Eagle Pass Independent School Board Election Draws 10 Candidates for Four Crucial Board Positions
Incumbents and Newcomers Set to Battle for Key Roles in the Future of EPISD
The upcoming Eagle Pass Independent School District (EPISD) election has drawn significant attention, with 10 candidates officially registering to compete for four vital positions on the school board. Among those seeking re-election are Trustee President Jorge Barrera, Trustee Secretary Hector Alvarez, and long-serving members Trustees Chris Hiller and Glenna Purcell. As these incumbents defend their records, they face strong challenges from new candidates eager to bring fresh ideas and leadership to the board.
Superintendent Mijares has yet to fill the vacancy of the late Lupita Fuentes who passed away in April, rather than having the vacancy go through this election. The late appointment will secure the appointee a two year unelected term before they will have to run in 2026.
These four candidates have been directly responsible for the salary and job security that Samuel Mijares, Superintendent has has enjoyed since taking over the position from former superintendent Gilbert Gonzalez.
READ: Superintendent Mijares Has Failed to Address School Board Vacancy With Elections Around the Corner
Trustee Secretary Hector Alvarez
Trustee Secretary Hector Alvarez, who currently serves as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, is seeking re-election after more than a decade of service. Alvarez has been a member of the board since his first election in 2012, playing a crucial role in the district’s governance and decision-making processes. Known for his dedication to maintaining high academic standards and supporting educational initiatives, Alvarez is a respected figure within the community.
However, his tenure is being challenged by Jaime Barrera, a new candidate who has decided to run with the goal of introducing new perspectives to the board. Barrera’s campaign may focus on the need for change and innovation, contrasting Alvarez’s long-standing experience with a vision for the future that includes fresh approaches to the district’s challenges. Jaime Barrera is a co-owner of the well-known Yeagar-Barrera Mortuary.
Trustee Chris Hiller
Trustee Chris Hiller, who has been a member of the EPISD board since 2016, is also up for re-election. Hiller’s tenure has been marked by his efforts to improve student performance and enhance the district’s educational programs. He has been an advocate for initiatives aimed at boosting student achievement and supporting teachers in their professional development.
Hiller’s re-election bid, however, is facing competition from two candidates: Manuel D. Hernandez and Sandy Sassano. Both Hernandez and Sassano bring their own ideas and strategies for improving the district. Their campaigns are likely to focus on the need for new leadership and the potential for innovation within the board. As voters consider their options, the contrast between Hiller’s experience and the fresh perspectives offered by his challengers will be a central theme.
Sassano is no stranger to high pressure elections as the Chair of the Republican Party who has recently fought off the “RINOs” in Maverick County that attempted an unsuccessful coupe for the chair. Sassano looks to bring back “strong family values” into the school system again.
Trustee Glenna Purcell
Trustee Glenna Purcell is one of the longest-serving members of the EPISD board, having been a part of the district’s leadership since 2010. Over the years, Purcell has gained a reputation for her steadfast commitment to the district and her deep understanding of the educational landscape. Her experience has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of school governance, particularly during times of change and challenge.
Despite her long service, Purcell now faces opposition from Albert Daniel and Tom González, who have both entered the race with a focus on bringing new energy to the board. Daniel and González are likely to campaign on the need for a shift in leadership, offering voters the opportunity to choose between continuity with Purcell’s experience or a new direction with their proposed changes.
Coach Tom Gonzalez is brining the hype that only a head football coach can bring, the old ball coach’s decision to run is being well received by the residents.
READ: Former Eagle Pass Head Football Coach Tom Gonzalez Announces Run for EPISD School Board
Trustee President Jorge Barrera
Trustee President Jorge Barrera, the current President of the EPISD Board of Trustees, is also seeking re-election. Barrera has been a board member since 2016 and has led the board as President, overseeing significant developments within the district. His leadership has been characterized by efforts to enhance the quality of education, improve infrastructure, and ensure that the district remains responsive to the needs of its students and staff.
Barrera’s re-election campaign, however, faces a formidable challenge from Edgar Juarez, a lawyer with a keen interest in education policy. Juarez’s candidacy introduces a new dynamic to the race, as he brings legal expertise and a fresh perspective on how to address the district’s ongoing challenges. Voters will need to decide whether to continue with Barrera’s established leadership or opt for Juarez’s new approach.
Juarez recently ran a very successful campaign that came up just short against Judge Amado Abascal for the position of the 365th District Judge that includes Maverick, Dimmit and Zavala Counties.
READ: Lockhart ISD Approves Pay Increases for Teachers and Staff, Eagle Pass ISD Not Doing Enough?
What’s at stake?
This year’s EPISD election is about more than just the individuals running for the board; it is a referendum on the direction the district will take in the coming years. The fact that 10 candidates have registered to compete for four seats is telling—it suggests that many in the community are not entirely satisfied with how the school board has operated over the past decade. The surge in candidacies could indicate a desire for change, new leadership, and perhaps a different approach to tackling the district’s challenges.
Now with key issues such as student performance, resource allocation, and the district’s response to the ongoing effects of the pandemic at the forefront, the outcome of this election will have lasting implications for the community. Voters will closely examine each candidate’s platform, looking for those who offer the best solutions to these pressing issues. The decisions made in this election will shape the educational environment for students, teachers, and the broader community.
As the campaign season progresses, the candidates will continue to engage with the community, sharing their visions for the future of EPISD. It will be interesting to observe the political alliances that may form as candidates attempt to secure a position as a school board trustee. The presence of so many candidates suggests that the political machine in Eagle Pass is in full motion, with various factions possibly rallying behind different contenders.
This election season is likely to be marked by intense campaigning, as both incumbents and newcomers seek to prove their commitment to improving the district. Each candidate will need to demonstrate not only their qualifications but also their ability to lead the district through the challenges ahead. The possibility of run-offs in some races adds another layer of complexity, making it essential for candidates to solidify their support base early on.
The Eagle Pass community will have the opportunity to make their voices heard on election day, choosing the leaders who will guide the district into the future. With four critical positions at stake, this election promises to be both competitive and consequential, determining the direction of education in the community for years to come.
In the coming weeks, as the candidates intensify their campaigns, it will be intriguing to see how they navigate the political landscape, build alliances, and appeal to voters. The outcome of this election will reflect the community’s priorities and set the course for the district’s continued success and improvement.
READ: Superintendent Salaries Versus Teacher Raises – A Growing Disparity
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