McAllen News, McAleln TX News, education, South Texas ISD, superintendent search
Staff Report
McAllen, TX - The South Texas Independent School District Board of Trustees named Dr. Sandra Garza Ochoa as the lone finalist for superintendent during its April 7 meeting.
State law requires a 21-day waiting period before the board can formally vote to hire Ochoa. The board is scheduled to consider offering a contract April 29.
Search process
According to the district, trustees conducted a nationwide search for the position with assistance from Texas Association of School Boards Executive Search Services, which was hired in November to guide the process.
Consultants distributed a survey to gather input from the district community regarding leadership qualities for the next superintendent. The resulting leadership profile was used by the board and consultants to evaluate applicants.
Candidate background
Ochoa currently serves as superintendent of Edcouch-Elsa ISD, a role she has held since 2025. She is expected to replace outgoing Superintendent Dr. Marco Antonio Lara Jr.
District overview
South Texas ISD operates four magnet high schools: South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg.
The district also includes two middle schools, South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, along with South Texas ISD Virtual Academy serving grades 6 through 12.
South Texas ISD campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.
Source -- South Texas Independent School District