Rio Grande Herald (Rio Grande City, Tex.), Vol. 84, No. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 30, 1997 Page: 4 of 8
eight pages : ill. ; page 22 x 14 in. Digitized from 35 mm. microfilm.View a full description of this newspaper.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
RIO GRANDE HERALD-Thursday, January 30, 1997, Page 4
Roma ISD observes School
Board Recognition Month
Governor George W. Bush has
declared January as School Board
Member Appreciation Month.
Many citizens do not really
understand the roles and
responsibilities of a board member.
To some people they represent a job
opportunity while to others they are
a sounding-board to air out
frustrations that have built up over
generation of personal conflict.
Roma I.S.D. Superintendent
Walter Watson said, "Their actual
roles and responsibilities are far
more complex and deserve
explanation."
Watson asked, "What does the
Board of Education do?"
Watson said, "Many parents ask
this question from time to time.
Tnerefore, I thought it appropriate to
let you know some of the facts.
"Out nation is dedicated to
providing a free and appropriate
education to all students in the
United States, regardless of
ethnicity, economic status, or
scholarly ability. In their wisdom,
the founding fathers agreed that local
control was the key to providing a
quality education. As a result,
public schools are governed by an
elected board charged with the
responsibility of determining the
direction, goals, and policies of the
individual school districts. The
number of board members varies
according to size.
"Our (Roma) School Board
consists of seven (7) members who
are elected by the voting citizens
residing within the designated
geographic boundaries called 'The
District.' They set the tone for the
schools in our communities and, in
fact, reflect their attitudes, opinions,
and ideals. Because the board is
elected by the local constituency,
local control is maintained.
"It is unfair to compare the needs
of one school district to another.
Each community is different and has
different needs. For example, our
District is experiencing explosive
growth requiring additional funds for
capital improvement projects such as
construction of new schools while
another district may need money
only for repairs. Our board approved
block scheduling at the high school,
while another strongly believes that
the campus must remain traditional.
As you can see, there is an advantage
in having a locally elected board that
understands both what is needed by
our school district and what is
appropriate for our patrons.
"Schools board positions arc
unpaid. Yet, these elected
representatives devote enormous
amounts of time on behalf of our
students by attending school
functions and board and committee
meetings, reviewing material
pertaining to the decision-making
process, and attending mandatory
training as required by law.
"Texas law requires a specified
number of hours of training each
year of each member's term. Such
topics as state and federal law, labor
relations, finance, equity, disability,
retirement, and student achievement
arc amon, the training sessions that
are done on the board members own
time taken away from job and
family.
"When the Board meets, there
must be at least four members
physically present, (a quorum), to
enact policies governing every aspect
of the school system, from hiring
practices to staff and student
discipline. They set the district's
budget and tax levy or rate, enter
into contracts, define direction and
set goals, approve staffing and
salaries, and direct curriculum
development. They even have the
authority to act as a judicial body,
making the final decisions on staff
and student disciplinary matters.
These decisions are based on
information and recommendations
from the superintendent of schools
and his staff of administrators.
"The Board is also responsible for
overseeing the expenditure of
millions of taxpayer dollars. No
other locally elected board controls
more money than a school board.
This is accomplished within a
budget that is based on revenue from
state and federal sources in addition
to local tax dollars that are levied on
the patrons of the District.
"The superintendent of schools is
hired by and works at the direction of
the board of education, managing the
day-to-day operation of the schools.
The superintendent delegates certain
aspects of the school operations such
as finance, personnel, and support
services to an administrative staff,
but it is the superintendent who is
answerable to the board of education.
"A school board member's job is
certainly not ceremonial. It is, in
fact, a lot of hard work, for members
must interact with parents, students,
staff, leaders of the governmental
subdivisions and, of course, the
other patrons of the district. The
board of education is responsible to
the people of the district and
therefore, must be aware of the
opinions and attitudes in the
community. Nothing in our
communities attracts more interest
or stirs more controversy than
education. As a result, the actions
of school board members often come
under more scrutiny than those of
other locally elected officials. So,
what is their reward?
