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

“Some think that the Ten Commandments are no longer relevant. However, they still remain as the basis of our society’s moral code,” Peace Ministries founder and president Emma Trimble said.

“Uvaldeans believe in basic family values, love and respect for our neighbors, and these simple principles are covered in the 10 Commandments.”

Benjamin Franklin said, ” If you remove the Bible from schools, it will waste so much money and time in punishing crimes when it would have taken such little pains to prevent those very same crimes.”

“Our hope is that the simple placement of these framed copies will bring a positive difference — promoting stability and inviting more of God’s goodness into our lives,” Trimble said.

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Top Picture: Screenshot from Uvalde CISD livestream

02-04-26

At the January 29th, Special School Board meeting, the Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees voted to approve allowing outgoing Uvalde Chief Financial Officer Pam Hunter to contract with Texas School District Region 20 earning an additional compensation.

District Superintendent Ashley Chohlis explained that Hunter would work during her paid time off.

According to Chohlis, “Her time is dwindling with us. I believe we have her for 2 more weeks.”

Chohlis referenced a Texas Law Texas HB3372 which prohibits certain personal services performed by school district administrators to prevent conflicts of interest, imposing a civil penalty of $10,000 for violations.

The School Board voted in favor of allowing Hunter to contract with Region 20 affirming the arrangement does not conflict with Uvalde CISD.

January 28th, 2026

Top Picture is a screen shot from Uvalde CISD Livestream

By Michael Robinson

Following a video presentation made by Batesville School staff and students praising the Uvalde CISD School Board during School Board Appreciation Month, Parent Selena Vasquez spoke during public comment portion of the January 20th, 2026 Uvalde CISD school board meeting citing repeated requests for help in getting at home educational instruction for her child Calliope having gone unanswered.  

At the meeting, Vasquez said, “I know if my daughter was here, she wouldn’t be able to give a message like that for the school board, because we are in well into the school year, and we are still in the same situation we were in back in August.”

“I want you to see everything that goes into providing medical care for my daughter, the struggles I have teaching her because the district has failed to provide instruction for my child at home.” she said.

“On my standpoint, I invite you to my home as well. After countless of meetings with the School District, District nurse, campus administrators, Ms. Graber, Ms. Chohlis ,mediation that led to nothing, no resolution for my child, I’m still standing here asking for the same things I started asking for back in August, for my daughter to receive the education she’s entitled to,” Vasquez said.

“My daughter sits at home day in and day out, staring at a workbook and worksheets that are sent home with no instruction. How is that fair to my child?” she said.

Vasquez went on to say, “Ms. Gonzales, can you help me? Can you help me get my daughter back in school? Miss Munoz, JJ, you’re a parent. My daughter’s missing out on so much, according to her recent test results, my daughter’s not learning anything at home, and I am doing my best, but I’m not a teacher. I know my time is up, but you want to look at it. I have it right here for you guys, who helps my child, because she’s not the only one like that in the district. Thank you.”

Calliope’s father David Fuentes and her Grandmother Leanore Rose Fuentes followed Vasques speaking to the District Trustees citing the district’s failure to provide special education for their child.

 Calliope’s Grandmother Leanore Rose Fuentes also spoke to the school board and said:
“According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA, this federal law makes sure that children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education. It mandates the development of an individual education program for the student, outlining specific educational goals and services required to support their learning, and I’ve had in a couple of workbooks, I don’t think meet that qualification section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs receiving federal financial assistance under Section 504 students with disabilities are entitled, entitled to a reasonable accommodations and modifications to assure their equal access to education.”

Uvalde CISD Trustee Robert Quinones spoke after Father David Fuentes requested a follow-up with a plan for site visit to help the child and the parents.

Information provided by Uvalde CISD

12-09-25

Uvalde CISD students will be presenting sounds of the Holiday Season with several music events open to the public.

Uvalde CISD will be having the UCISD District Elementary Christmas Concert tonight, Tuesday, December 9th

UCISD will be hosting the Annual Winter Concert Wednesday, December 10th at the John H. Harrell Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. The concert will feature performances by the Uvalde High School Band, UHS Color Guard, Morales Junior High Band, and the MJH Beginner Band.

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

October 22, 2025

10-22-25 Following the Uvalde CISD Board of Trustee’s return from executive session at Monday night’s meeting, Attorney Dave Campbell of Thompson and Horton representing the district referenced a lawsuit filed by a group of media entities against Texas seeking the release of records it is seeking pertaining to Robb Elementary School during the May 24th tragedy.

Campbell stated the district is planning on filing an Amicus Brief to the presiding court.

According to Campbell, Texas DPS has 2 terabytes of data it has not released to the media or to the public.

