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”

Calvin “Cal Lambert also shared a statement to the Uvalde Hesperian after his re-election bid:

“First and foremost I’m blessed with a family that always supports me.  This couldn’t have been done without them.  I sincerely thank those that cast a vote, supported, and trusted in

me to help the Board guide our school district into the next four years. 

  A special thank you  to my fellow School Board Trustees for your encouragement.  It’s an honor to continue to serve with an awesome team that always has the best interest of our students and employees at the forefront of every decision made.  There are many initiatives in progress directed at improving the academic success of our

students as well as the professional growth of our employees. I’m optimistic about the future of our district.  Thank you. ‘Loyal and True’

The following is a Uvalde CISD Candidate School Board Candidate statement from Cal Lambert. The Uvalde Hesperian will publish a similar candidate statement from any candidate running for a seat on the Uvalde CISD School Board at no charge.

I was raised in Abilene, TX, the oldest of seven siblings, graduating from Wylie High School in 1967. After a year of college I joined the Navy and served a short stint on a Destroyer in the North Atlantic before volunteering for in-country duty in Vietnam. I served a Combat tour in the Mekong Delta for 13 months where I was meritoriously promoted two times and received many awards including the Combat Action Ribbon and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. I continued serving on a variety of ships and stations on both Coasts, in various leadership assignments. I was the Senior Enlisted Leader and Advisor for the Admiral of a Cruiser-Destroyer Group and Battle Group, 13,000 personnel and 42 ships, during the Gulf War. My final tour was Senior Enlisted Leader and Advisor to the Commander of Mine Counter Measures Group Two. I attended college at nights and weekends on active duty and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in 1988. I am a Navy Master Training Specialist and an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. I retired in 1993 after serving 26 years and began my 25 year second career as a Teacher.

I came to Uvalde High School as an NJROTC Instructor in 1999. Citizenship, Leadership and Scholarship became the focus of our unit. Community service was at the forefront and NJROTC cadets completed 3500 to 4500 community service hours in the Uvalde Community during the course of any given year. The unit was recognized year after year by the Navy as a “Navy Achievement Unit”. In 2016, I was the Region 20 Teacher of the Year and one of three finalist for Texas Teacher of the Year. I also received the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Education. My relationship with my students and their families did not stop with graduation or my retirement from teaching. The friendships developed continue today. Many of them have their own children in our schools and are family to me. My commitment to this community did not stop with my retirement from teaching in 2018. I served on the El Progreso Memorial Library Board until I was elected to the School Board in 2020.

Although I’m not a native Uvaldean, “Loyal and True” runs deep in my family. I have called Uvalde my home since 1999, being part of this community for the past 25 years. Much longer than anywhere else due to my many moves in the Navy. My wife of 38 years passed away here in 2009. I remarried in 2012 and Rachel has been a Teacher/Administrator here for many years. My daughter moved here after she served in the Navy almost 10 years and is a Teacher. I’m a Grand Parent of children in the district. My oldest Grandson is a graduate of Uvalde Early College High School, class of 21, and is a Senior Scholar Athlete at McMurry University where he plays football. My oldest Granddaughter is graduating this year from UECHS and will be attending UTSA Honors College. Both were born and raised here.

The success of our students and their preparedness for the future has been a focus of mine and all our school board members. School Boards are a TEAM of eight, including the Superintendent, NOT JUST ONE. There are eight different personalities and views, but we collaboratively work together for the outcomes that we believe is in the best interest of our Students and Employees. With a new Superintendent there are many new initiatives in progress directed at improving the academic success of our students as well as professional growth for our employees. Construction of the new Elementary School is in progress. There are a lot of positive things going on in our district and it is getting better by the day. With your support I would like to continue advocating for Teachers and Employees, keeping the success of our Students the top priority. THE SUCCESS OF OUR STUDENTS DEPENDS ON YOUR VOTE. I believe they are worth it. Thank you for your support.