Uvalde CISD Archives - Uvalde Hesperian

Uvalde CISD Superintendent Chohlis/ Board President Lambert issue statement over elected trustees terms

admin — Mon, 26 May 2025 17:16:43 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-26-25

Superintendent Ashley Chohlis Picture: Uvalde CISD

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On Friday, May 23rd, Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis and Board President Cal Lambert issued a statement regarding a point of order made by Trustee Jaclyn Gonzales at Monday night’s Monday, May 19th, Uvalde CISD School Board meeting over election year frequency of 3-years vs. 4-year terms. According to Gonzales. four board members’ terms had expired, two members in 2024 and two in 2025.

Gonzales stated a Federal Decree mandate 3-year school board terms.

The following is the statement released by Superintendent Ashley Cholis and Board President Cal Lambert:

Uvalde CISD Board President Cal Lambert
Picture: Uvalde CISD

UCISD Statement - May 23 2025 - 11-15 AM

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Uvalde CISD Welcomes New Police Chief

admin — Tue, 20 May 2025 20:23:58 +0000

Press release from Uvalde CISD

Top Photo credit: Uvalde CISD

Photograph: Edward Puente with Uvalde County Judge William R. Mitchell

05-20-25

Date: May 20, 2025

Uvalde CISD is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Cerda Puente as the new Chief of Police for the Uvalde CISD Police Department. Chief Puente brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the district, having dedicated nearly two decades to law enforcement at East Central ISD Police Department.

Professional Background

Chief Puente’s extensive career began in February 2006 and continued until May 2025 at the East Central ISD Police Department. During this time, he earned numerous certifications and honed his skills across various specializations:

IPIMBA Certified Bike Patrol Officer: Demonstrating proficiency in bike patrol operations, enhancing mobility and community engagement.
Mental Health Officer: Equipped with specialized training to address mental health crises effectively and empathetically.
ATV Officer: Skilled in operating all-terrain vehicles for patrols in diverse environments.
Master Peace Officer Certification: A testament to his dedication, professionalism, and advanced law enforcement skills.

Chief Puente also served as a Corporal and was later promoted to Sergeant, showcasing his leadership abilities and commitment to public safety. He has completed the necessary active shooter and Alert training, ensuring he is well-prepared to handle critical incidents.

Welcoming Chief Puente

Uvalde CISD invites the community to join us in welcoming Chief Edward Puente to his new role. His background, leadership, and dedication to safety make him an invaluable addition to our district. We look forward to his contributions in fostering a secure and supportive environment for our students, staff, and community.

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VIDEO Interview with Uvalde CISD Trustee Jaclyn Gonzales following school board meeting

admin — Tue, 20 May 2025 19:59:43 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

05-20-25

Uvalde CISD Trustee Jaclyn Gonzales spoke with the Uvalde Hesperian following Monday night’s May 19th meeting that was adjourned by Trustee Laura Perez during a special budget meeting following a point of order motion brought up by Gonzales. According to Gonzales and the Federal Lawsuit decree she brought up, four elected school board members JJ Suarez, Robert Quinones, Laura Perez and Javier Florez three-year terms had expired. As a result of the expired terms, the school board did not have an official quorum necessary to conduct school business.

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VIDEO: A Uvalde CISD trustee drops bombshell decree on School Board ending scheduled meetings.

admin — Tue, 20 May 2025 02:51:50 +0000

By Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian
05-19-25

Uvalde CISD Trustee Jaclyn Gonzales cited a Federal Lawsuit decree stating four board members’ terms had expired, effectively ending the meeting due to a lack of a quorum. The unexpected point of order effectively halted a special school board meeting and the following Regular Board Meeting allowing only for student awards to take place and the swearing in of a new Uvalde CISD Police Chief Edward “Eddie” Puente.
Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis responded to the point of order stating the school district’s attorney, but Gonzales stated according to Roberts Rules of Order a ruling must be made.
Trustee Laura Perez stated the meeting was adjourned.
Gonzales stated the issue is a Constitutional issue.

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Uvalde CISD special meeting reveals $20 million dollars’ worth of work needed including lighting, air conditioning and controls.

admin — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:56:23 +0000

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

04-25-25

At Thursday night’s Uvalde CISD Special Board meeting, the district heard a Grade Audit Energy Services Contract presented by Schneider Electric

Uvalde CISD Chief Financial Officer Pam Bendele introduced Senior Account Executive Aaron Garcia of Schneider Electric Sustainability Business presented the audit contracted by the district last year.