In the Amicus brief. the district recommends to the court that DPS release the records, of which include a hallway video. Additionally, the district urges the video taken by DPS to be released. In a separate letter the district asks the video to be released to Uvalde CISD and once obtained, the district can decide if the video should be released to the public.

Uvalde CISD’s Attorney Campbell also spoke on the district’s plan to file a motion with the Western District Court to clarify the language of the 1982 consent decree.

“The board wants to honor the consent decree; however, Texas Law has changed,”

According to Campbell, the Mireles lawsuit against the district was not about election term lengths but about board of trustees representing the community. At that time, all board of Trustee positions were elected as at-large positions, and it was argued the board members did not adequately reflect the citizens. 

Since the decree, the board now elects 3 at-large board members and four board members to represent specific areas within the district.

Dave Campbell stated the firm will file a motion within 2 weeks asking the Western District Court asking it to clean up the language in the consent decree clarifying the language. specifically. We want the judge to recognize the district holds elections in May not April and also the terms are now 4-year terms not 3-years terms.

Press release from Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation

UVALDE, TX (October 3, 2025) The Uvalde CISD Moving Foundation excitedly announces
that it will host the ribbon cutting ceremony for Legacy Elementary School on Friday, October
10, 2025 at 10:00 am. Wrapping up a nearly 20-month construction timeline, the new school will
educate third, fourth, and fifth graders in Uvalde CISD this fall.
“This three-year effort to design the school, raise the funds, and construct the school has been a
highly collaborative effort between the Foundation, the school district, the Uvalde community,
and our architectural and construction partners,” said Tim Miller, executive director of the
Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation. “We appreciate the generosity of the hundreds of
individuals, businesses, foundations, and other organizations that contributed the monetary and
in-kind donations that have made Legacy Elementary School a reality.”
Legacy Elementary, located near Leona and Fourth streets adjacent to Dalton Elementary School,
is a two-story campus totaling 116,000 square feet. The campus includes 36 classrooms and can
serve up to 800 students.
The colors and designs included in the school are inspired by the cultural heritage and natural
beauty of the Uvalde community. The interior of the campus includes tributes to the lives lost at
Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022 including a representation of a large oak tree with two large
branches, representing the two teachers who lost their lives, and 19 smaller branches
representing the children who were victims.
The design of the school came as the result of meticulous planning efforts by Huckabee
Architects and the Foundation to work alongside the Uvalde community through the Uvalde
CISD Community Advisory Committee and several community meetings seeking input on every
aspect of the design. Parents, teachers, and community members comprised the Community
Advisory Committee.
The work with the Uvalde CISD Community Advisory Committee began in the fall of 2022. The
plans developed through that process were approved by the Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees in
April 2023. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2023 and construction on the
campus began in February 2024 by the Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company.
The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation was created in the wake of the tragedy at Robb
Elementary School through lead gifts from the H-E-B Grocery Company and the Butt family
totaling $10 million. Huckabee donated their architectural services, Joeris Construction donated
their pre-construction services, and Satterfield & Pontikes discounted their services for the
construction work. The State of Texas also contributed $15 million to the project.
Other major donors to the work of the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation include:
● H-E-B Tournament of Champions
● The Kate Marmion Charitable Trust
● The Meadows Foundation
● Methodist Healthcare Ministries
● The Moody Foundation
● John Nau & Silver Eagle Beverages
● Rainwater Charitable Foundation
The project was also financially supported by two rounds of community investment through New
Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), a federal program designed to encourage private investment in
underserved areas. An initial round of investment through NMTCs to the Legacy Elementary
School project was made in December 2024 totaling a combined investment of $24.5 million
made by JP Morgan Chase, Prestamos CDFI, a division of Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), and
Raza Development Fund. The second round of investment totaled $21 million from JP Morgan
Chase, Empowerment Reinvestment Fund, National Community Investment Fund, and Nonprofit
Finance Fund. The combined investments produced a net benefit of $7.8 million to the new
school.
In total, the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation raised more than $60 million. Following
the completion of all construction costs and costs related to furnishing the campus as well as
moving all teachers and staff into the building, any excess funds will be utilized toward assisting
Uvalde CISD.
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Note: The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation is a separate entity from the Uvalde
Consolidated Independent School District.

About the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation
The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation serving the
Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District community. The nonprofit was created in the
wake of the tragedy at Robb Elementary School, which took 21 innocent lives on May 24, 2022.
Funding collected through the foundation will support the construction of a new elementary
school campus in the Uvalde CISD, ensuring students and staff will not have to return to the site
of the tragedy, and ultimately supporting the District’s ongoing needs as it moves forward. For
more information about the foundation visit www.uvaldecisdmovingforward.org.