"As you can see, there is much
more to this job than handing out
diplomas at graduation each spring.
While that definitely is a rewarding
aspert of the office, board members
wi'.t tell you that the satisfaction in
their jobs comes with the knowledge
that they are contributing to our
communities by providing the
Diaz taking special
course about China
In Loving Memory of Our 'Beloved, Mother,
grandmother & Cjreatgrandmother
Amelia R. Perez
the/ami [y of Amelia %. 'Perez, wish to express
our sincere gratitude to our friends and relatives
zoho helped comfort our sorrow during our time of
need zvith kind zvords, thoughts and prayers. Per-
haps you were not there at all, just though t of us
that day. iVhatever you did to console our hearts,
we thant^you so much whatever the part for the
many gifts cfflowers, cards, food and your presence
were greatly appreciated.
Perez, Rodriguez & Bryant Fa mi 1 y
SHERMAN- Karla Diaz of Rio
Grande City, a graduate of
Presbyterian Pan American School
and the daughter of Mr. Rodolfo
Diaz and Josefina Frausto de Diaz,
is among a group of Austin
College students spending January
in a special course of study entitled
"A Historical and Literary Trek
through China."
Students will visit the imperial
palaces in Beijing, Tien Anmen
Square, the Terra Cotta warriors in
Xian, and the bustling cities and
former treaty ports of Shanghai and
Canton.
Austin College's four-week
January Term, in which students
take only one course, provides
students the opportunity to study
indepth one subject—often outside
their regular area of study. Many
students spend the month in career
exploration through individualized
study at business sites or in study
trips abroad. This month Austin
College students can be found in
Australia, Italy, China, Germany,
Honduras and Canada.
Austin College, a 148-year-old
private liberal arts college related by
covenant to the Presbyterian
Church (USA), is located 60 miles
north of Dallas in Sherman. For
information about the college's
academic offerings and the January
Term experience, contact the Office
of Admission at 1-800-442-5363.
Ranch diversification
program Friday
A Ranch Diversification for
Increased Income Program has been
Scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31,1997
at R.Y. Livestock Sales, Inc. in
Rio Grande City.
The program is scheduled to
begin at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Will
Cohen will discuss the economic
advantages of utilizing other ranch
resources to supplement ranch
income.
The differences in rainfall,
climate, soil, vegetation, and size
of operation directly influences the
type of ranch operation for many
ranchers in this area. Many
'first Anniversary Mass
a solemn mass will Be offered for tfu soul of
Delinda L. Ozuna
(R.IP)
The warm sun of South Texas
today did not show up,
it just couldn't face the painful fact
that you have gone away
The Texas clouds are mourning
today they're not made up
they tried to look majestic
but gloomy came about
Ths sky without the sunshine
could not be cheery and blue
it tried quite hard to be so bright
but gray was all it got
Instead of warm and pleasant
the wind is icy cold
it feels the pain within our soul
and it wants to mourn along
But in a higher plateau
before the throne of God
the sun, the clouds, the wind and
sky have gone to make you alive.
June 30, 1971 - January 31,1996
on the first anniversary of her death, the Ozuna, Lopez and (J arza families un.ll
be honored to have you assist this celebration and also asf^foryour prayers for
her eternal rest on January 31, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception
Church, 1{io Qrande City, Te?(cis. 'Kpsary at La Casita Cemetitary at 4:30 p.m.
This mass is being offered by her husband
Johnny Ozuna & their two sons Johnny, Jr. & Isaac.
ranchers have a wealth of resources
that are currently not being used.
These resources may include feral
hog, dove, quail, javelina, fish,
birds, grass seed, hay, wildlife
tours, nurseries, spanish goats,
etc...
The program is free of charge to
anyone who is interested in learning
more about economic opportunities
in specific, usable forms of
integrated resource management
programs. Dr. Will Cohen will
provide a thorough understanding of
the advantages in diversifying
current ranch operations to survive
economic harsh times.