According to Garcia, Schneider Electric reported on an investment grade audit identifying areas of improvements.

Goals of the audit included modernizing the campuses providing a safe learning environment, reducing deferred maintenance, maximizing utility savings and addressing all of the HVAC issues and to identify available grants.

Ryan Wunder joined Garcia with a virtual presentation. Wunder stated that a high priority for the district is the control systems that are made by various vendors that are “quite old” and need to be upgraded as these controls manage the air conditioning systems. Wunder said these controls are at a critical point. The number one energy using item within the school district is the air conditioning equipment and the controls manage these systems.

“We focus on building automation more than anything else. It’s the number one thing to protect and keep the energy bills low,” Wunder said.

Wunder mentioned the current systems are failing and parts are not available as the system is over 20 years old.

In addition to the controls, Wunder proposed an LED lighting upgrade to help reduce energy costs by up to 17% with an average annual utility and D&M savings of $199,500.

The proposed project cost is $4.1 million.

Wunder mentioned that the newer air conditioning equipment at the district is over 25 years old.

“There is significant need for electrical renovation.” Wunder said.

Responding to a comment by Gonzales about the mechanical system being at the end of its life, Bendele said, “There are lots of things at the district that are at the end of its life.”

Gonzales asked why the mechanical equipment was not being included in the proposal. Garcia said it all has to do with money and the controls and LED project is self-funding.

Wunder mentioned that with a one-time AEP rebate of $30,000 and the energy savings, the project would pay for itself. Wunder said Schneider Electric would cover the shortfall if the savings did not cover the cost of the loan.

According to discussion among the board members, the district would have to either take out a loan to cover the proposed project or the district could hold a bond election.

“If the high school controls go down. We don’t have a plan. What do you do with 11oo kids when the air conditioning goes down?” Bendele said.

Jacqulyn Gonzales brought up the age of the mechanical HVAC systems.

Wunder said the mechanical systems costs would not pay for itself quickly. Superintendent Chohlis said currently the district has been able to repair the mechanical systems.

“We need to get it done.” Chohlis said.

Garcia stated the district has $20 million dollars’ worth of work including lighting, air conditioning and controls.

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Superintendent Chohlis: District may have cash flow concerns during the 2025-2026 school year

admin — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:35:23 +0000

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.

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Texas Governor Abbott and Rep. Don McLaughlin praise House vote passing School Voucher Plan Bill

admin — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:24:54 +0000

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

04-17-25

Top Picture: Knippa ISD school crossing: file photo

Texas Governor Greg Abbott

Wednesday night April 16th, the Texas House voted and passed SB 2 or the School Choice Plan which will give parents the option of using public tax monies to help pay for private school education for their children.

Houston Public Media a publication of the University of Houston wrote, “After more than 12 hours of debate, the Texas House gave initial approval to two of the most closely-watched bills of the legislative session – a $7.7 billion public school funding package and a hotly contested proposal to create a pathway for families to use state tax dollars to help send their kids to private schools.”

Governor Greg Abbott today applauded the Texas House of Representatives for making Texas history by passing Senate Bill 2, the state’s universal school choice program in an official April 17th press release:

“For the first time in Texas history, our state has passed a universal school choice bill out of both chambers in the Texas Legislature,” said Governor Abbott. “This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children. Texas could not have accomplished this without the hard work and unwavering support from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Chairman Brandon Creighton, and Chairman Brad Buckley. I applaud the legislators who took a stand with the overwhelming majority of Texans who support school choice. When it reaches my desk, I will swiftly sign this bill into law, creating the largest day-one school choice program in the nation and putting Texas on a pathway to becoming the best state in America for educating our kids.”

Texas House District 80 Representative Don McLaughlin also praised the passage of the School Choice Bill on his Campaign Facebook Page:

“Last night, I stood with Texas parents—and with President Trump, the Texas House, and conservatives statewide—to deliver real education freedom for families.

This is a major conservative win. Parents are back in charge, and the days of unaccountable bureaucrats running our schools are coming to an end. ” McLaughlin said.

According to a KVUE news article, earlier this morning, the House passed an ESA bill which would allow parents to create Educational Savings Accounts.

