SFDRCISD: Building Success For The Future

   Rezoning of elementary school campuses was a hot topic of discussion at the last DRHCC Monthly Membership meeting hosted by SFDRCISD. Dr. Carlos H. Rios noted that over time various elementary schools were experiencing overcrowding due to population growth. SFDRCISD faced with these tough challenges were forced to give up some specialized rooms for art and science labs and use them as additional classrooms, request waivers from the Texas Education Agency, address increase problems with traffic safety, while focusing on student achievement. 
   Two key initiatives were also implemented: 1) to reduce the number of non-resident students and 2) reduce the number of students assigned to campuses outside of their residential zones by limiting the number of transfer requests. Statistical data showed that the difficult decision of rezoning would also need to take place to address population growth and safety of students, particularly at Garfield and Buena Vista Elementary schools. In addition future plans recommended by a Citizens’ Committee include building two additional elementary schools with a K-6 environment and repurposing San Felipe Middle School as a 6-8 STEM Magnet School. 
   Upcoming changes included a "blended academy with a focus on career counseling" for 8-12 at risk students, early College High School, Career and Technology Education Center, and Laughlin Elementary Magnet School. You may have already seen some improvements at RAM Stadium and construction ongoing at the Del Rio Freshman School addition of air-conditioned concession/restroom facilities. Also presented were the changes to the former Del Rio High School building on Griner Street. This facility will be the SFDRCISD Student Activity Center and administrative center with a capacity for over 500 guests in a state of the art facility. 
   Dr. Rios also mentioned that the decision for campus rezoning is not a school board decision and is left to the discretion of the Superintendent by the State to avoid political influences. Dr. Rios also introduced his administrative cabinet. This was a very informative presentation with many photos to support vision of "Building Success for the Future."  
   The membership meeting was also an opportunity for our members to introduce new staff. Andrew Scarbo of Doc Holliday’s introduced Eva Solis as the new marketing manager. Del Rio City Manager Henry Arredondo introduced the new Economic Development Director Oriana Fernandez.

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