Agriculture producers can learn
more abut this educational program
by contacting Enrique Perez or
Omar Montemayor at (210) 487-
2306.
Obituaries
Andrea Bandas
children with the most precious gift
of all ... a good education. They
are charged with advancing the
community's vision for our children,
its progress toward attaining its
goals, and the development of our
children as individuals who can
successfully take their places in a
common society. These arc weighty
responsibilities for a group of
volunteers. We should all be
grateful to the individuals in our
communities who make this
sacrifice, year after year.
"The Roma I.S.D. Board of
Education consists of Mrs. Celia R.
Saenz (retired educator), Eloy Vera
(businessman), Fausto Garza (federal
employee), Humberto Saenz, Jr.
(county-state employee), Juan J.
Garcia (businessman), Alonzo Garza
(businessman), and Romeo Gonzalez
(businessman).
"As a patron of the Roma I.S.D.
it is highly recommended that vou:
* Make an effort to meet the
members of your board of education.
* Attend a board of education
meeting.
* Find an opportunity to discuss
with your board members the goals
and objectives of your school.
* Contact a member of your
school board when you have a
question that concerns policy or
governance."
Andrea Bandas, 88, of Rio Grande
City died Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Stan-
County Memorial Hospital.
She is survived by one son,
Felipe Bandas of Rio Grande City;
one daughter, Andrea P. Benavidez
of Visalia, California; one brother,
Manuel Ruiz, and one sister,
Cristina Ruiz, both of Rio Grande
City; nine grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren.
Visitation began Wednesday, Jan.
22 at the family's residence in Rio
Grande City. Funeral Mass was said
Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church of Rio Grande City. Burial
followed at the Rio Grande City
Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under
the direction of Sanchez Funeral
Home of Rio Grande City.
Amelia R. Perez
Amelia R. Perez, 82, of El Sauz
died Sunday, Jan. 5 at the McAllen
Heart Hospital.
She is survived by one son,
Benito (Alicia G.) Perez of El Sauz;
two daughters, Rosie (John) Bryan
of El Sauz and Micaela (Alvaro) P.
Rodriguez of Edinburg; one sister,
F.nriqueta R. Resendcz of El Sauz;
nine grandchildren and four
great-grandchildren.
Visitation began Monday, Jan. 6
from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a
rosary at 8 p.m. at the Sanchez
Funeral Home of Rio Grande City.
Visitation on Tuesday, Jan. 7 began
from 9 a.m. at the El Sauz Catholic
Church of El Sauz. Funeral Mass
was said Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m.
at the El Sauz Catholic Church.
Burial followed at the El Sauz
Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under
the direction of Sanchez Funeral
Home of Rio Grande City.
Severino Saenz, Sr.
Severino Saenz, Sr., of Rio
Santana Ranch, Texas, died
Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Mission
Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his
wife, Eloisa G. Saenz, (10-3-95).
Survivors include three sons,
Ruben Saenz of Rio Grande City,
Manuel Saenz of Santana Ranch
and Severino Saenz, Jr., of
Brownsville; one sister, Agueda S.
Olivarez of Mission; seven
and
14
grandchildren
great-grandchildren.
Visitation began Tuesday, Jan.
21 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a
rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass was
said Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m.
at the Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church of Rio Grande
City. Burial followed at the St.
John Cemetery of Rio Grande City.
Funeral arrangements were under
the direction of Sanchez Funeral
Home of Rio Grande City.
Antonio L. Alaniz
Antonio L. Alaniz, 63, of Rio
Grande City died Thursday, Jan. 23
at Starr County Memorial Hospital.
He is survived by his ex-wife
Irma Santana of Rio Grande City;
one son, Antonio Leija, Jr., of Rio
Grande City; two daughters, Irma
Guadalupe Leija De Gray and San
Juanita Leija De Luna, both of Rio
Grande City; one brother, Juan
Leija of Rcynosa, Tamps., Mexico;
one sister, Basilisa Lejia of
Monterrey, N.L., Mexico; and six
grandchildren.
