The McAllen ISD Board of Trustees gave the green light to advertise for a permanent superintendent following a board workshop on Sept. 11. The board’s consensus was to fill the position this fall. Before that happens, the Board of Trustees want to gather feedback from the public. “The role of the superintendent is pivotal in shaping the educational trajectory of our district,” Board President Debbie Crane Aliseda said. “This is…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is a grant recipient of the Trellis Foundation to continue enhancing career pathways for low-income students. This general operating support for VIDA is among $2.5 million total in grants for 26 Texas community-based organizations providing direct impact services to support students in college completion. “We are immensely grateful to the Trellis Foundation, for selecting VIDA as a recipient of this $100,000 grant,” said Felida…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is the recent recipient of a $10,000 grant from AT&T, an award reflecting AT&T’s commitment to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. This grant recognizes the importance of investing in students today – at home, in the classroom, at work – to narrow the digital divide by providing today’s learners with equitable opportunity to learn and thrive. Through this grant project, VIDA will…
The City of McAllen, in partnership with Palm Valley Animal Society, will host a free, drive-thru microchip clinic for McAllen residents and their pets on Sept. 23 at the McAllen City Hall parking lot, located at 1300 West Houston Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon or until chips last. Attendees must bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill and driver’s license. Pets must be at least six weeks…
The City of McAllen Passport Division Facility will host a Passport Fair on Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of McAllen Passport Facility, located in the Downtown Parking Garage at 221 S. 15th Street. “Passport processing times have been extended and we want to make sure that anyone wishing to travel has their required documents in time,” said Administrator Norma Rodriguez. Appointments are not required…
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce board recently voted unanimously to name Elizabeth Suarez the new president and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “Elizabeth’s extensive experience, her effective leadership, and her deep roots in the community, make her an ideal candidate to lead our organization,” said Stephan Wingert, chairman of the board for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome Elizabeth to the Chamber of Commerce.…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has received a Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, an award reflecting BCBSTX’s dedication to community-based organizations that prioritize the well-being of children and families. The grant recognizes the crucial role of local organizations in fostering positive change, tackling underlying factors that influence health, including socio-economic challenges, and promoting economic opportunities. Since its launch in early 2023, BCBSTX has allocated…
Mandatory stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for McAllen residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricts sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones of the city. When the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reach less than 25 percent capacity, this triggers Stage 2. “McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the…
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Monday started the 2023-24 academic year as the No. 1 university in Texas, based on Washington Monthly magazine’s annual college guide and rankings. According to Washington Monthly, instead of rewarding schools for their prestige, wealth and exclusivity, its rankings give points to universities that help non-wealthy students earn remunerative degrees, encourage students to vote and serve their country, and produce the scholars…
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently released the Fall 2023 issue of the Almanac of Higher Education 2023, where for the sixth year in a row, UTRGV is ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing public doctoral institutions in the United States. The latest rankings in the almanac reflect the overall enrollment during the decade of 2011-2021. While the nation’s overall enrollment declined during that period, UTRGV surged and was ranked as the third-fastest growing institution…