Wednesday night’s EPISD Board meeting marked the beginning of a change for the board.
Two new members were introduced along with reelected board members Dr. Hector Alvarez and Glenna Purcell: Jorge Barrera who took over Position 1, formerly held by Humberto Torralba, Jr, and Christopher Hiller who took over Position 2, formerly held by Ignacio “Nacho” Saucedo.
Both Saucedo and Torralba were presented with an appreciation plaque for their years of service and dedication to the district.
“I’d like to thank the boards, my colleagues, for the upstanding service they allowed me to serve to you all the last couple of years. The support you all have shown me is just incredible, and I want to thank you for the honor of entrusting me with this position,” said Torralba.
“It’s been quite an honor and a privilege to have served you all in this capacity for the last six years. It is an unbelievable experience, it’s one that’s very satisfying and I thank you all for that,“ said Saucedo before congratulating Hiller and Barrera.
Alvarez, Purcell, Barrera and Hiller took their oaths, swearing to faithfully execute the duties of their positions to the best of their ability.
All gave their thanks to the community and to the board for the support they had throughout the election process.
“I would like to thank everyone on the board members for all their hard work, the community for their support, without you all I wouldn’t be here,” said Barrera.
Hiller was honored to be given the opportunity to represent the community.
“I want to thank God, my wife, and the people of Maverick County for entrusting us to serve the board,” said Hiller.
Alvarez was grateful to have another term to make a difference.
“It feels even greater to be here for the second term because I feel the community, the people have seen that it’s a job well done, and really and truthfully from the bottom of my heart, I can honestly say that things are just going to get better,” said Alvarez. “We’re hardworking people, we have our own jobs besides this, and even so this place is so important to us, to our families, to our community, that we’re willing to sacrifice that extra time to do this for you all, for your kids, for our teachers, our staff.”
Purcell, who has spent almost 50 years living in Maverick County and considers it home, was also appreciative of the encouragement and approval she received.
“I also want to thank the community for supporting us. I love this community,” said Purcell.
Board President Lupita Fuentes, who was chosen to remain president is excited to be working with the newcomers.
“We welcome these new board members,thanking them for showing their interest and running for these positions. We see their commitment in becoming a positive influence on the board and moving our school district forward, and they’re very very interested in the curriculum of our district,” said Fuentes. “Both Mr.Barrera and Mr. Hiller have young children in the schools, so they’re very interested. They already have questions on making things better, and see how they can contribute in making changes that need to be made to continue with the progress of our school district.”
Fuentes also said she was honored to have been elected as president of the board once again.
“I’m blessed to have their vote of confidence and trust in supporting the motion so that I could continue as president, Ms. Hilda Martinez as Vice President, and Dr.Alvarez as secretary. I’m very humbled they feel I can continue in this position, and with their support I know that we will make the strides and better the quality of service that we intend to provide, not only for our students but for our staff and our community,” said Fuentes. “I think it shows the unity and the way that we intend to continue working. Just being there and hearing our board members, not just the newcomers but also the ones reelected, they speak from the heart. I’m very impressed and very grateful.”