Visitation began Friday, Jan. 24
from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a
prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral
.services were held Saturday, Jan. 25
at 3 p.m. at the First United
Methodist Church of Rio Grande
City. Burial followed at the St.
John Cemetery of Rio Grande City.
Funeral arrangements were under
the direction of Sanchez Funeral
Home of Rio Grande City.
Ageo M. Garcia, Sr.
RIO GRANDE CITY- Ageo
Morales Garcia, Sr., 65 of Rio
Grande City, died Friday, Jan. 17,
1997 at the McAllen Medical
Centci of McAllen, Tx.
He was preceded in death by his
father, Francisco Morales (1966),
his mother, Clara Garcia Morales
(1986), and one brother, Jose
Morales (1987). Survivors include
his wife, Victoria M. Morales of
Rio Grande City; four sons; Ageo
Morales, Jr., Juan Morales both of
Alvarado, Tx, Ricardo Morales of
Mansfield and Rafael Morales of
Rio Grande City, Tx; four
daughters, Graciela M. Pena,
Francisca M. Diaz, Rosa M.
Acevedo all of Rio Grande City,
Cynthia M. Zamorano of Mission,
Tx; two brothers, Mauro Morales
and Miguel Morales both of Rio
In Loving Memory of
Belia C. Garza
*
10/18/18 - 1/30/96
Mamagrande,
It has been a year situ* you have left us f truss you so muck, you such a special person, you wen not
only my grandmother or my Qodmother but most of all you wen my Hist friend you were always so loving
and so wonderful to everyone and you taught me to be tiki y°u y°v a^so ^xu/?fu me to do what I believed in
and never to be scared you were the best grandmother and Ties t friend around rlhen will never be another
liki Mamagrande I was given your name thai I will tnasun and pass it on to my daughter some day.
Mamagrande, f was your shadow when [ was young; when you went I went behind A* I got older, things
did not change f was still your shadow. Then warn t a day that went by that we wouldn i tuition the phone
'Mamagrande, f have no shadow to walkjn any men now; I walkjslone, but I carry you in my heart you will
always Qve in ir(y heart and wt will always be. togt ther I had 29 wonderful yean with you and you taught
me alot and gave me alot of advise that I wiU always use and shan with my kids 'Mamagrande, you an in
a bitter place now andTapagrande has joined you. I know that f have two wonderful angels looking out for
me Ukallmiss the twoofyou alot Hut I know we will always be together Mamagrande, I love you and
miss you Mot.
Love You Always, Your Granddaughter.
Belia Maria A. Ornelas
For information on propane
gas heat, call 1-800-4LP GAS2,
or visit the National Propane
Gas Association Web site at
http://www.propanegas.com
To learn how to become involved
in bringing the Internet into the
classroom, visit the Netday 96 Web
Page at http://www.netday96.com.
or pCTs Web Page at http://www
DCIexpo.com.
'>
# •
Grande City, Tx.; four sisters,
Elodia M. Rios, Maria Elena M.
Trevino, Idolina M. Garza and Irene
M. Hawthorne all of Rio Grande
City, Tx.; 23 grandchildren, 5 great
grandchildren.
Visitation was on Saturday, Jan.
18, 1997 from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m.
with a rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Visitation on Sunday Jan. 19. 1997
was from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
with a second rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral mass was said Monday, Jan
20, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. at the
Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church of Rio Grande City, TX.
Burial followed at the Rio Grande
City Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under
the direction of Sanchez Funeral
home of Rio Grande City, Tx.
FREE THINGS TO SEND FOR
(NAPS*—More people are find-
ing a good night's sleep is easier to
come by thanks to sound condition-
ers, small machines that provide a
variety of repetitive, continuous
sounds that can help soothe babies.
For information on LifeSounds and
sound conditioning call Marpac at
(800) 999-6962, between 8:30 a.m
and 4:30 p.m. EST.
<> i
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
Roberts, Kenneth. Rio Grande Herald (Rio Grande City, Tex.), Vol. 84, No. 5, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 30, 1997, newspaper, January 30, 1997; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth195585/m1/4/: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Rio Grande City Public Library.