EAGLE PASS, Texas — A review of payroll and personnel records from the Eagle Pass Independent School District reveals that longtime employee Gabriela Van Der Maal has received consistent salary increases in recent years, including a five-thousand-dollar yearly payment labeled as an “election stipend,” which continues to be paid even when no elections occur.

Van Der Maal has worked for the district since May 12, 1992, serving in administrative and financial positions for more than three decades. She currently holds the position of Secretary to the Deputy Superintendent for Business and Finance, where she reports directly to Deputy Superintendent Ismael Mijares, who is the brother of Superintendent Samuel Mijares. The position is full time and operates on a two-hundred-twenty-six-day contract within pay grade six on the district’s salary scale.

According to district payroll documents, Van Der Maal’s total annual compensation has increased from $53,081.60 in the 2020–2021 school year to $72,534.00 for the 2025–2026 school year. This represents an overall rise of $19,452.40 over five years.

During the 2020–2021 school year, she served as a Business and Finance Specialist with a base salary of $50,081.60 and an additional $3,000.00 in election stipend pay. The following year, 2021–2022, she transitioned into her current role under Deputy Superintendent Ismael Mijares. Her election stipend increased to $4,230.72, and her total annual compensation rose to $54,312.32.

The 2022–2023 records include a salary adjustment form dated July 1, 2022, confirming that Van Der Maal continued in her position and received another raise. Although the total contract amount for that year is not shown, the form confirms that the election stipend was raised again. Based on the progression of her pay before and after, her total compensation for 2022–2023 was likely near $61,000.00, which would include the new stipend amount of $5,000.00.

For the 2023–2024 school year, her file contains a full salary record listing a total contract amount of $66,476.00, including the $5,000.00 election stipend. Her pay rose again to $68,158.00 for the 2024–2025 school year and then to $72,534.00 for 2025–2026, with the same annual stipend continuing each year.

The district’s internal Election Stipend Schedule states that the payment “applies on a yearly basis during election and non-election year.” It also confirms that the stipend is included in the calculation of daily, hourly, and overtime pay. This language shows that the stipend is not a temporary or occasional payment but a permanent component of certain employees’ compensation packages.

Van Der Maal’s file shows no disciplinary actions, interruptions in service, or gaps in employment. Her salary increases reflect long-term employment and the district’s standard pay adjustments for administrative staff. However, the continuation of a stipend described as election-related, paid annually even when no elections are held, may raise questions of fiscal accountability and transparency within the district’s financial structure.

Both Deputy Superintendent Ismael Mijares and Superintendent Samuel Mijares occupy top administrative positions in the district. The familial relationship between them adds public interest to the review of salaries and stipends issued under their supervision.

From 2020–2021 through 2025–2026, Gabriela Van Der Maal’s total compensation grew from $53,081.60 to $72,534.00, and her election stipend increased from $3,000.00 to $5,000.00. District records confirm that the stipend is issued every year, regardless of election activity, and has become a permanent part of her annual pay.

Gabriela Van Der Maal Download