“Record Funding for Public Schools”

Texas House also Passes HB2 to allocate “Record Funding” for Public Schools: According to a Press Release from the Governor Abbott’s Office he said, “The Texas House took a monumental step to increase education funding and teacher pay raises that puts Texas on the path to education excellence for our students,” said Governor Abbott. “Since I have been Governor, public education funding and average teacher pay have reached all-time highs and, now, House Bill 2 will add $7.7 billion more to fund a high-quality education for the next generation of Texas leaders. I thank Speaker Dustin Burrows and Chairman Brad Buckley for their steadfast leadership, and I look forward to signing this bill into law.”

With the passage of these bills related to Texas School Funding, the School Voucher Program and the creation of Educational Savings Accounts it is unclear as to how these different bills, if voted into law, will work on the ground level and what impact the School Voucher Plan will have on overall public school funding.

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Uvalde CISD announces its top 10 students for the Class of 2025

admin — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:19:27 +0000

Press release from Uvalde CISD

Posted on the Uvalde CISD Facebook Page

Picture credit: Uvalde CISD

04-15-25

This evening at the Uvalde CISD Regular School Board meeting, we proudly recognized our Top 10 Students and their honor teachers. Each student selected their honor teacher, reflecting the profound support, success, and impact these educators have had on their lives. We are incredibly proud of our top 10 students and all UCISD graduates. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors!

Top 10 Students and Their Honor Teachers

Valedictorian: Elina A. De La Fuente
University: University of Texas at Austin
Honor Teacher: Benard Bujard

Salutatorian: Ava L. Schlessiger
University: Texas Tech
Honor Teacher: Katrina Besa

Ranked 3rd: Julia R. Jones (Not in attendance)
University: Texas A&M University in College Station
Honor Teacher: Roberto Cantu (Not in attendance)

Ranked 4th: Arianna E. Ovalle
University: University of Texas at Austin
Honor Teacher: Norma Barbosa

Ranked 5th: Amerie L. Garcia
University: University of Texas at Austin
Honor Teacher: Marilyn Brown

Ranked 6th: Arely A. Torres
University: Texas A&M University in College Station
Honor Teacher: David Leary

Ranked 7th: Victoria A. Martinez
University: Texas State University in San Marcos
Honor Teacher: Keith Pendleton

Ranked 8th: Natalie E. Rondon
University: University of Texas at Austin
Honor Teacher: Gabriela Villarreal

Ranked 9th: Marquez F. Lopez (Not in attendance)
University: University of Houston
Honor Teacher: Robin Dodson (Not in attendance)

Ranked 10th: Leilani Gamez
University: University of Texas at Austin
Honor Teacher: Cheyenne Mueller

Congratulations to all the students and teachers who have made this achievement possible!

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Final Funding Secured for New Legacy Elementary School according to Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 22:27:34 +0000

Photos by Michael Robinson

Executive Director Tim Miller with the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation spoke at a press conference on Tuesday morning, April 8th at the new Legacy Elementary construction site.

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.”

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Uvalde Police Department Announces Arrest of UCISD High School Coach for Inappropriate Relationship with Student

admin — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:21:11 +0000

Press Release from the Uvalde Police Department

04-03-24

Uvalde, TX – Following a comprehensive investigation involving the Uvalde Police Department,
UCISD Police and Administration, the 38th Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Texas Rangers,
Child Protective Services, and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest has been made in
connection with a UCISD High School coach for violating Texas Penal Code – PENAL § 21.12,
Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student.

On Friday, March 28th, Uvalde Police Department officers responded to a mental health crisis
call. During this response, officers became aware of a potential criminal offense involving a
UCISD employee, prompting a joint investigation by multiple agencies.

A suspect was identified as a coach at Uvalde High School and was apprehended after
investigators processed evidence and interviewed multiple witnesses. The Uvalde Police
Department obtained an arrest warrant, which was executed with the assistance of the Bexar
County Sheriff’s Office.

This investigation is ongoing, and we continue to interview witnesses to determine if others may
have been involved or if there are additional victims. We urge the community to come forward
with any information regarding this case or any other related incidents.

“I am proud to say that this is a great example of multiagency collaboration,” said Chief Homer
Delgado. “Through the combined efforts of law enforcement and local authorities, we are
ensuring the safety of our community, particularly our children, from both violence and
exploitation. We remain committed to thoroughly investigating this case to protect the well
being of our students.”

The Uvalde Police Department, along with our partner agencies, will continue to work diligently.

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