Photos by Michael Robinson

Press Release from Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

UVALDE, TX (April 8, 2025) With the construction of the new Legacy Elementary School in Uvalde CISD moving closer and closer to completion, the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation announces that the costs of the physical building and its construction are fully funded.
This announcement is a result of a combined investment of $21 million from Chase,
Empowerment Reinvestment Fund, National Community Investment Fund, and Nonprofit
Finance Fund. The investments were made through New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), a
federal program designed to encourage private investment in underserved areas.

“At Chase, supporting impactful projects such as Legacy Elementary School through New
Markets Tax Credit equity is at the heart of our mission and we are grateful for the opportunity to
collaborate with the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation,” said Melissa Pillars, Executive
Director of the New Markets Tax Credit team. “Making the New Markets Tax Credit permanent
is crucial for sustaining support for transformative projects like this, ensuring that communities
continue to thrive and grow. We eagerly anticipate the day when the building becomes a
nurturing space that fosters learning and community spirit for its students.”

The net benefit from the investment is $3.6 million toward the building of the elementary school.
All of the funds invested through NMTCs are being utilized for the physical construction of the
new school and a portion of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
“We are proud to be part of this community-driven effort to support Uvalde families with a new
school,” said Onika Lewis, Vice President of New Markets Tax Credits at Nonprofit Finance
Fund. “It is a powerful example of diverse capital sources coming together to quickly and
thoughtfully construct this critical landmark.”

Other investors agree with the significance of the project and the investment:
“Empowerment Reinvestment Fund is proud to be a partner and investor in this incredible
project which will provide the children in Uvalde with a safe place to learn and grow,” said
Monica Edwards, SVP – National Director of NMTC for Empowerment Reinvestment Fund.

“This project goes beyond providing funding for a new building; it’s about making a tremendous
impact in the lives of the children and families in the Uvalde Community.”

“This project reflects the power of community-driven investment in places that need it most.
We’re proud to support Uvalde CISD and the Moving Forward Foundation in bringing this
school to life—one designed not only for learning, but for healing, equity, and long-term
opportunity,” said Kyle Harvey, Senior Vice President of Lending and New Markets Tax Credit at
the National Community Investment Fund.

An initial round of investment through NMTCs to the Legacy Elementary School project was
made in December. That round totaled a combined investment of $24.5 million made by Chase,
Prestamos CDFI, a division of Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), and Raza Development Fund.
“The collaboration and capital investment in this new school has been more than just rebuilding.
It’s about resilience and community-grounded private-public partnerships to ensure that every
child has a safe place to learn and grow. At Prestamos CDFI, a mission-driven lender, we believe
that access to high-quality education is fundamental to every community” said Teresa Miranda,
Senior Vice President, Prestamos CDFI, a division of CPLC. “Our staff at the nearby early
childhood education center were impacted by the tragedy. This investment represents our continued
commitment to helping our Uvalde community continue to move forward with strength, provide
students, educators, and families with the resources they need to heal and succeed.”

This round netted $4.2 million to the construction of Legacy Elementary School.
“It is an honor to support the Uvalde community in bringing this vital project to life,” said Annie
Donovan, President & CEO of RDF. “This effort goes far beyond constructing a new
school—it’s about investing in healing, resilience, and the long-term prosperity of Uvalde and
communities like it. We are proud to walk alongside the people of Uvalde, helping to create a
space where a new generation of children can feel safe, learn, grow, and thrive.”

21 individual roses were placed in front of the Commissioners Court Monday and the names read of the angels lost on May 24,2022; Nevaeh, Jackie, Jose, Ellie, Irma, Uziyah, Amarie, Xavier, Jayce, Tess, Maranda, Eva, Alithea, Annabell, Lexi, Maite, Layla, MaKenna, Jailah, Elihanna, and Rojelio. The County Clerk received training and funding to migrate to online services meaning that citizens could retrieve vital documents online in the future. Again, Commissioner Pargas was absent, but remains on the payroll which  is a slap in the face to the 21 families and the survivors of May 24th. Javier Cazares and Belinda Arreola confronted the commissioners on this issue.

 Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez spoke at a live press conference earlier this afternoon on the floor of the Texas Senate during a break. 

According to a press release issued earlier today,  Senator Gutierrez office issued this statement, “Due to Senate Media restrictions we are livestreaming this press conference on our Facebook: https://fb.com/rolandfortexas

   Standing behind Gutierrez were several of the Robb School victim’s families including Kimberly and Felix Rubio, Javier Cazares and Faith Mata spoke after Gutierrez spoke lambasting both Lt. Governor and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. 

  Gutierrez criticized Abbott and the Republican Party for the party’s legislation against “transgender population and drag shows” and less about “common sense gun safety legislation.”

   A mother of one of the victims of the Santa Fe shooting,  spoke where she excoriated  both Abbott and Patrick delivering a profanity laced statement.

   Gutierrez returned to the speaker’s podium referring to Texas State Senator Tracy King who he said would be introducing his own gun safety bill. 

 Senator Gutierrez’ office released the following statement about the press conference: 

“State Senator Roland Gutierrez to Provide Updates to Common Sense Gun Safety Legislation

Austin, Texas – On Tuesday, State Senator Roland Gutierrez will provide an update on the status of common sense gun safety legislation in the Texas Senate. Gutierrez continues to push for justice, truth, and accountability.

Throughout the 88th Legislative Session, Sen. Gutierrez has released legislation that focuses on justice and services for victims of mass shootings, increasing state and local accountability, school safety and mental health resources, comprehensive equipment and training for first responders, a memorial to mass shooting victims in the Texas State Cemetery, and common sense gun safety measures.

Who:  Uvalde families, State Senator Roland Gutierrez ; What: Press Conference on common sense gun safety legislation updates ; When: Tuesday, April 4, 2023; 3:30 pm or 30 minutes after the adjournment of the Senate ; Where: Texas Capitol Speakers Committee Room, 2W.6